"The Raiders of the Lost Filter"
or
"Will the REAL Tiger Fuel Filter please stand up!"
An Article by
March, 2003
Page 3
With my own hands shaking in anticipation, I carefully removed the box's flap and looked inside, fully expecting a tarantula, or at least a scarab beetle, to crawl out. BUT, something shiny was in there. I carefully withdrew if and HERE is what was inside, correct part number and all:
I bought the all that he had in the box, at an high, but affordable price, for such a rare relics. No, he had no more, did not know anyone who would, nor even where it was used - except it weren't from no Model A, by cracky.
I ended my Quest on a happy note, and share with you the final mystery of the real Tiger in-line fuel filters appearance, as documented by Rootes. Not plastic, steel. The original band clamps, and even hoses. Here is yet another criteria for that 100 point show car.
It has been pointed out that, identical part numbers not withstanding, Ford could have changed the design/source to a "functionally" equivalent part, and kept the same basic number. The sub-teir numbers (like "FG-2", or "9020798", pictured above) may be the source short shelf identifier (like FL1A) for tracking and Quality Control reasons. But then, we are searching for the truth are we not?. This task does not come easily, nor without effort. Clearly additional research is necessary, and I should not be the only one doing so. The invitation, request, and plea for valid research that documents the facts cry for volunteer archivists, archaeologists, researchers, or just plain curious and energetic people to clarify the complete story.
Who knows, maybe some old geezer has yet another one in a dusty box on his back shelf in your neck of the woods. Who knows what it might look like, although the Ford connection should be clear. This same filter was used on 1961 - 1972 Falcons, T-Birds, Broncos, and Fairlanes. There should be an impressive group of collectors, restoration suppliers, and support groups for those cars, as well as a large production run. I wonder if they have information on this?
Want to borrow my leather fedora and jacket? I have other uses for the whip and beautiful girl! (9-)
When we are searching for the truth, a single "find" is but a start. This task does not come easily, nor without effort. Clearly additional research is necessary, and I should not be the only one doing so.
Happy Hunting, Watch out for the poison arrows in the back.
TO BE CONTINUED (HOPEFULLY) WITH NEW DATA.
Steve
(see Next Page)
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