55 Fairlane oil filter choices

Jim.UT

Jim.UT

Member
My new-to-me Fairlane still has the original style oil filter. My research tells me that it takes a Wix 51004. Funny because that's the same filter I used on my Ford 850 tractor years ago. I had a leftover new filter in my stash of stuff for years and finally threw it away a year or two ago.

I notice that Tractor Supply carries Purolator and that the equivalent is L30048. What brand filter do you use? I've always leaned toward Wix but the local auto parts stores don't carry 51004 and they want a bunch of money to order it in.

Related question: There was a kit available for tractors to convert to a spin on filter rather than a drop in element. Is there a conversion kit for cars, too?
 

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The original kit P/N was B7A-6882-A I think. They show up on Ebay. My 55 has one and I use a Motorcraft FL-1A filter.
 
There are conversion kits that are replicas of the oem '57+ style spin-on adapter.
First & second photos below.
The current crop of flat rubber gaskets that come with these older style kits are known to leak fairly easily or just plain blow out.

There are better machined aluminum versions with a captive O-ring on the back side against the block. Third & fourth photos.This newer O-ring style is more reliable and noticeably more expensive.
99% of both styles come from china.
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The key for a successful swap to the spin on seems to be with the gasket between the block and the plate. May kits are supplied with a rubber tryp gaskets that seems to leak. The original gaskets were a paper composit, which usually can be obtained with the purchase of a canister style filter. Some do carry the gasket only.


Also, when tightening the plate to the block, do not over tighten the fastener. Stick to manufacturers spec.
 
- !!! SHE'S BEAUTIFUL - !!!

563531

NICELY AND TASTEFULLY DETAILED ... ;)

If you decide to go with a SPIN-ON CONVERSION KIT, make sure it is GENUINE NOS FORD as the aftermarket kits are junk.

How is the engine compartment detailed? Just how far with originality do you want to go?

HINT - Maybe next time take a photo with no admirers blocking it's view. I am surprised you let the guy lean on it ...

:D​
 

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That guy leaning on the car is me! No one else gets to do that.
 

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... damn ...​

That has to be a restoration as too clean to be a survivor.

As clean as the engine compartment is, maybe leave the canister on it?
 

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Yes, definitely a restoration. However I don't know much about the work that was done. The previous owner sold it to Unique Classic Cars and I bought it from them. I've requested permission to contact the previous owner to get more information but that may happen and may not.

I'm in favor of keeping the old style cannister filter. That's what I did on my old tractor, but I was aware that a lot of tractor owners converted to a spin on style for convenience and just wondered if the car people did the same. I'm pleased with the good info received here regarding junk chinese aftermarket repops and the part number for the Ford conversion piece. I may buy a conversion kit if I run across a NOS part but I'm not set on it. I'll keep on with the original style for now unless I find a clear reason to switch.

Original color according to the data plate is black...all black. A lot of work went into the repaint. The two tone treatment is everywhere...door jams, inside truck, firewall, etc etc. I'm pretty sure this one was taken completely apart at one time. I sure hope I get to speak with the previous owner to find out more.
 
The two tone treatment is everywhere...door jams, inside truck, firewall, etc etc.
Click to expand...

That is a sure-sign that the paint shop (painter) took the effort to do the color change in a professional manner ($$$).

I would also be comfortable thinking all the body work and prep was performed in the same manner.

Nothing wrong with the canister, except ease of service. That is the way it was assembled.

Think PUROLATOR - WIX (IMO) cartridge.

272CI and FORD-O-MATIC?
 
What is "a ton of money '? I see the Wix 51004 filter on Amazon for 18.00 and ebay as low as 10.00 (i guess plus shipping). and around 17.00 including shipping. I buy all my filters from either one since I cannot get Wix locally.
 
Yes, 272 and Fordomatic. VIN starts U5PT so built at Twin Cities plant and I bought it from a dealer in Minnesota who bought it from an older gentleman also in Minnesota. Could be it's been a Minnesota car from the start...until now. Now it's in the sunny desert of Southern Utah.
 
Well, the problem(s) with buying either AMAZON or EvilBay is the distinct possibility of getting counterfeit.

It would be interesting to find out why the previous owner wanted a color change.
 
Jim, really a pretty car, and nice that a 4 door is getting some love. Back i. high school in the 60’s It was “4 doors, no waiting”. Quick getaways when the cops showed up at the river parties.

I drove thru UT last September, south from Boise to SLC to see a grandson, and out thru Page AZ. Some pretty country there, but some looks pretty hard too.

Enjoy the nice ride.
 
Unless it's a 100-point show car that gets trailered everywhere, ditch the canister filter, use an inexpensive adapter that takes a common spin on filter that every auto parts store on the North American continent has in stock. Buy the best quality spin-on filter you can afford. All full-aize Ford cars and trucks for 35+ years use the same filter. Every Y block since '57 uses the same spin-on filter,
 
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