Did a 1961 Chevy have oil filters as optional equipment?

Answer 1

1961 chevys did not have a optional oil filter as equipment. Back then all oil filters were a canister type,meaning the filter was inserted into the canister and attached to the oil filter housing by means of a long bolt through the bottom center of the canister and filter.A spring was placed underneath the filter to retain it.These canisters were rather troublesome installing. After removal from the engine the oil filter was removed from the canister,the canister had to be washed out of all oil sludge.To reinstall One had to push up on the canister while turning the bolt to get it started.Along with this ,as one camenced to tighten the bolt he/she also had to make sure the rubber "O" ring did not slip out of place between the canister and the oil canister housing unit.When the "O" ring did slip out of position,and this was not noticed,you had a immediate oil loss when the motor was started. Someone came up with the "spin on" oil filter,which is to this day a pleasure to work with,reguardless of how hard at times a filter has to be persuaded to loosen. Adapters are a common place today so a "spin on" filter can be used to replace the canister type oil filter.