>> A/C filter? just before the fuel line enters the carb. Just a glass bowl.

This is a stock location for a fuel filter, the filter is simply missing. I know that you can get from NCA or Filling Station, and perhaps NAPA if you knew the part number.

However, if you have a questionable gas tank (i.e. dirt and stuff), by all means put a in-line filter before the pump and leave out the stock filter.