inline fuel filter pic

There is a small inline filter at the bottom of my fuel tank next to the battery. It is loaded with gunk as you can see in the picture. I can't find a reference to this filter in the shop manual or owners' manual. Is this an original part? My instict is that the inside of my fuel tank is rusty, but I don't know how to check. Should I just replace the filter (any idea what it is)? How do I check my fuel tank and see if there is a rust problem?

This is on a 1946 3800 that was recently pulled out of the barn, overhauled and I'm still breaking it in after the overhaul.

Thanks. Cheers~

Last edited by Overgripped; 05/16/2010 9:36 PM.
1946 Chevrolet 3800 1-Ton

In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Picasa

I understand computers and I like them, just not in cars.