The parts were hot tanked, I was told...this is the same machine shop for the high dollar outfit on the east coast called White Post Restorations. I know it sounds ridiculous. It is an oil pickup tube for crying out loud. Funny thing was, I scanned the box of parts, paid and walked out. As I was stowing them in my trunk, I noticed the tube and screen and all the deposits left on it. As I walked back in holding the part, here came one of the employees - he knew exactly what I was upset about.
Why didn't I think of the torch idea??? Used to be a great pyromaniac back in the day - I have this great story about my younger brother, a wet pile of leaves, a can of ether, a match, explosion, singed hair, rolling and laughing on the fall grass...
I will just burn it out. Do you think I can get away with taking off that baffle altogether? I have an F100 Y block pickup tube that didn't even come with a baffle, only the screen is there.
Dan
Daniel JessupLancaster, California
aka "The Hot Rod Reverend" 
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com