I've addressed this issue in the past in regards to my car (a 20,000 mile original unrestored when I bought it 11 yrs ago). My car never had the small foam-filled filter....it just had (and still has) the two hoses going up to the bracket on the frame or underbody. So, the hose ends are just open to the atmosphere. I have never had any problem with fuel spilling out of the hose ends.