Chevy 261 Oil Pump Screen Retainer Question and Needed

We have a 1954 Chevy 261 in line six engine that we pulled the oil pan off this weekend. We found this oval shaped screen laying in the bottom of the pan and the remaining pieces of what appears to be a wire like retainer. My questions are as follows.

#1. Was this a one year type of oil pump or something? I can't find any pictures of these any where or repalcement pumps that look like this.

#2. What keeps this screen from bouncing around in there? I can slide it up into the pump but it can move up and down a couple inches.

#3. Where can I get a replacement wire retainer for this setup?

Any and all info and or pictures would be helpful. Thanks!
Randy

 

That's how they were through '54. Chevy redesigned the oil pump in '55 and went with a more conventional looking pickup at that time. I have seen '54 engines that someone added a '55-'62 style pump and pickup to after the fact.

 

OK. Anything special about that retaining wire that holds that screen up in the pump? I found some pics of the screen going all the way to the to and the wire just holding it up in there. I guess I can safety wire it up in there.
Thanks

 

No, it was just made of spring steel and hooked under the opening on each side of the pickup. Not much science to it.

 

Here are some picks of my 54 261 oil pump and pick up— hope this helps.