What's the proper method of running a fuel line? My fuel filter it right
behind the engine, attached to the port side stringer. The existing fuel
line is partially braided fuel line, then a coupling to a fat black hose,
then a fitting to copper tubing. I'm sort of guessing this was a patch job
through the years, as I don't know what purpose this would serve.

Is it acceptable to simply run a braided fuel line from the filter to the
carb? It would be 3 - 4' in length. Or is some of the old tubing rigid to
keep the fuel line away from high temp areas (manifold)?