"55 Gas Gauge

[jwoodsmall]

My '55 now has a 12 volt system but the gas gauge always reads about 1/4 full even when it is topped off and also when it is empty. Casco is ofering a new gauge and sending unit that will work on any 12 volt system. My question is what kind of job is it to remove the original gauge in the dash? I have experience with the sending unit and that is not an issue but the gauge seems to be much more involved. Hope somebody has had the same problem and has delt with it!

[nomadbird]

Removal of the entire '55-'56 instrument cluster is a fairly clean and straight forward procedure. Admittedly, trying it on a steamy August afteroon with mosquitos buzzing around doesn't make it any more pleasant.

Give it a try; let us know how easily it came out.


Tom D.

[jwoodsmall]

Tom:
Thanks for the reply. Does the complete instrument panel come out as a unit, and how is it fastened in?
Jim

[nomadbird]

Jim,

Yes, the entire dash board is removeable. But, that is not what I'm recommending. I'm talking about removing the instrument cluster only. The cluster consists of the speedo, fuel and temp gauges, the oil and gen warning lights, and the turn signal indicators. If I remember correctly, there are only about four fasteners used in mounting the cluster. Unfortunately, the illustrations in the parts books do a poor job in showing how the cluster is mounted. After removing the speedo cable and the attaching hardware, you should be able to pull the cluster toward the steering wheel allowing adequate space for unhooking bulbs and instrument leads. Then you can remove the cluster from the car and replace your meter movement on the bench.

Tom D.

[jwoodsmall]

Tom:
Thanks for the info. I will tackle this project on a seemingly never ending list of projects. Even though the projects are never ending,its the reason I have one of these beauties.
Jim

[jwoodsmall]

The problem in the gas gauge was the sending unit. I tok it apart only to find that the fragile copper part of the reostat had seperated from the shaft it is supposed to be attached to. I soldered it back in place and now it works fine.

[Jim 793]

I have the same issue with my 56 t-bird. Right now I am in the middle of a total resteration project. I have both the dash gages out and the gas tank. I had figured on looking into the problem later. While the body is in the paint shop.

However, since you have hit on the subject. I wanted to find out if anyone knows how to test the fuel gage in the dash and also do the same for the sending unit in the gas tank. If the repair is as easy as Jim's repair, I will not need to spend the couple of hundred dollars and replace the whole unit.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[jwoodsmall]

The only suggestion I would have if your gauge doesnt work and my "simple fix" doesnt work either is to go to CASCO and order part #9280B.($139.95) Their Phone # is (order line) 800 374 0914. Since my gauge didnt work I ordered and received the new sending unit and gauge but after the easy fix I didnt need the new parts. I did install the sending unit and tried to make it work with the old gauge but no luck. I could be "had" on the unit I have as I cannot return it now since I had the sending unit installed.

[Jim 793]

Thanks for the offer. However, I plan on looking around for some instructions on testing the sending unit and or the gage to try an isolate the problem. My bet is the capacitor on the sending unit has died.

[sc1956]

Put two D cells end to end with a lead to each post on the gauge. It should read 1/2. If it doesn't, reverse the leads. Then try again. If it still doesn't, gauge is broken.

Stephen.

[sc1956]

Instructions were for 12V.

[Jim 793]

Thanks for the testing information SC1956. I tried it and the gage only read 1/4 full. I'm betting it works. Since the T-bird is a 12 volt system, if I used 12 volts, I should get the gage to read full. With 2-D's giving me 3 volts, my guess is it should read 1/4 full.

My next test will be to check the wiring for any shorts. (before I reassemble)

Again thanks
Jim 793

[sc1956]

on a 12V system, 3v should give you 1/2 thank. You're reading low.

[Jim 793]

I tested it again using 2 "D" batteries. It only reads 1/4 tank. Is there a way I can adjust the gage?