Gas Gauge

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mikelj

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
9
My gas gauge on my '56 doesn't work. It just pegs to past full no matter how much is in the tank. I tried replacing the sending unit, but the new ones all say you have to use a new gauge, not the old one. So now I am wondering how the heck to get that old gauge out of the instrument cluster to replace it. How is this done? Thanks for any tips.
 
If the sending unit is a replacement unit, you should not have to replace the gauge. It should be compatible. Where did you buy the sender ?

Usually, aftermarket (Sun, Stewart-Warner) sending units that are not replacement units require their gauge (difference in resistance).

The gauge comes out through the rear of the dash. There are two screws that hold it in place. Two wires attach to the gauge.
 
I got the sending unit from NPD, they said it was a replacement of the original but warned it would not work with the original gauge, I could not find a replacement sending unit that said it would work with the original gauge, they all said you need a new gauge. If you know of a parts place with original type units, let me know.
The replacement sending unit is very different looking than the original I had, much more complicate looking. It did fit in fine, but when I hooked it up with the existing gauge, it didn't move off empty.
I need to know how to get the instrument cluster out of the dash to be able to replace the gauge, I can't get to it otherwise and I don't see any screws that hold the cluster in around it. Thanks.
 
I searched more today and found a sending unit like the one that is in it and it says it is an OEM replacement so the gauge should work. I may try that, but am wondering if the gauge is OK, any ideas on how to check gauge or sending unit?
 
I guess you are all set then - I can't help on the testing of the gauge but I'm sure someone will help.

For the future, if we can't help with a question you may have, call the tech line at CASCO - they usually are very helpful 740-622-9700. They might be able to help on the testing of the gauge.

I got the sending unit from NPD, they said it was a replacement of the original but warned it would not work with the original gauge, I could not find a replacement sending unit that said it would work with the original gauge, they all said you need a new gauge. If you know of a parts place with original type units, let me know.
The replacement sending unit is very different looking than the original I had, much more complicate looking. It did fit in fine, but when I hooked it up with the existing gauge, it didn't move off empty.
I need to know how to get the instrument cluster out of the dash to be able to replace the gauge, I can't get to it otherwise and I don't see any screws that hold the cluster in around it. Thanks.
 
service manual advice

my service manual from pat wilsons t birds 1 888 262 1153 is the most valuable book I own (next to our bible) , AND IF YOU GET ONE YOU GET STEP BY STEP WARNINGS (DISCONNECT BATTERY FIRST ETC.) FROM IT ON HOW TO DO THE WHOLE CAR SAFELY WITH THE DETAILED PAGES. BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS REPLY YOU PROBABLY HAVE ALL THINGS DONE AND WILL HOPEFULLY FOLLOW UP ON MY ADVICE.MY '58 BIRD GUAGE SERVICED WAS A BREEZE WITH MANUAL AS IT SHOWED HOW TO SIMPLY USE A (1/4 MINI RATCHET) OR THE MINI TOOL THEY SELL YA , AND REMOVE THE FORD 2 MACHINE THREAD SCREWS AT TOP OF THE DASH FACING THE MOTOR AT INNER TOP OF DASH BEHIND SPEEDOMETER THAT WAS TAKEN OUT ..ANYWAY NEAT STUFF BEHIND DASH TO VIEW (WIRING ETC.) this was intended to be an f y i for you. good luck.
 
Thanks very much for all the tips. It appears the sending unit is the problem, so I will be waiting for the new OEM style unit to install and see if that does it. Now I have to put some new tires on the car, radials this time.
 
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