I've got a fuel gauge that behaves erratically. Wild swings in the needle, and especially unreliable once it reaches 1/4 full. The previous owner put a modern round gauge in the dash where the original would be. It looks good, and I have an original dash and gauges for possible original restoration later. Because of the new gauge, I am thinking the problems are with the sending unit. Could be wiring, voltage regulator, the new gauge, etc, but my guess now is sending unit.



My main question is how to safely work on the gas tank? What precautions to take when removing and inspecting the sending unit. Should the tank be full or empty? I don't want to go up in a ball of flames.



Next question is how to deal with the sending unit. I have a 57 Country Sedan. I've found new replacement sending units, but they all say "not for wagons". I had one person mention that I could get a new sending unit and simply bend the arm to match what the wagon needs. Is this true? Or is it more likely that just a new float would be needed. And advice on floats? There seem to be several choices - solid, brass, plastic, etc.

Jim - Erie Colorado, 1957 Country Sedan