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Classic/Antique Car Repair/'49 Ford gas gauge
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Question
I'm looking at a '49 Ford Fordor to purchase - the car is 95% original. One of the minor problems with the car is with the gas gauge. It registers between half and three-quarters full until you're pretty well out of gas, when it drops down to read empty. The current owner has boiled the tank, replaced the sending unit, and the wire from stem to stern so it makes sense it could only be the gauge. My question is, are these 6-volt gauges fairly easy to recondition? What would be my best bet to get that problem fixed without going to an aftermarket gauge?
Thanks in advance.
These gauges are easy to find, and there are those that will rebuild them. It sounds like the dash unit could be the problem. My standard answer to any question that starts with "where can I find.." or "I am trying to find..." is to get hooked up with Hemmings Motor news. It is the leading classified ad book for the old car hobby. Check them out at www.hemmings.com.
Brad
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks kindly. I did a little research based on your reply and found that yes, the gauge wouldn't be too difficult to find - good used/tested or NOS. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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