Replacing 69 Malibu gas tank, do you recommned replacement of the sending unit too? If so, is a single line sender with no vapor return and 3/8" pickup a suitable replacement? Any other suggestions?

Replaced the gas tank on my 69ss.The gauge worked fine,so I cleaned it and put it back in,No problems.If your gauge works O.K. use it.

Replaced the gas tank on my 69ss.The gauge worked fine,so I cleaned it and put it back in,No problems.If your gauge works O.K. use it.
Gauge works ok but when tank is full the needle sits (way) far RIGHT of the full mark. Any idea what would make it do that?

I'm just guessing it would be the relationship of the float position to the (name escapes me-electrical part on the sending unit with the windings on it). With the tank and sending unit removed, you can ground the sending unit and connect the wire to the gauge. Then read the gauge (with a light on it) through the rear glass as you run the float arm through its range. Then you could bend the float arm to raise the position of the float in relation to the gauge reading. This would lower the needle reading on the gauge for a certain gas level in the tank.

Jim, I reused my old sender and it works fine. The problem is probably the gauge, not the sender. The factory gauges in 69's are just not very accurate. My temp gauge stays so far to the right it scared me, so I added an aftermarket mechanical temp gauge only to find out my car never gets over 190 degrees under any circumstances.

While you have the tank out, it's a good time to clean the ground wire connection on both ends. I don't know if this matters to you, but some places sell tanks with detached filler necks and you have to put it on. I think I got mine from Year One and it was already attached.

Quick question Jim, what size is the replacement tank? I've heard that all you can get is 16 gal tanks.

When I changed my tank and sending unit, I found the rubber seal was totally shot. You may need to replace that at least. You can check your sending unit when it's out if you have an ohm meter. I think it should read 0-90 ohms resistance to ground if it is the same as mine (1971).

Bob:

20 Gal from Goodmark. Should work just fine.

Hope all is well.

Jim

Steve;

Good thought..I will check the ground wires. Tank is coming with neck attached. Thanks for the heads up. I appreciate it.

Jim

Get new straps too. They arent expensive. Mine were in good shape on my 66 but I replaced them with new ones anyways because it wasnt much more then about 20 dollars for a pair.

And do what has already been mentioned. Check the resistance of the float and compair it to the spec mentioned above. Because now is the best time to get a new one if you need it.

I typically recommend to just replace the sending unit anyways also. They arent that expensive either. I think I paid about 50 bucks.

Chris;

Thanks for the gas tank install update. I agree with your plan. I plan to follow it during the weekend. Thanks again.

I hope you have better luck than I did. When I purchased my new tank, the first two had a crack where the filler neck attaches to the tank and had to be sent back. The way they are shipped can cause damage. The tank was in a box with the filler neck exposed and sticking out. The last one I got was also damaged. I had to bend the filler neck several degrees to make it fit. As a result, my license plate doesn't shut all the way and hits the tank cap. I had my straps powder coated and I replaced the insulator stuff. Replaced the sending unit and installed a new ground terminal with a star washer. Good Luck!