Tank for our '56 Panel

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Feb 4, 2024 | 09:59 AM

thomc

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: NC

Tank for our '56 Panel

No pic yet but I bought a custom aluminum tank for our Panel that is the right width & heighth. However, it is somewhat shorter than the factory tank and holds only 7.5 gallons. Fortunately the 500 Cadillac engine I will be using is pretty easy on fuel so I can live with it.
It has a typical 5 bolt universal sending unit. I hope to find a sender that will work with the factory gauge in the Panel. Can anyone recommend one? Thanks.

Feb 4, 2024 | 10:21 AM

Old F1

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca

I have the same truck so that is why I am replying.
From a old and feeble memory I read somewhere (don't have a clue where) I vaguely remember something about our fuel gauges having some kind of special circuit that does not use ohms resistance as the normal sending units do. (Or maybe that was on the submarine, or air plane, or tractor, website). If that is so, a list of senders would not help, so if that is right, retrofitting the original sender wold be the only option.
I am using aftermarket gauge and sender. Time to walk the dog, ... if I still have one.

Feb 4, 2024 | 10:26 AM

bmoran4

Parts Nerd Extraordinaire

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Western NY

The stock sending units (and you must use a stock one, not an aftermarket one) use a 6 hole pattern. Unfortunately 56 is a 1 year only 12V King-Seeley distometer setup (not ohms/resistance as one may expect!!)

As for physical constraints, these adapters may possibly be made to work in reverse with a stock sending unit. Expect to have to adjust the rod for your tank.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...late,5865.html

https://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/p...rod/prd344.htm

However, it may be better to find a stock looking fuel gauge with ohms/resistance guts and pair it with an appropriate more common 5 hole sender. Maybe you can grab this one which is 32 Ohms Full, 240 Ohms Empty and find a matching sender:

https://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID...uge-56-squares

Feb 4, 2024 | 11:46 AM

Old F1

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmoran4

Unfortunately 56 is a 1 year only 12V King-Sealy distometer setup (not ohms/resistance as one may expect!!)

Ah ha, yes right, Is that the same as the the Higgs boson elementary particle theory ? (just kidding, ... but gloating like a teenager on his first date)

Feb 4, 2024 | 02:52 PM

thomc

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 551

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From: NC

Sounds like I might use a kit like the one from NAPA that I used in my Studebaker truck, that included the sender, matching gauge, and a panel to mount the gauge under the dash. I would like to try one of the cast aluminum panels that were made to fit a '56 dash and use aftermarket gauges. I saw one in the swap meet at the F100 show in Pigeon Forge, or Sieverville, TN last September but the seller wanted $150, with no gauges and it had some damage so I passed on it

Feb 4, 2024 | 02:59 PM

abe

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Central PA

When I first saw this thread title I thought it said "Thanks for my 56 panel." LOL

Feb 4, 2024 | 05:59 PM

Old F1

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,795

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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomc

Sounds like I might use a kit like the one from NAPA that I used in my Studebaker truck, that included the sender, matching gauge, and a panel to mount the gauge under the dash.

I worked for two months to get the gauge working on my current project. (other make) This what finally had to happen.