Camaro tank question

[JSF3RD]

I'm junking the factory tank and have a 69 camaro tank on the way.

I found some very helpful threads on how to mount it and run the fuel lines, but I can't tell how people are wiring in the sending unit.

Is there an extension or something pre-made or do I have to splice it to the old one?

Thanks in advance.

[ekgguy]

There are two wires that come off the Camaro sending unit. One is a ground and the other goes to the fuse block. I am not sure of the colors, I can check mine tomorrow, but I am pretty sure the ground is black.

[JSF3RD]

Ok. Is the stock wire for the new unit long enough to reach the fuse block, or did you attach it to the old sending wire?

[ekgguy]

I ran all new wiring for mine, just to make sure.

I found a picture of mine before it was installed. The black wire that you see is the ground. The arrow points to where you need to make the connection to the fuse block.

[JSF3RD]

I understand running new wire. Does it have to be a particular type of wire, or will generic automotive wire work. And I'm guessing I can pick up a generic connection for it?

Also, have you ever had issues with the fuel pump being able to pull from back there? And is it going to make a difference if I go with a single line or do i need a return?

[leftybass209]

The wire needs to be the same gauge, or maybe even 1 gauge thicker than OEM. I havent figured the math into it. A good indicator is, what wire gauge did a Camaro use? Find a Camaro schematic, and you'll have your answer.

[JSF3RD]

Yeah, they sell a factory replacement but I'm not sure it will reach. Not entirely sure it matters because I'm going to have to rewire the whole thing before I can drive it.

Might be a dumb question, but just to kick it over and let it idle, would it even matter if I had it wired in? Its a mechanical pump, if that matters.

[leftybass209]

I'm not saying pick up a factory replacement. I'm saying find the right gauge wire, and make your own. You can use the existing wire and solder in the longer run if it's the same gauge, or run an all new wire with new connections.

No you don't need the sender wired to be used. It functions entirely on vacuum from the mechanical pump. The wiring is only for the gauge reading.

[JSF3RD]

Yeah I can make one if I need to.

Do you know if new wiring harnesses (planning on a Painless) have that built in? I would think with as many people relocate the tank that they would.

[ekgguy]

Originally Posted by JSF3RD

I understand running new wire. Does it have to be a particular type of wire, or will generic automotive wire work. And I'm guessing I can pick up a generic connection for it?

Also, have you ever had issues with the fuel pump being able to pull from back there? And is it going to make a difference if I go with a single line or do i need a return?

Some have had issues, I never did. Sometimes the stock mechanical fuel pump doesnt have enough vacuum and it has to be upgraded.

There is no return line with tjis setup.

['68OrangeSunshine]

What is the capacity of the Camaro tank?

[JSF3RD]

Standard is 18 gal.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Thanks. The Blazer/Suburban tanks are 21, they say... And I've pumped 22 gallons into the behind-the-seat tank of my '68 C/10 Stepside.
Camaro tank is an interesting optiion for a 2nd tank, for long-distance cruising.

[JSF3RD]

I decided on it because of the filler neck behind the license plate. I don't want to have to cut a door into the side, nor have it in the floor of the bed.

[57larry]

after i installed a 69 Camaro tank, I rewired my truck with American Autowire. very happy with both

[JSF3RD]

Originally Posted by 57larry

after i installed a 69 Camaro tank, I rewired my truck with American Autowire. very happy with both

Was yours part of the wiring kit or did you have to make your own.

[MARKDTN]

You are going to have to extend the factory wire for the sending unit. The connector is special for GM sending units so you will have to splice in what wire length you need. Be sure to use good connections, preferably solder and shrink. The standard color for a GM fuel sending wire is tan and I would probably use 14ga or larger. I would also use some loom around the wire when you run it back so it won't chafe anything. On the ground, I would use a star washer and bolt it onto some clean frame then apply some corrosion preventative. Corrosion is a big enemy of automotive frame grounds.