1980 Chevy Silverado - Gas Gauge

[DylnCox]

I've seen dozens of these posts and numerous answers, but I just need some extra clarification - because I'm no car mechanic, to say the least.

I bought this '80 Silverado (350 5.7, 2WD) a couple of days ago, and the gas gauge was not working - so I figured it would be an easy fix.

It has dual tanks - and on the passenger side tank is what looks like a tan wire but it has either been melted/burnt/cut somewhere during its 32-year life.

My problem is I have no idea where to reconnect this wire. I have a hunch that it connects to another melted/burnt/cut wire further up the truck - but I'm not positive.

I've taken some pictures to help me illustrate what's going on - to help you all better understand.


I'm posting this - because I'm not 100% that these two wires were ever connected, and I have no idea the gauge on them, or if that matters when reconnecting..


The Problem



Tan Wire From Passenger Tank


2nd Dangling Wire - Unknown

[DylnCox]

I went ahead and attempted to do a fix on this.

I went and bought some 14 ga. wire from my local hardware store - hooking the tan wire to the "unknown" wire. After turning the key on, the gas gauge's needle slowly started moving towards "Full" and stopped just below full - unfortuantely, I used electrical tape so now I have to go back through with butt connectors -

Just an update that I solved it - at least, I think so.

[slam59]

I gotta look underneath my truck as well as my gauge reads past full as well. Nothin better than a quick easy fix as opposed to buying parts before you know whats wrong with it.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

That's cool hope you got it fixed. I just dropped the gas tank on my '79 and cleaned it out and got a new sending unit for it. Got it all hooked back up last night finally! Works like a champ first time my gauge has ever been accurate haha