Reproduction gas gauge quality...

W

winfab

Junior Member
Hello everyone, my name is Jason. Not sure if you do introductions on the site, but I'm located in Windsor, Ontario Canada.
I was doing some research online and came upon this site, and spent hours last night browsing the forums. Lots of good knowledge and advice!
I pulled the gas tank from my Model A last night (needs to be cleaned out and some Evaporust treatment) , and am looking to replace the fuel gauge assembly before I reinstall it into the vehicle.
I have a question about Mac's vs Snyder's for part quality. It seems that most of the parts are the same, but when it comes to the gas gauge the picture on Mac's site shows a gauge of very poor quality. The fuel level indications look like they were hand scribed, and there's spots of black paint missing from the numbers.
Since Mac's is cheaper for most of the parts I need, I would rather order from them. However if the gauge is that bad of a reproduction, I'll gladly spend the extra.
I guess what I'm getting at here is where do you recommend I purchase parts from, and is the price cheaper at one vs another supplier due to part quality, or can they offer a better price due to a larger inventory and higher sales?

Thank you in advance

Jason
 
I would ONLY purchase parts from Snyders in Ohio. Don't waste your time with inferior quality parts from Macs. Dave
 
In general, Snyder's, Bratton's, and Mike's A-Fordable have the best reputations for new (reproduction) parts, both in parts quality and customer service.

However, if this is a new hobby for you, the first recommendation I would make is WHENEVER POSSIBLE, try to recondition and maintain the original parts. Very rarely are the reproduction parts as good as the originals, and there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in salvaging an original part. I threw away a lot of money in the first six month buying new parts thinking I was improving things. Now, if I buy new it is usually the consumables...tires, ignition points, brake linings, wheel bearings.... Everything else, I keep the old parts.

In my experience, the repop gas gauges are functional but rattle something awful. Gas gauges are not hard to restore. It usually involves some steel wool, some fuel resistant paint, and a new alcohol-resistant float. You may want new gaskets for the window, but make sure you use the alcohol-resistant ones.

If it is not salvageable, good used parts are available. I would check with Bert's in Denver.

Good luck,

Ken
 
Dave Slater said:
I would ONLY purchase parts from Snyders in Ohio. Don't waste your time with inferior quality parts from Macs. Dave
Click to expand...

The suggestion that Macs only handles inferior parts is untrue. They actually sell parts to other vendors. I live 60 miles from the poster and I have had very good luck with Macs. Wayne
 
Mac's almost always has the cheapest parts, but not often the least expensive........if you get my drift!

I like to buy from A&L, Bert's, Bratton's, and Snyder's most of the time.
I also buy from Little Dearborn and Sacramento Vintage Ford for my wiring harness, as SVF makes the correct harness for fluted headlamps.
 
Both my cars had Old Re-Pros, with PLASTIC windows, which melted & turned BROWN, from Ethanol. One even seized up the gauge & I've heard of them causing gas to leak out of the dash! I "rebuilt" them, using a QUALITY kit, with a GLASS window.
Bill W.
 
Use original parts. KGB is right. A simple restoration, and it will inspire you to try other restoration jobs till you're ready to tackle the whole car.
 
Thanks for all the quick replies and great advice. I'm going to pull it out and see the general condition before I make a decision. I would definitely like to keep as many original parts as possible.
This was my dads vehicle, and was left to me when he passed a few years ago. The car is still a good driver, but there are a few things that need attention, such as the rust in the tank and the brakes.
I've worked on many project vehicles in the past, but the oldest one before this is my 71 Datsun 240Z, so it's all new with the Model A.


Thanks once again for the help, I'm sure I'll have many questions in the near future.

Jason
 
The only reason for me wanting to replace the whole gauge was for cosmetic reasons. However, if I use a bit of Autosol and some work I'm sure I can get the original looking great, especially as now I see that they have a rebuild kit as an option.

The other reason for the post was that fact that I wanted to find out more about the varying quality of parts available from the different suppliers I have found online.

Thanks
 
Welcome to the Barn ! ! ! !

You might save a few buck's with Mac's BUT they will kill you on the postage.
Another good source of original parts is Bert's in Denver.
Paul in CT
 
Those gauges can be a pain to get out. They make special tools for removal. I found them to be worth the money. All the major suppliers carry them.

Ken
 
Ken is right about they can be tough to get the nuts loose.
I spray Kroil on them and let them set overnight. Then I push the tool in hard while turning it CCW. Once I get the unit out of the tank I remove the pivot pin and arm, then put the gauge across a 3/4" board in the vice. Then push the tool in and turn it CCW to remove the inner nut and glass.
 
I did see the special tools available, seems to me like a necessity especially for the low cost.
Definitely going to give it a good presoak before attempting to remove the gauge from the tank. The tank is in excellent condition, aside from the sediment in the bottom of the tank that keeps clogging the outlet. I'm assuming this is from being stored without a full tank of fuel over the years. Otherwise, the fuel tank is in excellent condition, may decide to get it repainted while its out as its not the easiest to remove.
 
If you put your general location in your profile it might get you recommendations for sources that are closer to you. It is always best to get the parts across the counter where you can hand them back.

Charlie Stephens
 
For sure. I'll update my profile and add a pic as well.
Always great to find some local folks to deal with, however up here in Canada it's a struggle to find decent part suppliers for any vehicle. I'm only a few miles across the border from Detroit, so I usually get my parts shipped to my box in Detroit and drive over to pick them up.
 
winfab said:
For sure. I'll update my profile and add a pic as well.
Always great to find some local folks to deal with, however up here in Canada it's a struggle to find decent part suppliers for any vehicle. I'm only a few miles across the border from Detroit, so I usually get my parts shipped to my box in Detroit and drive over to pick them up.
Click to expand...

I am in Sarnia so I do the same but remember you have Dixie in Kitchener. Wayne
 
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