Hi Smitty,
We used to carefully make similar fuel measuring sticks for our old tractors years ago.
I recently made two (2) fuel measuring sticks, one to place in the Model A, & one to hang on the wall near the car. Really only use them when very low on gas to estimate how far I can drive when near empty.
They are easier to make with a softer wood such as cypress, poplar, pine, as compared to harder woods; plus, they are really never subject to wear or abuse.
One can provide a rounded point on the bottom of the stick to create less fuel disturbance when inserting the stick in the tank & there will be no sharp corners to rest on the non-flat Model A tank bottom for far more accurate fuel readings.
Make light measured marks first with a knife or sharp pencil, then cut neatly provided 90 degree marks with a (3) corner file, all with equal depths.
Use a No. 2 pencil to mark the numbers in the soft wood, first lightly, second time press harder.
One can also make much simpler roman numerals with a pencil that only requires straight lines for the I's, X's & V's.
Then neatly mark only bottoms of vee cuts with a No. 2 pencil.
I used (3) coats of Formby's rubbed on polyurethane finish; however, mixing any rubbing oil with about 10% polyurethane varnish with render very professional results -- even works wonders as a professional finish on newly made or reshaped gun stocks with or without checkering.
It might take 10 minutes longer to make several measuring sticks like this; but, it will look like a manufactured bought vintage item you can be proud & you won't have to hide it wrapped in newspaper because it looks like an El Cheapo "ugly stick." LOL
