Measuring stick for gas tank?

w.michael

w.michael

Senior Member
My gas gauge float has sunk to the bottom of the tank (again) and I'm not really in the mood to replace it until warmer weather. I would like to mark a stick (like a paint paddle) to manually measure the gasoline. I know I could drain the tank, add one gallon of gas at a time, mark the stick, and so on until the tank is full--but has anyone already done this, and can you give us the measurements or instructions for making the measuring stick? 1931, round speedometer, flat firewall.
 
Well if your A has the stock flame arrestor installed you will not get to the bottom of the tank.

If you don't have it or remove it, I would drain the tank, put in 2.5 gallons, mark the stick 1/4 tank, put in 2.5 more and mark the stick 1/2, put in 2.5 more and mark the stick 3/4 and add the final 2.5 and mark it full.

Should take about 10 minutes at the station.
 
The measurements on the stick were different from bottom to top, to compensate for the tank profile.
These measurements are from a couple of original sticks that I own.

From the bottom end.....1-1/2" (1), 1" (2), 7/8" (3), 13/16" (4), (5), (6), 7/8" (7), 13/16" (8), 1 1/16" (9), 1-1/2" (10)

The bold lettering is the gallons. Hope this helps with your problem for now.
 
Here is my suggestion rather than put gas in the tank as stated above; you can make a stick with a tape measure.

1. Measure the depth of the tank from bottom of tank to the bottom of the fill neck (provided the spark arrestor has been removed).
2. Transfer that measurement to an appropriate stick (such as a paint stick, if long enough).
3. Divide that measurement into fourths (mark empty, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full).

This can be done at your work bench without gas all over the stick while you do it. It doesn't matter if the markings are at the exact gallons; it is just a reference like the gas gauge itself. You could even divide the stick into 1/8s if you wish.
 
Thank you, gentlemen. I think I will try Glenn's method. That should give me a stick which will give a very good estimate.

I forgot to mention that I don't have a flame arrestor in place. I've never had one in my car in 46 years. Just because I've never had a problem doesn't mean it's a smart thing to do. Am I being foolish? Do I need a flame arrestor?
 
I dont have a flame arrestor in my A. The reason is I can fill the tank with the nozzle set, and it will automatically shut off. When the arrestor was in place, I could only gas up very slooooowly while having to hold the nozzle.

With that said, I do follow gas pump protocal as to static electricity, etc. Just as I do with my modern vehicles. Keep in mind the National Electrical Code requires specific grounding for fuel pumps that were not in affect during 1929-31.
 
VW didn't have a gas gauge until 1962, so my '59 bug came with a wooden stick that
was marked off in one gallon increments (it had a 10 gallon tank) and I stuck it in the
tank on the coupe one day for fun and giggles. It was off a a bit, but would do in a
pinch. A dowel rod would do nicely for your car.

Jack
 
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