I have been gathering up the parts to drop the 6.5 in my 79 and my boss asked me today how I was going to hook up the fuel tank components. Now, I was already planning on finding a complete fuel tank and brackets from a bone yard but the sending unit, I had forgotten about. Does anyone have any ideas? Is there a stand alone fuel gauge that I could install (last resort)?

I am trying to keep the stock interior, and so far have been successful. I have purchased a stock 79 oil pressure sensors and coolant temp sensor and installed them on the engine so I have those taken care of. The speedo is still going to be the mechanical cable down to the 700r4.

I really appreciate everyone knowledge, but I am still new at this and wish I had more to contribute.:(

Gm guages usually use a 90 ohm sending unit. for my 92 I pop rivited the JC whitney Gm universal sending unit to old tank pickup. bend the float arm to look like old one. Make sure to check for free travel over full range, mine sticks on full till I hit a big bump.

If your feeling creative as a last resort should you have no luck with the bone yard you can always buy an aftermarket fuel gauge and bend the float(like stated above) to follow the full range of the tank from empty to full. Just be sure its rated for diesel.

Also, while on the topic of fuel tanks, consider installed a "high micron" fuel filter outside of the fuel tank instead of having the sock in the tank possibly getting clogged. Just food for thought to consider as its been something I want to do eventually.

I am getting the impression that sending units and the gauges them selves are generally universal, So then if I find a complete set up from a bone yard, it is possible the sending unit will be compatible with the original 79 fuel gauge, right?

I looked up the parts described on JC Whitney and it looks like they have the sending unit for around 110.00$, thanks for the tip. And surprisingly it looks like you can get the 35 Gal side mount fuel tank for 167.00, I was really expecting those to be about double that.

the GM universal send unit is #hw132950 at JCW $28.99. up from $18.00 2 years ago.
Inflation? naaaaaa

So I think what i am going to do is order this universal sending unit, modify it to accommodate the 79 tank, modify the suction tube down to the bottom of the fuel tank (if necessary) then route it through a McMaster car in-line fuel filter, and water separator then to the electric fuel pump that i got with the motor and then up to the fuel filter/cartridge on the motor. And route the return of coarse back to the tank.

Does anyone know where to find some braided fuel line for a decent price?

I would consider using a Racor Water separator/filter instead of anything else. It is the best and replacement parts are easy to come by.

Jake

Alright I will do that, just like everyone I am trying to keep cost down. Well thanks for the help everyone, I will be starting a thread completely on this build, sorry I haven’t gotten any picks yet, when I do I will post them on the thread and my garage.

Is there a Fleet guard fuel filter assembly out there that is reasonable on price?