How to change fuel level in carb

[rivcokid]

Hi all - Well, I thought this was going to turn into another of those "My car stalls when I stop" threads but it's more involved. Yes, the car does in fact die when stopping - no sputtering, just dies. I got the fuel-level checker from Renner's Corner and according to my reading, the fuel level is 1 inch below the gasket line (it's supposed to be 5/8 apparently). This is a stock Zenith carb with a new float since the other one sprang a leak. My question is - how in the world to I make up 3/8 of an inch of fuel loss? I did find a thinner washer to use on the valve, but really to no avail. I think I have way to much ground to make up (I can see being a 1/16 or even an 1/8 of an inch off but all indications are this is 3/8 of an inch).

Would this be one of those times in which you're allowed to bend the float?

I should note that this symptom just started one day. The fordor was running excellent after I put in a new exhaust manifold gasket. It ran for a bit, then this. The manifold nuts are tightened as are the muffler/manifold nuts so it's not that. Even I can see that the fuel level appears way too low in the carb - but how do I make that up? It's beyond a simply replacement of a washer.

Thanks in advance.