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Old 01-21-2020, 10:35 PM   #1
AD1948Ford
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Default Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

I found a Ford NOS fuel sending unit for a 1948 Ford panel truck on eBay. Figured the actual sending unit base would work and I would just modify the float arm to work with my 48 Tudor sedan. Not so or atleast for not I can’t get it to work.

Problem is the sending unit will not drop down and sit flush on the tank. It’s sitting about 3/8 to 1/2in off the tank. The dimensions look to be spot on so not sure what’s causing the hang up. Does anyone know if the sending unit is bigger for the trucks?
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Old 01-21-2020, 10:58 PM   #2
19Fordy
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Please post a photo of the sending unit, the tank and how sending unit doesn't fit.
Does the sending unit look like this 40 Ford unit?
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Old 01-21-2020, 11:27 PM   #3
JSeery
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Almost sounds like a newer resistance unit. A photo would help.
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Old 01-22-2020, 01:41 AM   #4
TitusDH
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

I have a 49 truck. My sending unit looks exactly like Fordys. So, most likely the NOS 48 panel van unit is the same.
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Old 01-22-2020, 10:01 AM   #5
TJ
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

It will only go in a certain way due to the baffles in the tank. The float maybe hanging up on a baffle in your tank and keeping it from seating on top of the tank.
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Old 01-22-2020, 12:22 PM   #6
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

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The factory supplied the sending unit top with no arm and a chart for how to adjust the arm from the original and attach to the new unit for all the vehicles using a 6v system. If you PM me your email address I can email you a copy of the chart that comes with a new unit. The only differences are in the shape and dimensions of the arm.
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Old 01-22-2020, 12:33 PM   #7
AD1948Ford
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Looks just like 19Fordy picture
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Old 01-22-2020, 01:02 PM   #8
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

I just uploaded the chart that shows you how to make a sending unit work in different gas tanks. This chart came in a box with a NOS unit ready to attach your old arm to.
Look in my album MISC. All the 6v senders were the same, the arms were different for different tanks.
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Old 01-22-2020, 04:29 PM   #9
RobR'35
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Duece Roadster.
Thanks a lot for that info. I'd never seen it before.
It'll come in handy.
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Old 01-22-2020, 04:42 PM   #10
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AD1948Ford View Post
Looks just like 19Fordy picture
Are you using the original fuel tank.
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Old 01-22-2020, 05:07 PM   #11
supereal
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

We install them frequently. It is usually necessary to drill new holes in the mounting flange to allow the sender to be rotated until the float arm and float doesn't contact the edges of the tank, or the internal baffles. Just drop the sender into the tank and turn it until the arm is free, then mark the position of the holes on the flange and drill screw holes. Just don't drill on or near the tank itself for safety reasons.
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Old 01-22-2020, 05:16 PM   #12
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

IF anyone wants a better copy of this chart, PM me your email address and I can send you the PDF file which is much clearer then what displays and you can print.
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Old 01-22-2020, 06:23 PM   #13
AD1948Ford
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Thanks everyone who have weighed in. Still having problems getting the sending unit to sit flush on the mounting flange. It’s like the body of the sender that goes inside the tank is too large for the opening (that be very slightly). I confirmed that the level arm is not hitting the sides of the tank so not sure what to do now
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:15 PM   #14
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AD1948Ford View Post
Thanks everyone who have weighed in. Still having problems getting the sending unit to sit flush on the mounting flange. It’s like the body of the sender that goes inside the tank is too large for the opening (that be very slightly). I confirmed that the level arm is not hitting the sides of the tank so not sure what to do now
I asked but you didn’t respond as to if you’re using the original tank. I bought a aftermarket tank for my 40 and the tank flange was correct but the opening was to small to allow the sender to set flush. I’m only talking an 1/16”. I used a burr grinder to enlarge the inside diameter of the flange and the sending unit dropped in.
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:24 PM   #15
AD1948Ford
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Sorry for not responding. Yes it’s a aftermarket tanks as the original was horribly rusted after 30+ years. Branded, what you described is exactly my issue.
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:33 PM   #16
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AD1948Ford View Post
Sorry for not responding. Yes it’s a aftermarket tanks as the original was horribly rusted after 30+ years. Branded, what you described is exactly my issue.
If you look closely you’ll most likely see the tank itself has a lip rolled up inside of the flange. I ground the lip out and that allowed the sender body to drop in. I then took my tank to the local radiator shop and had him solder round the outside edge up the flange. Just to be sure there wouldn’t be any chance of a leak. The flange on mine only appeared to be spot welded to the tank.
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:36 PM   #17
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Another thing, do not use the rubber gasket Ive seen to many of them to deteriorate over time. I always use a cork gasket and copper washers on the machine screws. No leaks.
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:44 PM   #18
AD1948Ford
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

Thank you, Branded
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Old 01-22-2020, 07:47 PM   #19
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Default Re: Fuel sending unit 1948 Tudor Sedan

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Originally Posted by AD1948Ford View Post
Thank you, Branded
More than happy to help, this should solve your problem. I know I was scratching my head when I ran into the same dilemma.
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