Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations nee

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Steve Raucher
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Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations nee

#1 Post by Steve Raucher »

Hello all 356'ers,
I have breached this subject before. Anyone in the States restoring original gas tank fuel senders 356A?
Mine is dated 4/58 and it is out of round warped where it screws down on top of fuel filler opening. A bit of gas leaks out when topped off even though I have applied a sealer to the connection.
I cannot do it myself but it seems to me a craftsman could gently massage it back correctly, unless it is too brittle. I hear I cannot even buy a reproduction sender unless you tell me otherwise.
Thank you,
Steve
 

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

In the U.S., Specialty Cars Service Center (service center.com) repairs VDO fuel senders.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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'63 B coupe

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Jules Dielen
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#3 Post by Jules Dielen »

I just sent 2 of mine to Joris Koning in Amsterdam. Fantastic service, excellent quality and quick turnaround. Absolutely worth filling out a customs form for at the USPS :)
Jules

Water pumps are for windshield washers only.

Brad Ripley
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#4 Post by Brad Ripley »

Joris is The Man for restoration of those fuel senders -- see viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47192&p=320956&hilit=Joris#p320956

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#5 Post by Mike Wilson »

I agree Joris does stellar work but Steve asked for a source in the states so now he has options.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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Steve Raucher
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#6 Post by Steve Raucher »

Thanks for chiming in Guys.
I saw Joris ad and sent him email.
Likely I will go with suggested PA firm.
KTF,
Steve
 

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#7 Post by Mike Wilson »

As always, we're here to be of help, Steve.

Mike
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'63 B coupe

Dick Weiss
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#8 Post by Dick Weiss »

Steve,

I've done a few in the past w/success--even the sloppy pivot which the internal wiper looses contact to the coil. (or its tip)

Dick (Cin'ti, OH)

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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#9 Post by Brad Ripley »

Wasn't there an article in Registry mag about rebuilding fuel level senders? Anybody provide a link or present a copy?

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Jules Dielen
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#10 Post by Jules Dielen »

it's warped, not broken.
Jules

Water pumps are for windshield washers only.

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Joris Koning
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#11 Post by Joris Koning »

All, thank for some of the nice comments. These senders are not rocket science as otherwise I sure would not be able to fix them. Some of the common issues have been pointed out. Warped bases, worn pivot bores and broken resistance wires. All can be fixed with some ingenuity by someone with basic mechanical skills.

In my restorations I address the above problems but also address the cosmetics. I like things to be 100% authentic so have had several of the unique parts made or made them myself in conjunction with duplicating the data stamp etc. The reason I started doing this is because I was not able to find someone to fix my own sender.

I'd like to think that I am the source for those people who want their sender to function and look like new. If you are only after having the basic function restored there might be other cheaper options out there the cheapest one would be a a DIY job.
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Harlan Halsey
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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations

#12 Post by Harlan Halsey »

Joris,
My '56 sender resistor is so worn that it reads a dead short end to end. Can you fix this? ( I think the resisitor will have to be rewound. And while you are at it it would be nice if you could use wire with twice the resistance so that it will function on 12v.
IMG_0234 Fuel Sender Resister.jpg
What do you think?

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Re: Restoration of 356A original fuel sender recomendations nee

#13 Post by Steve Douglas »

I am attempting to repair the fuel sender for my 59 A, the pivot pin has worn the pot metal housing, can it be fixed with either peening around the pin? or with JB weld, or does it have to come apart and an insert placed into the housing? The rest of it works fine, if held in place it gets 210 ohms to 6.8 ohms linear readings. Any ideas or help would be appreciated
Have one of cheap new replacement that doesn't work with the original gauge, but fills the hole so I can drive, and the reserve and trip mileage works so I can go back to the old beetle days.

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