VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Gas Gauge & Parking Brake Questions

I bought my 1948 Chevy truck about a month ago. Having a ball with it. Two questions- my gas gauge always reads full. The seller told me he put a new sending unit on the tank but may not have grounded it properly. What should I look for to see if that's the case. The parking brake doesn't engage. A mechanic friend told me that it needs a parking release rod. In my truck, it's a flat grayish metal piece that basically sits on the floor board. I haven't been able to find anything online. Any suggestions there?

Regarding the gas gauge, one that always reads full usually means the wire from the gauge to the sender is broken or disconnected. Possible the PO didn't get it hooked up correctly, or the problem he had was due to a broken wire. It is also possible the tank/sender isn't properly grounded, which would act like a broken sender wire, electrically. More likely a broken wire to the sender, from my experience, but the continuity will need to be checked, including grounding to be sure.

Here's a pretty good set of diagnostic tests, courtesy of the Filling Station: Fuel Gauge Testing. Good luck!

Great explanation dreep. Thanks also for including a link to the Filling Station. The Filling Station provides excellent ARTICLES on a variety of complex repairs. It should be a primary "go to" resource after consulting your vehicle's manual. After using these resources then do a SEARCH of our old posts, and finally post your questions. We love to help troubleshoot.

Good luck, MIke

This diagram should help you figure out what parts you need. I think you are looking for part number 3687250.

AD Parking Brake Linkage

Thanks- That info about the gas gauge is VERY helpful.

Thanks!! Now-where to find the part is the question.

For the brake parts contact Joe Mendota in Tuscon. mothertrucker@aol.com

Thanks- I sent him an email. We'll see what happens.

The email I sent to Joe Mendota got kicked back to me as undeliverable.

My mistake. His email is mothertruckeraz@aol.com

And I fumble fingered the name It is Joe Mendola.

Thanks- I think the email went through this time.