1968 to 1970 Toronado Fuel Sending Unit (Alternative)

[68RocketAction]

I can confirm that the 1971 - 1972 Toronado Fuel Tank Sending Unit fits absolutely perfectly in my 1968 Toronado's fuel tank. (as you can see in the picture below) This does require blocking off the unused return fuel line. As far as accuracy I can tell you that the gauge reads empty when the tank has 5 gallons of fuel or less. The great thing is 1971 - 1972 Toronado Sending Units are still manufactured and you can purchase a replacement stainless steel unit for around $50.00 - 70.00. So, hopefully this information will be helpful to other first generation Toronado owners dreaming of a working gas gauge. I know I am completely ecstatic to finally have mine working...

Not sure if this will work on the 1966 or 1967 since they use a different style sending unit.

[1970w34]

Thanks for the information--I have a 1970 for which this will likely work. The 1970 does have a return line. What does the float and contact look like? The 1970 looks like a black doughnut with a small hole containing two flat spring contacts that slides along the pick-up tube. Also, if you know, how long was the internal pickup tube?

Thanks again for the post, this is what keeps us on the road!

Carmen

[bcroe]

I believe the return line is to stabilize fuel temperature when its hot, avoid vapor
lock. I would (and have on several cars) take the opportunity to convert to a
70 type return system, just change the fuel pump & add the 3rd line.

As for accuracy, I demand gauges that tell the truth. The 5 gallon error is likely
related the the construction of the float system. The float has a range of some
90 degrees. When in place, it should just touch the bottom of the tank at its
lower limit. Similarly it should just touch the top of the tank at the other end.
If it doesn't, it can be made to, by changing the length and angle of the arm.

Bruce Roe

[68RocketAction]

Thanks for the information--I have a 1970 for which this will likely work. The 1970 does have a return line. What does the float and contact look like? The 1970 looks like a black doughnut with a small hole containing two flat spring contacts that slides along the pick-up tube. Also, if you know, how long was the internal pickup tube?

Thanks again for the post, this is what keeps us on the road!

Carmen

Carmen the 71-72 Toronado unit that I purchased was your typical float level style sending unit. However, my original sending unit was the canister style like yours. My 68 also has a return line, but it connects on the side of the tank. I didn't measure the pickup tube, but it went pretty much to the bottom of the tank. I would definitely recommend using a braided fuel line hose to tie into your old fuel line. That way your allot less likely to have kinking issues between the tank and the bottom of the trunk.

The fuel gauge showing 5 gallons less then what is actually in the tank is kind of a bummer. However, it is much better than having no idea where you stand. I would like to have my original unit rebuilt, but the only place I have found to do it is USA Part Supply. Unfortunately I have had two bad experiences having things rebuilt through them and refuse to do it again. The quality was extremely poor and they are extremely expensive.

Replacement Unit



Original Unit

[Otto Skorzeny]

You may want to try Atwater-Kent for a sending unit rebuild.

About 5 or 6 years ago I put together a list of over 200 vendors supplying parts and services for vintage Cadillacs. Many vendors are general restoration services that cross over to other makes. Atwater Kent is one of those.

http://www.mykmlifestyle.com/Antique_Pa ... uilds.html

Temp sending units, coils, fuel sending units, tube radios, vacuum advance, voltage regs


Atwater Kent
12 Jacques Street Worcester, MA, 01603
(508)792-9500
http://www.mykmlifestyle.com

[Otto Skorzeny]

This suggestion came from a guy I know who restores his own cars and fix anything.

I believe I'd hunt for an available new one that had the correct pieces to replace my bad ones, then learn to cut/bend/solder tube and float arm wire to be able to "rebuild" my failed sending unit with pieces from the new one.

I wouldn't be surprised if only about three different mounting flanges and one or two float rheostats covered all of the era's various GM sending units. There's probably any easy to get donor in the Chevrolet bin.

[1970w34]

Thanks 68RA and Otto. I may have need for your solutions.

Right now I have a nice original unit that isn't pitted or bent but the contact strip (not the resistor side) is cracked. I want to use this unit as it is in perfect condition (even the float and contacts are excellent) but I haven't figured out how to redo the flat, textured contact that runs the length of the pickup tube.

Does anyone know what sort of material it is, or if it even matters? I think the texture is just to stabilize the float but I'm thinking I could use any sort of conductive tube cut in thirds length-wise and maybe screwed or riveted to the pickup tube.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Otto Skorzeny]

Here's one of the 71/72 versions that will apparently work on 68-70 Toros for only $33!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/71-72-Impala-Ri ... 21&vxp=mtr

[Otto Skorzeny]

Hey you guys,

Here is another company that will rebuild/repair an existing fuel tank sending unit. This was recommended to me by a friend who has done many Cadillac restorations.

http://www.clocksandgauges.com/

[james710]

Thanks for the information--I have a 1970 for which this will likely work. The 1970 does have a return line. What does the float and contact look like? The 1970 looks like a black doughnut with a small hole containing two flat spring contacts that slides along the pick-up tube. Also, if you know, how long was the internal pickup tube?

Thanks again for the post, this is what keeps us on the road!