Classic/Antique Car Repair: Fuel Gauge Sending Wire, gage wire, copper tube

Question
I have a 1928 Buick Model 28-20,(the car is total stock) and having trouble locating or repairing the fuel gauge sending wire that is connected to the fuel gauge on the dash board and runs the lenght of the car (114 1/2 wheelbase) to the gas tank sender unit.  the wire rusted out and is about a foot short.  Is there something to do to repair it or something that is newer to replace it.  If it can use something newer, I would use a different gauge and wiring for it.  Is there something that you could recommend?

Answer
If the rest of the wire is solid a piece of wire can be soldered on to it. I would use a piece of 14 gage wire. I make connectors out of 3/16th inch copper tube. Cut a piece of tube about 3/4 inch long. Strip the wire back about 1/4 inch back and fit the wire into the copper tube. Slide a piece of black heat shrink tubing, about 1 1/4 inch long, over the wire sliding it away from where you are going to solder. Now lightly crimp the copper tube to hold the wire in while you solder the wire to the copper. Then slide the heat shrink over the joint and heat it with a hair dryer or heat gun.