Classic/Antique Car Repair: Fuel Sending Unit, camaro z28, fuel tank sending unit

Question
Hi Dick.  I have another question for you regarding my 1974 Camaro Z28.  How do I go about replacing my fuel sending unit?  I'm getting spotty and unreliable fuel readings and I'm thinking it's the sending unit.  Can I access the sending unit throught the trunk or does the entire fuel tank need to be removed?

Also, thanks for the A/C blower motor help.  The squirrel cage was stuck and wasn't moving so I freed it up and it works fine now.  

Answer
Hi, Scott;

Thank you for the news about the AC blower - I seldom get any feedback at all, glad I could help.

As for the fuel tank sending unit, before you dive into trying to remove the sending unit, inspect the tank mounting and make sure the tank itself is securely grounded, and the wire to the sending unit is in good shape and securely fastened.  Also, note the color of the sending unit wire, and find that same wire up under the dash where it goes to the fuel gauge - maybe you just have a loose connection somewhere.  

There is a connecting plug in that wire, probably near the left door hinge pillar, either near the step trim plate, or behind the upholstered kick panel near your left foot.  Make sure that connector is in good shape.  That same connector carries the tail and stop/turn light wires, so if they are working OK, your conector is most likely OK, so don't bother looking for it.

If all looks OK with the wiring, then you will have to pull the sender.  If you can see where the sender is by following the wire (it will be the only wire that goes to the top or the front edge of the fuel tank), you can see if the sender will come out without dropping the tank.  Some of those cars had a tapered front edge of the tank to allow you to pull the sender without having to drop the tank. The sender is held in with a ring that you tap in a counter-clockwise direction (use a brass or plastic tool, you don't want a spark there!).  

Other cars had a hole plug in the trunk floor to provide access, so take a look under the mat to see if yours does. If neither of those thing seem to be present, yes, you have to drop the tank.

Dick