'62 electrical issue

[Donald B.]

I've recently noticed that when I step on the brake pedal my gas guage reading increases - if the guage reads 1/2 full, when I step on the brake pedal the reading increases to about 3/4 full.

Any insight as to what is happening and what can be done to correct it?

Thanks as always.

[Dennis C.]

Don, IMO the wiring at the rear of the car...

is somewhat inadaquate as far as grounding is concerned. One small ground wire does the fuel tank, 4 tail lights & 1 license light. Earlier cars had an extra ground to frame at rear. Once that was deleted, the problem you speak of became an issue. Some cars worse than others depending on the integrity of the ground connections - all of them. Some will add an extra ground connection to frame at rear - reports seem to indicate improvement. Easy to test with temporary extra ground to rear bumper. Good luck - please report back. Best, Dennis

[Dennis C.]

Additional guessing... Seems funny that as...

the General added 2 additional tail lights, he subtracted the additional ground at the rear frame. I theorize, when you are traveling at night, for example, and have license light, 4 tail lights & gas gauge working - and then hit the brake light switch and 4 more lamps come on - the gas gauge just flat runs out of grounding friends. I'd try the add on ground at the gas tank and then, the tail light area and then both and see what happens. I understand that factory correct is the holy grail, however, there are exciting exceptions that can be disguised and improve the function of these fun cars. I've never done that, but Mikie #14 does it on a regular basis - so it must be OK... Best, Dennis

[Dick W.]

Re: Additional guessing... Seems funny that as...

And if that does not work, ask the Diabolical Dipstick to tell you about hiding a NOS bottle under the dash of a C-1

[Dennis C.]

Now Dickie, What you talk'in 'bout... ??? *NM*