Hey folks Im new around these parts. I bought a 71 2-door recently. Im not very technical so bear with me here! I just got a couple of questions for ya. 1. The fuel gauge is stuck halfway even when there is no gas in the tank. Anyway to repair it or do I have to replace the gauge itself? 2. When making a right turn, I have to hold the turn signal up as it doesnt 'stay'. But left turns it works fine and stays in the position. How would I go about fixing it? I know this is pretty basic stuff but thanks for any ideas you might have. Sean71
Welcome to the board Sean. There are a great bunch of people here who are more than willing to try to answer any questions you may have. There is an easy way to see if the gas tank gage is bad or not. Unplug the wires from the gas tank and look to see if the gage goes down to empty. If the gage stays at the halfway mark, then the gage is stuck and needs replacing. If the gage does go to empty, then replacing the sending unit is in order. AutoKrafers sells the sending units if you need one. The problem with the turn signal indicator is a bit more involved. Inside the steering column is a plastic mechanism that operates the turn signal stalk. One of the "ears" is most likely broken off. Replacing the mechanism involves pulling off the steering wheel to get to it. You should be able to see the mechanism as soon as the wheel is off. If you are not comfortable pulling the wheel off, you should send the car to someone who has the right tools and knows how to do it. Good luck.
to pull off the wheel: after you remove the horn and wires to it, remove the nut holding the wheel on. get a piece of wood (2 by 4) just about 5 inches long. better yet a SOFT hammer like brass or something. put your right knee behind the lower right :corner: of the wheel. to a 4:00 position. left hand goes at a 10:00 position. have a friend pound the shaft you took the nut off of while you pull with your left hand and put a lot of pressure ther same direction with your knee. uhhhh pounding with the block in place so you don't screw up the shaft. it should pop off. if not pound harder and pull harder. i learned this trick in a junk yard while i was trying to find a turn signal switch cuz mine was doing the same thing yours was. oh yeah.... also disconnect the battery or your horn will go nuts! finally, post in the parts wanted forum for a switch cuz last i heard, autokrafters wants about 75 bucks for one
Damn Scott! Would'nt it be easier to just borrow a steering wheel puller? Yeah, I know....who thinks to bring that to the junkyard along with all the other tools we never remember to bring. Hey, if it works, it works.
The only thing Scott... is one of these days you'll call me up and say"_ey _uss I _ook a -eering _heel_ oo the _ace _ooday (tanslation) Hey Russ I took a steering wheel to the face today. LOL My brother had that happen to him once, even with a puller. SO becareful of the wheels they can be DANGEROUS Russ
You should never hit the steering wheel shaft with a hammer or anything else when attempting to remove a steering wheel, as this can cause permenant damage to the shaft or column. That technique is best used at the junkyards when you just want to get the steering wheel off and don't care about anything else. Best way is to use a steering wheel puller (not all that expensive) or pull real hard with your hands in the "10" and "4" positions as previously described, working it back & forth HOWEVER be sure to leave the steering wheel nut threaded on the first few threads because that will prevent the wheel from smacking you in the head or face & breaking your nose if it does come off while you're pulling hard on it...
she dumped me, i was recuperating from a motocross accident in which i was tore up bad. I was devastated,,,,, sheesh who wants to be young again!!!!!!!!!! Now I am much better. :bananaman Dan
Dont remember the whole steering wheel incident. My wife says it hit me right square in the nog. LOL I guess its good I dont remember.
