Replacing Cork Float

[MochetVelo]

I want to replace an old cork gas gauge float. It's round like a bottle cork, 1" diameter and 1-1/8" long. Any suggestions on what I should replace it with?

Phil

[Rich Janouskovec]

Check with a Model A supplier like Snyders they have cork floats for the gas gauge

[Rusty_OToole]

Have you tried your local hardware store? Mine has a selection of corks up to thermos bottle size and larger.

You should be able to cut one down to any size and shape using a sharp knife and sandpaper.

Coat it with epoxy or gas tank sealant for a permanent job. The original was coated with shellac which dissolves in alcohol, a component of modern gas.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

that sounds like for a Model A. If it is you should look into a neoprene float as in Bratton's catalog. They also have the tools you need to remove the gauge and replace the float.

[MochetVelo]

It's a 1959 Vespa 400, but the float is very close in size to the Model A, so I ordered a neoprene Ford "A" float and cut it a little shorter. It seems to be a nice fit. Thanks!

Phil

[Rich Janouskovec]

I'm glad it worked out for you

[West Peterson]

Here's an interesting solution that was used for the oil gauge float in a 1930 Packard. Would this work for the fuel tank?

Packard Paddock Tribune

[MochetVelo]

I think the Model A neoprene float would have worked for the Packard guy, but I think he enjoyed making his own... not to mention a Packard owner's natural aversion to Ford parts!

Phil

[DavidAU]

I wonder about making the brass oil level float. I have thought about making one for my car.

If it was feasable you would have thought the original manufacturers would have made brass floats instead of cork. After all they were making them for carbies so why not oil level readers.

Maybe they expand and contract too much with the high temperature of the oil and fail. Any thoughts?

David

1923 Metallurgique Torpedo

1931 Rolls Royce Phantom 2 Continental

1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe

1947 Mercury Coupe

[RU22]

Get a good bottle of wine....... lot more fun that just ordering a cork

None of that tree hugger plastic cork crap!

And you'll have a good story to go along with the repair!:cool:

Edited August 31, 2010 by RU22 (see edit history)

[MochetVelo]

RU22: Not to quibble, but don't you have to hug a tree to get cork?

Phil

[RU22]

Cork IS the bark of trees...... Here in the EU plastic corks have become law

Also you can't put a fish in a round bowl because it does serious psycological damage to the fish

AND All bird cages must hve corners too...... same reason

Until this year we had a law that forbid bananas that we're not curved enough....... honest