jlau

Hello! I am looking for the above item. Fusick has NONE-AC units, but not w/AC. Does anyone know the difference between the two? I was thinking a longer pipe possibly due to a larger fuel tank??? I found one that seems to be a fits-all item that is made in Taiwan. Any input on quality on that one? Thanks for any input and thoughts...

Tedd Thompson

As Far as I know all 58 had the same size gas tanks. I can't imagine why there would be a different sending unit as the AC has nothing to do with the fuel system. If anyone has a Hollander please chime in on this mystery. Perhaps there is a misprint at Fusick have you given them a call?.... Tedd

Ozzie

I don't have a '58 with C.A.C., and I'm guessing a bit, but it seems like I remember a fuel return line on the air conditioned cars from a line filter to the tank. Perhaps the fuel return goes through the sender assembly instead of just directly into the tank. The tank for the 98 is different from the 88/S88 but there is no difference in the tanks due to air conditioning.
How is it on your car? There is definitely some difference in the senders. The 1958 sender part number without air conditioning is 1518730 and is the same as 1957. The sender part number for the air conditioned cars is 5640098. If you solve the question, please let us know so we won't be left in a mystery.

jlau

Thanks, guys. I will let you know what I find out.

jlau

Ok, here's what I found out. When I contacted Fusick Automotive, the first question that the rep asked me was, "How many lines are on the unit that you are replacing?" Apparently, there are two lines on the A/C cars (one is a vapor line). Ours is an A/C car, but has only one line. I told him that it looked original, and he thinks that early on in the car's life, it was replaced with an incorrect unit. He does not know why the vapor lines were attached to the A/C cars and not the non-A/C cars. Now it makes more sense why the fuel line is so short and does not reach the bottom of the tank. It was made to be in a smaller (I would think) gas tank. Also, what is this "Hollander" that you guys refer to? It sounds like something I should get. Thanks again for your input!

Tedd Thompson

Just a guess on my part but vapor lock was (is) a problem with these cars in the hotter regions of the US. In general AC cars run hotter than non AC cars. A return on the fuel line would keep the fuel circulating and hopefully cooler. I'm lacking in education on 58's so take this as a guess.... Tedd

PS. a Hollander is a catalog put out so one can find which parts exchange between what years and makes. They come up from time to time on Ebay and will have a span of years that will be covered.... Tedd

stephenca118

Tedd you are close. According to the 58 shop manual a return line is incorporated on A/C cars because of higher engine temps. The line runs from the fuel pump integral fuel filter to the gauge sender unit. This is to prevent excessive fuel pressure build up in the line between the fuel pump and the carb. Yes I copied the text almost word for word.
Hollander says 58 98 fuel tanks are alone #573604.
58 88 fuel tank is a #573601 and that possibly a #1163033 from a 54-55 Buick40, 60, 100 will also fit. No distinction between 88 and S88.
Fuel pumps are different between A/C and non A/C.
No listing in Hollander about fuel tank sending units.
Hope this helps.
Steve

oldcutlass

You can look on the frame to see if there is/or evidence of a return fuel line.

ArTrvlr

[QUOTE=jlau;1021047]Apparently, there are two lines on the A/C cars (one is a vapor line). Ours is an A/C car, but has only one line.[QUOTE]

Perhaps the A/C was added after it left the factory. There were lots of dealer installed A/C in the 50s and 60s, before factory air became common.

jlau

Thanks for all of the info, guys! While we strive to keep all of our cars as original as possible, this is an item that probably will not stand out one way or another. For the few times per year that this car will be driven, not having two lines shouldn't kill us.

Tedd Thompson

Just curious, don't 58's have vented gas caps? How would a vent line work on a vented tank? Or A'm I over thinking this..... Tedd