Fuel tank, Gas Cap and Fuel Sender Question. 59 Bug

I need help finding a gas cap for my 59. I measured outside width and came up with 3.13inch which equals 79.5mm. i am wondering if the 80mm caps i see on samba etc. are what im looking for. are caps measured from outside width.

also what can you tell me about the fuel sender hole in the middle, what stock and aftermarket senders can i use?

THX

My guess is that a 79.5 mm gap is referred to as an 80. Fuel sender hole looks like standard VW size. What is the hole diameter and bolt circle. I'll check it against mine, see if they're the same.

Yes an 80mm cap is what you need. These are the same from 1956-1960 models. The sender looks like it is supposed to be a factory sender from 62 and later. You may need to shorten or bend the float arm to make it work. If you didn't already know, this tank is not designed for a sender nor did it have one. This has obviously been added. It should have a fuel reserve valve on the bottom of the tank.

1.62 inch center hole = 41.14mm


2.11 inch bolt center to bolt center = 53.59mm



Can i use a factory sender with an after market gauge like autometer. I have a water temp gauge that i want to replace with fuel gauge.

And yes i know they did not come factory with a sender i just want to use it since the hole is already there.

I'll check my tank tomorrow and get back to you. Just a suggestion, but I like to use the late model speedo with the fuel guage in the speedo.

thanks for checking, i like that idea of the spedo/fuel. if i cant use an aftermarket one then i may go that route

I just dont have a use for water temp (far right gauge) and dont want a hole there


(Photo from when i got it)

O yeah and those who have a 80mm cap how much/condition? THX

A boost gauge would look nice! Love the dash, that's really clean.

You could put in a aftermarket fuel gauge with its own sending unit.

I used a new VDO fuel gauge and it used a standard sending unit. I think it was mentioned previously, but you just might have to make an 'adjustment' to the float. I had to bend mine down about a quarter on an inch.

I ran a standard VDO float in my tank for a year before I came across a stock 'tube' type sending unit. I swapped it out, but there was no difference in readings on the gauge. Both are accurate.

hmmm a boost gauge you say.... i will be doing that one of these days

Ill keep my eyes open for a sending unit now, as long as i can get the right size, and a gauge.

Thanks guys

I used the same type of tubing that you would use for an oil pressure gauge. No sender required, just a line from intake manifold to the gauge. Another thought would be a fuel/air mixture gauge, little more complicated 'tho.

Checked a gas tank I have and it matches! So, yes, a VW sender will fit your hole. Don't know about the accuracy because of the extra depth in your tank, but it's certainly better than no fuel gauge at all.

How about after the swap meet if you do not find what you are looking for I will track down Martin and see what he has.

sweet thanks for checking, ill get a standard sender so i can see full and mostly empty

sounds good 'type 4" ill check the swap and let you know

thanks again for all the help with this.

just got the bug registered again and new headlights, time to start driving it again. wish the weather was better right now.

The factory sender as you know has a cable to operate the gauge. Is this true for the newer speedo with the fuel gauge in it?

No.. it went to electric in 68.

Does the sender on the 68 and later fit the earlier style tanks?

I believe it does.. in fact, yes I am almost positive it does.. cause you can throw a later sender in it and run a newer speedo

The newer speedo uses an electric sending unit. (Fits the tank like the early unit) A single wire runs from tank to speedo. The rest is built into the speedo.

That's good to know.

Where would the best place be to get a fuel sender?

the samba, jc whitney, bugformance, internet?

My tank is in the process of getting steam cleaned and a fresh red coat applied, i got a fuel cap at the swap meet and after some paint should be ready to go.

Does anyone know what thread pattern and size, the hole on the underside is?

Post a want ad on here..

If you are buying a new sender you can check for one on thesamba or wolfsburgwest.

Parts for Imports up here in Grass Valley usually has them in stock. They also carry the replacement spigot kit for the bottom(comes with spigot tube, nut, washers and strainer screen.

I always forget about them. They are great and their prices are very fair.