Fuel Gauge Problem...68 firebird

My fuel gauge worked 6 months ago before I tore my car apart. I just hooked the gauges back up turned on the key and my gauge is registering about 1.5 inches PAST full!!! What could be the problem. I have a wire that I'm not sure about also that comes out of the back of the fuel gauge area in my instrument cluster.See pic. Should this be ground or hot or what?????

P.S. Im still learning how to post pics...hope they post.

Doc here,

Couldn't tell you what that is in the photo..IF it is a wire , It's a bit big for a Fuel gauge sender..Looks more to me like the broken end off a mechanical temp gauge ... but I have poor eyesight.

If the gauge pegs full, you have an open connection between the fuel gauge and the sender. Check at the tank to be sure the wire hasn't fallen off. Be sure the sender and fuel egress door has a good Frame ground. (ground lug at sender) Pull the sender wire, and ground it, check your gauge, it should peg at empty, If it does, your sender is shot..replace it.

If no change, you'll have to hand over hand inspect the sender wire between the tank to the gauge for a cut or open, repair as needed.

Doc

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