85 Gas Tank Rant

[cajun66]

Pulled my tank out Sunday to discover a bit of rust rattling around in it. No sweat. The shop vac took care of the loose stuff and a flashlight found the pin hole. Also no sweat. Checked the integrity of the metal, cleaned it up and brazed the hole away. Finished cleaning out the inside of the tank and started searching for a sending unit as the original disintigrated.
Local auto parts stores?....................Nope
Our vendors at work?........................Nope
Internet search?..............................Nope

A little research shows that the 84 tank has a small hole for the sending unit (which is still available). But in 85 the tank was updated with a larger hole in preparation for the fuel injection tank in 86. The 1985 Bronco 2 has a one off hybrid sending unit. Large mount for the F/I hole but setup for the carbureted engine. Apparently no one reproduces them. Not even LMC.

So. Do I replace the tank and sending unit with an 84 setup? Or do I buy an 86 F/I sending unit and hope I can make it work?

[cajun66]

And the filler neck is also hard to find. Hitting up a vendor for that little gem. Sometimes being a fluid power specialist has it's advantages.

[cajun66]

Got my 1986 sending unit in today. It will work in my 85 tank. All I need to do is plug the return tube, clip the unused wires, and extend the pickup tube.