The fuse box used on 1950-1955 trucks is described (for 50-51, which is the same for 1953)
in this Shop Manual. Some other circuits are protected by circuit breakers in the light switch on the dash.
"Should the fuel gauge have a grind on it?"
I do not know what grind would be needed on a fuel gauge - ground?
Most problems related to fuel gauges the result of:
- power lead connected to wrong post on gauge (fries the gauge even if you reconnected that lead correctly)
- a bad lead from the gauge to the sender
- bad ground at the gauge and/or the sender
- bad sender unit
- bad gauge (often "fried" by connection of 12v power to the input post on a 6v gauge)
Fuel gauge problems seem to be a common problem. Diagnosis can be tricky, tedious, and confusing.
Here is a good Gas Gauge Problems Tech Tip
