We had a similar problem with a "new" reproduction fuel gauge we installed in a '49 3100. The "exact fit" new gauge was almost .150" thicker. The needle was pushed against the face of the gauge by the chrome bezel. it was trapped and could not move.
Apparently this is not a new problem but the suppliers are not willing to fix it. The solution is to either grind/sand/file away some of the chrome bezel. Or just buy a NOS gauge like we did.
AD Fuel Gauge
