With no power at all, your fuel gauge should look just like the image I attached. If it doesn't, my guess is something has happened to your gauge while it was out. The needle (with or without power) should never drop down where you can't see it. There is an image attached...your fuel gauge with the face plate removed. The longer pink arrow points to a small brass piece which should stop the needle in its downward movement.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
