You state you have been through 3 OEM fuel gauges. If you have not, don't buy 6V fuel gauge, purchase a 12V replacement. Then no resistors, no scabbing or bandaids.

See:http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/dyncatv2.asp?which=amclsall&p1=initial&p2=Speedometer+and+Gauge+Items&iyear=1955&ytype=to&exyear=1955

1951 Chevy 3600 rust bucket with GarWood dump bed conversion
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeybs51chevy