ok all:

i think i need a new fuel gage. unless someone can tell me how to trouble shoot the one i have-keeps blowing fuses, but wiresappear to be good. no bare ones...

i was gonna just stick in another on in a side pod. any suggestions on dificultyu and/or which i shoudl get for a fuel level gage(not mixture)

The problem could be in the sending unit in the tank. Or in the wiring from the tank unit to the gauge.

I'm no expert at electrical but another thing to check before you do anything rash is unplug the gauge and test the wires at the end of the connection , then the gauge itselfe. Unless I'm mistaken all the gauges are run off the same harness which is run inside the dash itselfe. Then the other connectors from the engine compartment in the passenger side by the glove box connect to that harness there. Anyone feel free to correct or add.