I've sometimes had trouble reading the fuel level from some dipsticks. One of the best and most reliable fuel gauges I've seen is a clear tube of glass (Pyrex?) or fuel-proof plastic. You dip it in the tank, put your finger over the top, lift it up and read the level.
You calibrate it just like you would any other fuel dipstick. For accurate calibration, start with empty tanks and a couple of pitchers, fill both pitchers with one (1) gallon of fuel each and pour them into both wing tanks at about the same tank (to remove cross-feed as an issue). It'll take several gallons before you get any fuel in your dip-tube due to the tilt of the tanks. Then, mark the dip tube appropriately. There used to be a company selling such a "kit" which advertised in the back of the aviation magazines. Accurate measurement is most important if you want to be rigorous in not going over the certified gross weight. Also, it's good to carefully calibrate your float gauge on the nose tank. Re-do the calibration if you replace the gauge or the cork. Personally, I **really** want to know how much fuel is left when the nose tank float gauge hits bottom! The other Ed Ed Burkhead http://edburkhead/Ercoupe/index.htm ed -at- edburkh???ead . com (change -at- to @ and remove ??? and spaces)
