1st off, the gas gauge isn't working in my '81. Is this the sensor, gauge or what? Also, the car dogs and surges while driving. No power, no idle. Was told I need a new carb 'cause computer is out. Sound reasonable?

 

is it 81 or 91??

 

it's an 81

 

it's got a 229 2 bbl. with one of the 1st "computers". I was told a rebuilt carb would be about $500 by a mechanic, but have found them way less on net. Who to believe? We bought this car for my stepson. Hoping to get it going good very soon.

 

 

if your gas gauge isn't working it's either the gauge itself OR the in tank sending unit. the cheepest, less laboress thing to do would be change the gauge first. get one from a junk yard. if that don't work you will have to drop the tank, change the sending unit, replace the lines that are probably corroded ect. it's a pain in the @$$.
as for the computer being out, I'm surprised your car starts at all. the computers controls the ignition/distributor, carb, lock-up converter in the transmission and all the other functions of the car. I would recommend getting a computer first and formost.