In case you ever wondered just who it was that came up with the idea of putting the arrow on the gas gauge to let you know which side the gas tank is on:

Non-Paywalled link: WSJ 1/3/26: "The Genius Whose Simple Invention Saved Us From Shame at the Gas Station"

Here's how it started

quote:

One rainy day 40 years ago, Moylan was headed to a meeting across Ford’s campus and hopped in a company car. When he saw the fuel tank was nearly empty, he stopped at a gas pump. What happened next is something that’s happened to all of us: He realized that he’d parked on the wrong side.

Left vs. right.

50% chance of getting it right every time.

This guy should replace the genius that created the auto-shut off feature.

So close, Joel. So close.

Been there, done that.

Wouldn’t have helped on a ‘56 Chevy

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
Wouldn’t have helped on a ‘56 Chevy

Also the Continental MkII

Behind the rear license plate.

Most of them - their last year was 1987 - predate this, but I wonder how this would have worked on the "square-body" GM trucks with fuel tanks and fillers on both sides.

I owned one - a 1984 C20 - and filling both tanks at once, at a single pump, could be trying at times.

I am 42 years old and for as far back as I can remember my grandpa always drew an arrow somewhere on the gauge cluster to show where the gas tank was.
He also always installed an exterior temperature gauge of some sort.

quote:

Originally posted by Schmelby:
Behind the rear license plate.

That’s wild was the best because you could pull up to any open pump and it didn’t matter.

It was not behind the license plate on a ‘56 Chevy
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic...6cFiABbRZxyan2w&s=10

I don't remember which car it was, but there was one where you had to tip one of the rear tailights down for access.

Bob

I think it was my mother that told me this story years ago.
A man driving a ‘56 Chevy went into town for ice cream and was very low on gas. He went for ice cream first, and while in line, some punks stole his car. He called the cops and reported it. The officer says I know where it is. It’s at the gas station. Apparently the punks went to get gas, paid first, went back outside and couldn’t figure out where the filler neck was so they just walked away. At least the man didn’t have to wait long to get his car back.

Yep rbert0005, click the link above and you’ll see it. I really need to learn to post pics.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:

quote:

Originally posted by Schmelby:
Behind the rear license plate.

That’s wild was the best because you could pull up to any open pump and it didn’t matter.

And if the tank was full but the gas cap leaked or was forgotten, gas would surge out on the ground every time the car took off from a stop. And was vulnerable in a rear-ender.

If you are not smart enough to remember which side the fuel fill is on, are you smart enough to remember the arrow on gage tells you? Of course, handy the first time you drive an unfamiliar vehicle.

After years of driving vehicles with the filler on the left, our Crosstrek is on the right side. I'm happy for the reminder of that little arrow.

quote:

Originally posted by Appliance Brad:
After years of driving vehicles with the filler on the left, our Crosstrek is on the right side. I'm happy for the reminder of that little arrow.

I have an Outback, my first Subaru. When surfing a Subaru forum, I found the quote, "Subaru, bult with love, not logic"!