New Auto Meter Gauge/Sending issues

So now that I finally have fuel in the car and have her running I need to figure out why this fuel gauge is not working. Everything is brand new. The gauge is an Auto Meter 5715 rated from 73-12ohms and the sending unit is a new factory 3/8 unit from Vans Auto rated at the same ohms. I have 5 gallons of fuel in the tank now and it reads zero on the gauge. I should at least be reading 1/4 or less. I pulled out the fuel filler tube and stuck a coat hangar in there to lift the sender and once I pulled it all the way up, it finally read full. There is no in between. It either reads totally full or empty. Ideas? I have exhuasted my options with the search so now I am looking for help. All grounds are good and everything is temporarily run straight to the battery for troubleshooting purposes. My next option is buying a full sweep programmable gauge if all else fails.