Sending Unit Float Question

Thanks for the advice all. Yes, ideally I should replace the entire sending unit. However, this is not up to me. My Dad likes to play Mr. fix it and he's hoping my problem is only with the resistance rod. He thinks bending it near the elbow will help with my fuel level misreporting. However, I think it's either the float that is bad, or the resistance rod is not moving up and down smoothly. Could that cause the rod to not report the fuel level correctly?
Nevertheless, I have a feeling after working on it tomorrow, he will side with me and buy a new one. You see, I only agreed to take over the car if he fixed the fuel gauge problem. That was the deal we made before signing over the pink slip (college graduation gift). I'll post some pictures in the coming weeks if you guys are interested. Thanks again.