Ok, I got all this done the way I want it. I cleaned up my OEM sender and reinstalled it. It registered about 1/4 tank with 36 gallons in it. I bought a float switch from Liquidlevel.com, a 1/4" stainless pipe nipple, a 1/4x1/8 stainless NPT reducer coupling, and a 3/4x1/4 brass bushing. These are all the parts.
My tank had a plugged 3/4" threaded hole in the top where I installed this switch.
I cut the pipe at 24" which when all together put the float trigger about 8" off the floor. The switch closes with 35-36 gallons of fuel left in the tank. That's plenty to get me to the next stop.
I put it all in, tested it in the shop. I added 2 gallons and it went out. I drove it about 13-14 miles and boom, it came on

Nice.
I think I spent around $47 for all the parts.