Questions about '85 Parisienne

Alrighty! Where to start? I have a hulking massive paperweight right now that I do not trust at the moment, but on to the questions!

First is... When I attempt to start the vehicle, once in awhile I hear a 'grinding' noise. Someone said maybe the "lifter" (Lif-tuh) is loose. I really don't know what to think! I have no Idea, hopefully you seasoned vets can tell me something about that.

Second is that the gas gauge is broken... Any Ideas on how to fix something like that? I really would like to see how much gas is in the tank again!!! This is really horrible all this goes wrong all at once!

Please, oh please, send me in a direction other than the local mechanic, because I really want to learn this stuff... All help would be soooo Appreciated, thank you all in advance! :)

Gotta 85 Parisienne Myself(great Car),just About Everything Works But The Radio.
O.k You Asked About A Grinding When Starting?possibly&chances Are Its Your Starter(i Am Going By Start & Grinding).
O.k Gas Gauge If It Is The Gauge Itself Just Replace It(fairly Easy To Do)if Its In The Tank End Of It,better Get Used To It
Unless You Feel Like Pulling The Tank Off.
Wish You The Best Of Luck On Both