So... i am so close to getting this '89 CRX HF road worthy...
 

I bought the car on the way back from a track event in Florida in March 2013 and have since done a motor swap, suspension bushing overhaul, as well as the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat.

I thought I was in the clear and was driving the car back into the city from my underground lair when all of a sudden my fuel gauge went from reading half full to reading empty while, simultaneously, the engine cut out and lost power, coasting to a stop.

Thankfully, I had enough momentum to get to the park and ride. I've decided to let is sit there while i try to figure out my options to avoid having to tow the car.

At this point, the fuel pump doesn't prime, so it could be a dead pump or a dead electrical signal to the pump. I'm not sure which. What's more common?

I imagine it's the ground for the fuel pump. That would be shared by the pump and the gauge sender.

Sounds plausible... Where is that located? Closer to the pump or the ecu/front of car?

It might be right at the pump, a black wire going from the pump to the frame.

Ended up being a blown main relay due to the fuel pump wire shorting to chassis. New main relay fixed the pump and the car drives now. The sending unit is still not functioning but still maintains its connection to the ecu. Thinking I need a new level sensor.