Finally got the car running what I would consider good, and at an idle the gauge shows zero oil pressure and about 1500 rom it picks up to between 15-20. I know the motor is getting oil because I don't hear any abnormal noises. Potentially the sending unit, pump? I've also heard the pickup could fall off causing a similar issue, haven't checked with a manual gauge yet. Any ideas as to what it could be or any one have a similar problem?

 

I would confirm with a external gauge first.

If that gauge shows low/zero pressure and you think the oil pick up came off you can fish a coathanger or something in oil drain hole or remove the oil level sensor to try and feel for the PU laying in the pan

 

Where would I get an external gauge? Dumb question I'm sure but is it something I can rent from autozone or oreillys?

 

you can check with your local auto part stores to see if they have them in their loan-a-tool inventory

or buy one like this
Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit

or install a quality aftermarket gauge under the hood or run one to your interior

 

At Idle how many rpm's are you turning ?
Minimum pressure required @1000 rpm's is 10psi
however your oil pressure at idle should not be zero I would differently look into the problem

 

if the pickup fell off it would never show itself at idle as long as oil reads normal on the dipstick because the pump is totally immersed in oil. If the pickup fell off it would show itself under hard acceleration but more so on heavy braking the pressure would fall off.

Is the pressure dropping to zero at idle even when the engine is cold or after you have been driving it for awhile?

its possible that the sender is bad, its also possible that the internal bypass on the pump is stuck open in which case a new pump would be necessary. start with a new sender or mechanical pressure gauge and see what happens. If it really is zero psi at idle the first thing you would hear is the valvetrain start to get loud because of collapsed lifters.