Temp & fuel gauges - what am I overlooking?

Cases like yours are rare. Some of us look forward to a challenge. Learning the solution to your puzzle could benefit someone else. I for one would be quite disappointed if you gave up.
I would really like to drive the thing this weekend if possible.

I've got the tester to slap together today, and if things check out with that I don't think there's a reason to keep the cluster on the bench.