Gauge Issues

[kcackler]

I recently purchased a 77 Chevy Pickup (Scottsdale) and am slowly but surely working on fixing the various issues that I'm finding.

The first thing I've decided to tackle, since it's hopefully one of the cheapest, is the fixing of various gauge issues the truck has. Here they are in no particular order:

1 - The gas gauge always reads above full. I assume the sending unit is out?

2 - The speedometer is loose, for lack of a better word. When driving, the speedometer may fluctuate 5-10 MPH, even when the speed is constant. When I force the gauge up and let go, it just slowly falls back down. Is it not supposed to snap back down to 0 more quickly? Maybe the cable from the tranny is worn out?

3 - The temperature gauge only moves a little less than a notch for some reason. It's obviously somewhat working, because when the truck is warmed up, the needle is off of the C, but it's nowhere near where it needs to be.

4 - The most frustrating - The gauge lights are very loose. I replaced a few of the bulbs, but had to wiggle them just right to get them working. I've got a feeling that the first time I hit a nice bump, they'll get loose again. Is there any way to tighten the sockets that they go into?

5 - The gear selection needle is broken. It's obvious that the needle is supposed to connect to the steering column with something, but I've got no idea what. Right now there is a string tied to the needle, but it's not connected to anything. It was obviously an attempt at fixing it.

6 - Is there anywhere that I can buy a new dashboard for the truck? The current one is old and beat up and sun damaged and cracked, and looks like crap. Is there anyone that makes replacements?

I think that wraps up my dash questions for now. Any help or advice is much appreciated.