Thanks Phak1.
I love your idea of the knurled nuts.
Removing the cluster again is depressing.
But, when I'm mentally ready, I'll do it again and double check the needle clearance as you suggest.
Rusty, as far as a "short", I'm not sure I shorted it if BOTH wires were on the sender post and NO WIRES on the other. Without power going THROUGH the gauge, could it short?
Thanks.