Interesting.
I'm battling a similar deal but not a gas gauge, it's related to the thumbwheel dimmer/IP lights.
Mess with the thumbwheel trying to make the IP lighting work, POP goes the parklamp & brake light fuse.
Jumping the IP fuse from another accy feed at the fuse box, same thing.
Dome light works fine, everything else fine.
Those dimmer thumbwheels are notorious, tempted to replace it with a rebuilt OEM unit, but whatta PITA.
Just occurred to me to try a 2nd ground at the tail lamps...