Cluster qas Gauge Needle

[jeff_magoo]

1991 Comanche 4x4, auto, column shift
I think I broke the needle on the gas gauge. Here is what i did to break it

I had to take the cluster out, in order to fix the PRNDL gear indicator.  In the process of attempting to fix the indicator, I had to take the gas gauge back plate off. to get it off, I removed the needle.  i thought I had the needle replaced, but no. (I swear that truck hates me ! )
So did I wreck the gas gauge by taking the needle off, or is there a method / process / prayer to put it back on? Or am I going to my back up plan? Find a working column shift cluster (wish me luck ) and replace either the whole gas gauge part or entire cluster. then breaking the mileage on the odometer in order to set it to the miles on the truck

My question is this:
How screwed am I?

FYI, the gear indicator now works, I have to adjust the shift cable, its a bit stiff

[eaglescout526]

If you’re good with a dremel, you can cut out the small window on a non column shift gauge and replace it.  I know I have one from an idiot light cluster that I’m trying to sell.