Hrm, how easy is it to pull off the guage panel? Now that I've repaired my fusible link I have noticed that half of my dash lights don't work, and when I turn my headlights on, my temperature guage pegs to the right. I'm thinking loose wire in there somewhere? I hope this isn't the start of an endless life of electrical problems...

You can easily remove the panel cover to replace bulbs but your symptoms sound like there is a break in the flexible that connects the lamps and gages to the wiring harness plugs. The circuit breaks are usually near the harness connectors. The flex is difficult to repair but good replacements are often for sale in the mall.

I'm pretty sure the issue is in the dash right there. I have to admit I lost my temper around hour 6 or so of being stranded the last time she broke down and I struck the dash...