It doesn’t hurt to keep it. It keeps gas fume smell down in garage. But if you do delete it put a fuel filter on it up front or back by the tank but keep it higher than tank. Or plug line and get a vented gas cap. There is also a valve style vent in case of roll overs out there.
I use an old soldering iron and some metal mesh for window screens on a few things works good. Melt crack up then slowly melted mesh down into it then added plastic back to both sides. Sanded down some on side you see then painted. Those are fairly cheap to buy repo ones
I just purchased a coverlay one and from the top it doesn’t look to bad. But the lower edge and around gauge bezel you will be able to see old dash. It is not full installed in picture just pushed on to check fit. I’ve seen and read that USA1 industries and Cheyenne pickup parts have the best...
Could try https://www.stockinteriors.com/SeatUpholstery.asp?Itemid=22943
or https://www.yourautotrim.com/xtremenavyblue.html
I’ve got samples from both.
Check your wires real good. Because they have a few factory splices in them. May have to remove factory tape and see if corroded or damaged. Mine wouldn’t switch on left tank pump because of corroded splice. Could also be bad sender in tank or selector valve like others have said.
Looks like someone’s rebuild/painted panels is just peeling. That is a high ware spot. All the trim, strap, insert and armrest will come off and can be repainted.
Mine was the same way. I wire wheeled it off. Just put some tape around outside to help protect what you don’t want to get. Then clean off and wipe down with acetone. Then paint with a self etching paint