So, I replaced the PCB of the gauge cluster and now the annoying buzzer is gone. Lesson learned; it's not always the system it's monitoring that's got a problem, it's the monitor itself (buzzer)

yay

I also have most of my gauges back on the cluster, and went ahead and replaced the back light bulbs with LED. However, fuel gauge still not working, and the fuel level sender in the tank is new. Gotta be somewhere between the tank and the gauge I'm a thinkin.

hope this helps someone.