Gas leak near steering column

[bluesman31]

I just acquired a 1928 A and drove it 40 or so miles and at the end of the drive noticed dripping from the end of the formed channel by the firewall where all the wires, cables, etc run behind the gas gauge. It was clear that the gas gauge was old and had been leaking for some time, BUT this was the easy part I think.....

The car sat for 2 weeks and I noticed new stains by the brake Pedal on the floor mat in line with the steering column. Upon further inspection I also noticed some stains in the paint under the dash by the steering column bracket. I have attached a pic.

I rebuilt and replaced the gas gauge last night, but I am wondering if this leakage by the steering column could be caused by the gauge? It is not close by and some of the stains are high towards where the column attaches. It is too salty and nasty out here in the northeast to go for another drive and splash some fuel around and see if it keeps leaking.

When I removed the gas gauge I looked inside the tank, and it looks like new, beautiful grey with no evidence of rust, almost too new.

Is there any way to inspect the bottom exterior of the fuel tank above the steering column without huge dis-assembly? Is the steering column riveted directly tot he tank?

How is this repair done without dis assembly?