New member with old gauge problem

There are so many conditions/factors that play into what damage occurred. First off, the instrument with the least resistance suffered the most. That is typically the fuel gauge. Since you stated the tank was empty, the oil pressure gauge is second in line ( higher oil pressure = less resistance than low water temp ). In any and every case, inside every thermal instrument, their is a tiny resistor winding on a bi-metal strip. The winding is so small that it creates little to no restriction in movement of the bi-metal strip. The bi-metal strip started out its life arrow straight.
You cant know what condition these components are in until you open each instrument. If the bi-metal strip is found bowed at room temperature, its spent. If the winding insulation is more than slightly discolored ( should be a pale goldish color ) its questionable. Worst case scenario, that winding appears many times its original size with crunchy black coating. Touch it, it breaks away and falls. I've had so many of these come to my hands over the years past. In first look I notice what looks like ground black pepper in the needle movement area. I pretty much know what I'll find inside.
Where so much miss conception exists. General population seems to believe that, "grounded the wire and needle went to full" is adequate test. Zero resistance can move a needle a heck of a lot more than those various "within range" resistances can.