Hey Alan, Thank you for the response, I think the $3.00 rubber pipe cap 1 1/2in diameter will fit around the steering column and fill the gap. The brace is a good idea. I have some room around the gauges and a few options.
I think fabricating a black faceplate with the same glass black finish may clean up the rest of the look around the column, once I'm all secure.
Working on sourcing a new steering wheel currently.