<VV> Early manifold gauge connection problem

[Derek Archer]

I have a '64 spyder coupe that I recently had the dash out. The 
manifold pressure guage had been working fine until I replaced that 
dash after replacing a dead tach. (I have three dead spyder tachs now. 
Does anyone know of somewhere that can rebuild them reasonably?) 
Anyway, I noticed that the nut and ferrule assembly on the gauge where 
the hose goes was a bit beaten up, so I replaced them. Now, the hose 
comes out of the gauge with VERY little effort. Also, it now is not 
reading correctly. At idle it usually reads about 15 inches negative, 
which is what it actually is and in full boost, runs about halfway into 
the positive area. Now, it only reads about 7 inches negative at idle 
and barely goes past zero when I'm into the throttle. I am very sure 
that this bad hose fitting is to blame but I really don't want to take 
the dash out again. Is there another way to seal the connection at the 
gauge. Perhaps some modeling clay around where the hose goes into the 
gauge?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Derek Archer