Update:

New fuse in without radio, gauges (and of course clock) are still out. I put in the old stock radio - the "code" message comes right up, fuse doesn't blow - but there is no clock, either, like there should be with a deck in!

So: the new deck is definitely wired funny, I guess it's the constant power wire (red?) since the fuse only blows with the new deck in and the car on.

Here's my question, to ShAg9yBrDr and others: will blowing the clock bulb out cause the cluster lights to go out too? Is there a fuse that handles both of these? Will I have to replace the cluster bulbs as well? Thanks to any who know and can help...