When you pulled your original template, was there a lot of adhesive under it? Maybe it is to much or not smooth enough and some is rubbing on the tach needle axle. Or maybe the new template isn't laying completely flat - and has a slight bubble the needle catches on between 1000-1500.
For the blinkers - when you removed and reinstalled the gauge cluster - did you inadvertently move the flasher unit? are the contacts of the flasher touching anything they should not be? if not - trying swapping bulbs from right to left - and see what happens. Check for corrosion in the bulb sockets while you have them out.
Rusty.