Well, the brake issue is now fixed; it seems like the cable retainers slided a bit both at the pedal and the equalizer, but they seem to be holding firm now, so I just adjusted the nut to the proper tension and whalah!
Since fuel pressure in the tank seems to be normal, that only leaves the fuel smell and bad sender; hopefully, I'll get a chance to drop by the auto parts store and get a new one before I leave, so I will only leave the fuel smell for my next trip to Panama (February).