You probably already have a plan Bob, but you might get a dash gauge panel first and then you'll know exactly what shape to make your patch panel. There are some verycool options for aftermarket dash panels from some of the great vendors like Mid Fifty F100:
http://midfifty.com/store.php?&srch=dash%20panels&page=1Some gauge panels drop slightly lower than stock to make room for additional important guages like oil pressure, water temp, and tach. Once you dump a lot of dough and labor into a decent mill it's nice to not rely on old idiot lights to monitior your vital signs.
Good luck. I'll be interested to see your transformation.
Bill C
Drag it home, figure it out.