The stupid part of it all was that none of this needed to be done...it started out as a simple gauge replacement and once they were out, you stand back, scratch your head and say..."well, I might as well do this while the dash is apart..." It just snowballs from there...
Anyway, It'll be just the way I want it when its done---without it looking like a hack job.
I have no idea when I'll be done, I'm hoping Memorial Day...putting it back together will be easy, its just waiting on everyone else to do their part. And...I've just gotten word from my job that I'll be working 5 weekends this summer...

Time to look for a new job.
Here's a before picture.