I did the Covan's Classic insert that holds 6 gauges itself...then did a lot of metal work (actually hand built a new center section) to fit the head unit, VA control, A/C louver, and 3 more gauges.
In your case you could just add the CC dash insert and still use the four on the console.
Or leave the stock gauge cluster (possibly add 5" Auto Meter gauges), add Vintage Air and move the HVAC controls to the seat belt pocket you mentioned above, the streamline control I'm using just might fit. Then you use the DSE VA control panel to house three gauges in the stock heater control location. That's all I got at the moment!
