This is my Detroit Speed and Engineering dash insert.  I got it without any holes for the gauges or radio pre-cut.  I knew that I wanted to use 5" speedo and tach, as well as six 2 1/16" gauges.  To do the initial layout to see how everything worked together and the spacing that I would need, I created my own actual size paper gauge templates with a photo editor.  I printed them then cut them out.  You can see how it was going to come together in the picture below.  Once I was confident that's how it should look, I used digital calipers and a compass to locate the centers for the holes, horizontal and vertical alignment, as well as consistent spacing between all gauges.  I knew it had to be perfect, as any little imperfection would be staring me in the face every time I would be behind the wheel.

I kept the stock heater, headlight and wiper controls.  For turn signal indicators, high beam and parking brake warning lights, I used panel mount 12V LEDs.  The only issue I had is that in the size and style I wanted, blue is not available.  I had to settle for orange.  Mounted in the horizontal area, above the headlight switch, are two barely visible flush mount rocker switches.  One is for the Spal fan manual override, and the other toggles a 12V relay for the Mallory Comp 250 fuel pump.

The dash came in bare metal with some deep scratches from the prep at DS&E.  I used a tiny amount of filler to clean them up.  After hand sanding the entire assembly, I shot it with a self-etching primer.  I then took it to a friend that shot it in a booth, having him match it to the satin finish of the rest of the dash.

The radio is a Alpine CD/mp3 player.  I chose it largely due to the fact that it has a silver bezel and silver face to match the AutoMeter Pro Comp Ultra-Lite gauges.  The fact that it's an Alpine doesn't hurt either.  I fabricated the the harness for the eight gauges, four indicator lights, and radio using Molex connecters, soldering every connection. 

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the results.  If I had to guess, I'd say I have well over 20 hours in it from layout, executing, prepping, painting, and wiring.