67~68 Buckets: Original or Modify?

[SCOTI]

I have a set of original buddy buckets for my 68 that are in so-so shape w/some surface rust on the console 'compartment'. The seats will most likely require new foam but are mostly intact.

My dilemma is I want to permanently mount my air-ride stuff while keeping it inconspicuous & I'm considering modifying the console to accomplish the task.

My idea is to mount the 'switches' in/on the front of the console compartment (under the front lip of the seat foam). I would like to be able to reach down to the front of the console/seat & make height adjustments, but keep everything hidden otherwise. I still have to figure where to mount the gauges & want to keep them inconspicuous as well (mounting them in the 4-lower holes of the factory gauge cluster would work if I could match all the gauges..... anything besides hanging them in plain view under the dash line).

It's not like the console compartment is some ultra-rare, unobtainable item.... it's a sheetmetal box that could be duplicated if necessary (or the area that is modified for the switches could be replaced just like you would do when filling in a side-marker light).

What do you think?