dash panels and new gauges

[mamato2]

Hey - none of my gauges work except the speedo (and it's off), so i decided to replace the gauges and wiring this winter. I got the wiring harness, sending units and speedo cable. I ordered custom gauges from speedhut - they're custom designing white faced gauges with red flames and red pointers. They're backlighting the white with white and red with red - it's gonna look sick! Only thing is, is that my dash panel looks like junk. Right now, it has the original dash panel and I had put a brushed aluminum panel over it earlier this year. But the radio cutout looks like crap because the previous owner installed an aftermarket radio and just cut the plastic. I ordered a carbon fiber dash panel from an aftermarket company, but when I got it, i was totally let down. It looks like it belongs on a new car - not even close to classic looking. Plus it doesn't have the cutouts for the heater, turn signals or shift indicator. Hopefully I can return it and get a refund. I have looked in a few parts catalogs and brothers has the replacement dash panel in chrome or black (wishing i could find a red metal one). If i ordered just the replacement to what i have, would the gauges have to sit the same way? Currently, it has the recessed gauges, but my replacements mount flush with the panel. Does anyone know if replacement panels can mount the gauges like that, or do they require those recessed gauges? thanks!!