I looked at the upgraded panels for the engines. The only problem I saw with the ones I viewed was that you would have to modify the existing consoles to put them in. I didn't want to do that. For the downstairs station, I took all the gauges out of the panels and installed them into the Hatteras console, which I'd had repainted for the purpose. For the bridge helm, I took all the gauges out and installed them in the original helm console, and then put the Plexiglass shields back over them. (I've had to replace some of the gauges since then- they were VDO, which are no great shakes, let me tell you. I would be better off with all Isspro gauges, no question about it)
I had a problem with space when I added Isspro Turbocators. I made small panels out of Starboard and rearranged all the gauges to fit under the Plexiglass shields so that they would all fit in there. I wanted to preserve the look of the original helm station as much as I could.
The technology is better, now. If I were doing it again I might just bite the bullet and rebuild the whole bridge helm console, what the hell. But I like that it looks at least somewhat original.
Incidentally, the VDO tachs that came with my engines never worked accurately. I finally gave up on them and bought Isspro tachs- which worked perfectly the first time out, agreed top and bottom stations, and have worked fine ever since. And they fit the original holes.
