Berni -

 

Personally I think that cutting an instrument panel out of composite material is a royal pain.  Most everyone I know uses aluminum inserts -- much easier to cut holes.  You are not limited to paint, anodize or powder coat for the aluminum.  I used wooden veneer (teak).  Maybe you could put a layer of graphite over the completed aluminum to get the visual effect you want.

 

I doubt they have graphite veneer, but the hod rod shops might have something.

 

- Rob Wolf