Custom dash and gauges

Background info:

74, big block, auto, pretty much original (besides custom autosound radio) and all interior out of the car.

Goals for the interior (purist and NCRS folks might need some eye wash after reading the below):

1) Double din space for aftermarket radio (android auto / JBL CP100 is something I would like if it ever goes on the market)

2) Better elbow rest area and possibly with storage

3) Cup holders

There are many ways to tackle the above and the avenue I'm currently exploring is the following:

1) Build my own custom made dash and center console (leather finish).

2) Install aftermarket gauges (smaller and all of them in front of the driver, I like the C2 for this)

3) Possibly move the e-brake handle (I also like the C2 for this)

I'm currently spending a bit of time exploring the gauges part of this dream and I'm totally clueless, so here's a few questions;

1) Can I install any gauges I like?  For example, I really like the speedometer on my Mazda 3 (2015).  If I find one in a junk yard, can I work with that?

2) What's involved if I go digital instead of mechanical?

3) Any words of the wise for this project?

Thanks!

Steph.

Mine was repainted at some point so original is out of the picture and I'm thinking about going 77 2.0 with newer electronics and probably building my own dash with digital gauges as well.

I'm very interested in reading what others respond with to your post. 
Good luck with your project. 

These folks have a large line of gauges including wide band afr.

I think I figured out (high level) what's involved for the gauges; to convert to electronic (not necessarily digital since I prefer needles than numbers), I would first need a "control box" where all the senders and gauges terminate.  And for each gauge; I would need a sender that is compatible for that particular gauge; therefor replacing the original one from the car.

I still don't know if I can get away with gauges I like (ie: Mazda 3 2015) and what would be involved.

My next step is to virtually shop for gauges (and a module) and I'll draw a blueprint of it.  I'm on limited budget, so the C7 as proposed above is out of the question (for now).

Steph.

Dakota Digital offers a custom built replacement for the Tach and Speedo which will put the 4 gauges in the bottom corners of the Tach and Speedometer. That option is $1600 and 3-4 month waiting period. They also offer round all in one Tach and Speedometer pre-built which i think would also fit for $795 called the VHX-114. This setup uses a central control box for the sensors which then connect back to the gauges with a single cable to one, then daisy chain to the second. If this one fits, i think it will be my best option. I've requested a template from them to see if it will fit.

Other than that, my only other thought was to figure if there is a mini cluster that might fit in the ash tray area of my console (1980).

Have you made any progress ?