Virgin dash 

The HE cluster is larger than the stock gauge cluster opening. Yes, you have to cut the dash to make room. This picture shows the stock opening before surgery begins.

Put masking tape around the opening - where the template (included) will actually be taped to. Put the tape as close to the lower mounting holes as possible but don't cover them. 

Tape the template to the opening - make sure the alignment marks are in the correct location. 

Use a Sharpie and trace the outside of the template. This is the guide line for the cutting that is about to begin. 

You can see how close to the ignition switch opening that will be cut. The instructions from HE don't call for the ignition switch to be removed but I did anyway. In hind site it was a good thing.

Ok - these are the size pieces that you will be cutting out. As the instructions state - start small and make the hole larger as needed. 

I found that I had to cut the dash flush to the metal piece behind the dash that has the threaded mounting holes. Feel with your fingers - you will feel it behind there. Use your cutting tool and cut the dash to the top of that metal piece. You shouldn't have to actual cut that backing plate. 

After about an hour of slowly making the opening larger the new casting finally fit. This is the new casting that you have to purchase from HE. 

This is what it looks like with the gauges installed on the gauge panel and the gauge panel mounted to the new cluster. Those gauges are Autometer Artic White

This picture was taken in the dark with the car lights turned on and the gauges illuminated.