Personalizing a 2000

[Steve Semeraro]

I've always liked to personalize my cars with period features. I drove a Series V Sunbeam Alpine for many years with an early series grille. I just liked the combination of early and late features.
I am thinking about doing something similar with my '74 GTV. I've always liked the center console in the earlier cars with the wood sloping all the way up to the dash and down past the handbreak. I don't want to change the whole dash, though. Because the layout right in front of the driver on the '74 is great, and I know that I can find a good use for a couple of additional gauges.
Has anyone ever tried this swap? I purchased a beat up '71 center console that I am going to fix up. I'm debating whether to refinish the existing wood or buy a replacement kit. Thoughts and advice on any part of this would be great.

Steve