I've done exactly what you are proposing, using Jon G's templates, in my 1949 3600. I'll find the pictures. Took a bit of refinement and cardboard templates to get the gauges positioned correctly but the housings are steel so... weld and grind.
Jon G's templates are fantastic. I had to reverse the number direction on one or two, but used a photo editor and Jon's templates to manipulate tge gauge face to where I needed it.
I found the Bosch gauges lent themselves best to the purpose; some of the cheaper gauges out there didn't disassemble as well or provide the best mounting options.
This year I decided to go in a whole other direction and picked up some Classic Instrument gauges but, the others worked.
