Come to think of it, you're right - I didn't have to remove the needles. I could have just used the face plate that came with it. Duh!

I didn't know about the ground wire in the back of the panel. I don't remember seeing that but that's what it probably is. Not sure what it looks like, but I will check it out. Thanks.

Thanks for the write-up on readjusting the odometer too.

After this, on to the next electrical problem...