Going old school...

Most people use aluminum that has been engine turned like that. Lots of street rods use it for a custom dash, you might want to try some of the street rod suppliers. They probably sell it in pre cut sheets.

 

I'd have to get out the tape measure and figure out exactly what I need, but I would estimate somewhere in the range of about 7 inches tall by around 3 1/2 - 4 foot long. That's probably more then I actually really need, but I'm sure I could find something to do with whats left over.

 

argh, forgot to ask if you wanted aluminum or stainless,.... but either way, for the size your talking, looks to be around 80-100 bucks depending.

 

Put it on some gold anodized aluminum and people will think you have
a Cozworth Vega....sweet...

 

I actually got the idea from my '80 Mercury Capri RS. The plastic inserts on it are engine turned:



That particular style of insert came on the early fox body pace cars and Cobra's, as well as select early RS Capri's (mine is one of 2,080 built). They are pretty hard to find (the grid pattern or wood grain finish was way more common), and my car has a perfect, complete set.