How are you handling the multiple colors with the EL lighting? EL panels do not give off good colors like this panel should have.

If you wanted to eliminate light pipes, an arranged array of appropriately colored LEDs coupled with a flat sheet of acrylic would be sufficient. I'm employing a similar method for back-lighting my electronic instrument cluster project.

Also not a fan of the modified typeface. I'm really keen on keeping the nature of the appearance as 100% stock as possible.

Interesting though the idea to move the door lock and defrost lights, along with elimination of the fan fail light.