you can reach the controls under the dash so i just move and adjust them like that for now but im going to get another stock unit. get the wire cables and nobs and make some fiber glass holders to put on the side under the dash, next to the steering wheel.
my cold air doesnt work and i roll with the windows down so... i just leave it on hot all the time and can turn it on whenever i want since i have the fan speed.
When we bought our 5 we cut out the ash tray and cig lighter area, mounted the cd player down there.. just an idea, you could cut that out and move your hav controls down there....just my 2pennys worth.
it really isnt that much work it took me and a friedn about an hour to do this. I got these gauges for free im going to replace them when i get the money.