I've been pondering this and I've come to a couple conclusions.
1) I'm not THAT interested in doing it that I'd pay $100+ to have it painted. :P
2) The colored plexi, though good in theory, like you said, isn't practical cause it'd snap when trying to match the curve of the panel.
3) I'd like to try the vinyl sticker idea, but just have to find a local sign shop that has something like that.
Also, today, Crewzin was nice enough to drop off a catalog for me from Moss Motors (THANK YOU!), which he says cut their PT line or products. They (in the past) sold exactly what I'm looking for! It's affectionately titled "Luminescent Gauge Kit", described as:
"Transform the look and style of your dashboard with gauges that are white by day and glow softly at night. With the flip of a switch, change to either a soft green or COOL BLUE glow. Manufactured to high quality specifications. Complete with everything required for installation including detailed instructions.
Luminescent Gauge Kit 001-087 $99.95
Luminescent Flame Gauge Kit 001-187 $109.95"
Now I've just got to find it somewhere..
EDIT: (5 minutes later) Carey, you were right. The link you gave me to the Ebay auction is a set of gauge faces made by APC but the picture (I'm pretty sure) shows the 'soft green' not the 'deep blue'. So I Googled 'APC gauge kit pt cruiser' and found them through Yahoo Shopping or whatever. JC Whitney has 'em!
Link:
APC Luminescent Gauge Face Kit : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories
BEAUTIFUL!