I found that a step but drill is the best way to drill holes for running cables. I would recommend getting some good harness connectors that have enough pins to runn all your planned wiring through. You can also use Anderson connectors for the larger cables. This will allow you to wire everything up and still make the console removable. I think Dave
@Delta VS did a really nice job when he wired up his console.
For the shift console, there are a whole bunch of precut panels to suit different combinations of switches, guages, switchpro etc. have you figure out what you want to install on that panel yet? If it were me, I would be inclined to just get one of the panels that matches what you plan to install.