isn't there a how-to on this here? i used it and thought it helped a lot. even had pics.
it WILL fit! i thought the same thing you did, and ended taking off the needles, but it wasn't necessary. i had to re-calibrate everything using the test mode. no huge deal, but it made for more of a PITA than it had to be. here's the trick: point all the needles facing up, then slide the faceplate over and stick the needles through their appropriate holes (btw, this is easier if you take out the stops for the speedo and tach as well as the reset button for the odometer. they just pull out). after you get the needles through the holes, push the faceplate down to the point where the little metal shaft underneath the needle is sitting flush with the top of the hole in the faceplate. this takes a little work bc getting enough room underneath the needle for it to fit takes a little time and patience. now slide the faceplate over the rest of the needle. you may have to bend the faceplate a little to do this. it's now big deal, just don't go far enough that you crease it.
hope this helps.
Mike