Here is more progress on the main panel.
I went to Lowe's and bought a roll of metal sheeting. I cut pieces to fit in the 3 spaces and drilled holes in the two that will have LEDs. You won't see the metal too much on this first panel because of the greeblies that go over two of the panels (the primed pieces in the first photo below the panel). However, on all the other panels they will be fully exposed. It looks much better in person, and does not blend in as much as it appears in the photos.
I started adding the other details and the two metal LED holders. The Satin Nickel does contrast very nicely with the aluminum, but again, hard to tell by the photos.
Here are two side views that really show off the details. In the last picture I placed the two primed pieces on the panel to give you an idea, they will light up from below.
I did find some Rub N Buff today, and I used it on one of the "T" details (last picture, lower left hand corner). The stuff is pretty cool, never used it before, but it looks too much like the aluminum, so I probably won't be using it.
Less anyone think otherwise, I am borrowing, or will be borrowing, many ideas and techniques from a few other members on this board and others (Bobamaker, D.Nguyen, etc). Much respect to them.