I like the placement of your tacho but agree that having gauges under the dash isn't the best - too far from field of view and in the way of the gearstick. I have a photo in a book somewhere of a massive under-dash bracket that has gauges and indicator lights either side of a big notch for the gearstick. I'll see if I can find it.

When selecting gauge placement my criteria was:

1. Easy to see - not too far from the speedo and not obscured by the steering wheel.
2. Not in the way - I didn't want to obscure view through windscreen or view of speedo
3. Attractive.

Having them in the steering column cowl was a good compromise. It might not be the best answer for a shorter driver. I am 6'2" and it suits me fine but the gauges might obscure the odo and trip meter a bit if you are vertically challenged.

I did consider putting the tacho by the A-Pillar but I already had a hole in the centre of the dash thanks to a previous owner (who had mounted a gauge box for 3 gauges in the centre on top of the dash). Maybe if I ever replace the dash pad - I'll put the tacho on the A-pillar.