It might be one of those things you just have to see but the idea of pop-up dials from a tape doesn't sound like it would look very elegant. I also agree with the previous post in that visual feedback is going to be pretty poor when the dial pops away.
I don't want to sound too negative but I still feel that going back to dials and a total reskin is the answer. It's your mod darkwraith and I greatly respect the work you've already done so ignore me if you wish!
Edit: I'd wondered about an input box myself but it sounds a wee bit fiddly.