Iv'e never liked those clear panels very much, as they're normally too thick to give the desired effect, and in this instance, as you've noted, the dial 'apertures' seem too small.
There are at least three options :-
1). Use the clear part without the film, first painting the panel gloss white (enamel) on either the front or the rear. When fully dry, paint the panel the desired colour (RLM 66 ?), and then paint each instrument dial matt black, using acrylic paint. When the dials are dry, scratch in the instrument detail. It might not be brilliant, but possibly better than the film and panel combination.
2). Use just the film, attached to the front of the clear panel, or direct onto the bulkhead panel, probably using clear varnish as an adhesive, with a tiny drop or two of CA at spots around the edges, after first painting the clear panel or bulkhead white where the film locates, so that this will show through the dials.
3). See if there is an Eduard pre-painted panel available
Alternatively, of course, it can be assembled as per instructions, and a lot depends on what can actually be seen through the cockpit windows.