Update and closeout of this thread: I used the heat gun method and in just a few minutes (< 1hour) had all the lettering and covering off. Liberal use of acetone got the remaining glue(s) off. I still need to do some sanding to finalize the cleaning, but this will wait until I am ready to start the hole filling/repair. The whole cleaning process took only ~2 hours.
The center console now sits completely srtipped of all hardware, with the large holes loosely fit with plywood inserts for final filling/repair. Materials are on order and should be here next week, so the grinding/cleaning can begin. With warmer weather the filling/fiberglassing and painting can occur.
I will close this thread and start a new one showing the entire Weldbilt 2070 build. That beautiful plain empty canvas of a hull is sitting in the backyard just begging to be upgraded. The upgrade is planned to be floor, re-use center console, re-hang 120 Force, fuel tank(s), steering, wiring and lights.