small linear motion control device

Hi, I have a Honda Del Sol and if anyone else knows of the cars, you would know that in front of the car radio/head unit there is a panel that slides up and down to cover the unit. What i would like to do is add a motion control device (linear actuator, rack/gear, whatever) system to automate the movement of the panel when the car turns on/off.

I can handle the wiring of the units, but what/where to get the small motors/actuators.

I'd like to not have to spend a lot of money, it only needs about 2-3 inches of movement and i also have access to a full machine shop.

this is a pic of kind of what the inside console looks like (from an online parts store).

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13SR20_H02.gif

Thanks
Bjorn