Gauge pod idea

[cbaylis77]

Working on making a triple gauge pod in my airbag pocket. What do you guys think?

[tsingson]

Looking good so far. Are you going to be able to see it from the driver's seat?

[jnshk]

Looking good so far. Are you going to be able to see it from the driver's seat?

That pretty much sums up my thoughts too. Looks like you're on the right track, but I'd be concerned about visibility/utility with how far away they are.

[cbaylis77]

Visibility isn't that bad. I have them under the radio now and although they're closer to me looking down at them takes your eyes off the road. This will put them on the same plane as the regular cluster so you just glance over.

[SM16RMSM]

It is a very neat idea. But it too far for me in IMHO. Even though it on the same plane as the stock cluster, I would have to rotate the gauges to the normal position of the needle points straight up. I can give them a quick look and if they are pointing up, I'm good to go.

[Phatmiata]

Looks good, will there be any tilt, or angle towards the driver?

[Martin]

Nice.

Angle them towards the driver and I think they'll be just as functional as 90-93 crash pad gauges that a few folks have.

[cbaylis77]

First round of body filler. It's starting to take shape. I should have used fiberglass for the thickness but too late now.

[Agent☣Orange]

I love these hardcore DIYs.

[cbaylis77]

Thanks, I hope it turns out as good as it looks in my head!

[WASABI]

Nice start Chris! I would agree with the others, with the thought of angling all three pods towards the driver. I love the addition of the gauge hood. Keep up the good work.

-Jim

[theothersawyer]

Very interested to see how this turns out! Like others have said, I think a little bit of angle will go a long way with the usability of this!

[cbaylis77]

This was my original idea. To use vents to make individual pods. Getting the angle and curves right would have been hell.
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[Agent☣Orange]

Just curious: with your enthusiasm and putty skillz why you didn't opt to mount gauge housings in the existing cluster hood. I mean that as a fellow DIY'er, not fecitiously.

[cbaylis77]

In the regular hood on the driver's side or use another stock hood on the passenger side? I'd love to do all custom gauges in the stock location but that's another project.

My putty skills aren't that good it's just a lot of trial and sanding until you get it right.

I did mold an extra cubby in place of my air bag switch though.

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[Agent☣Orange]

The original hood. I took some PVC end caps from Home Depot and fashioned a pair of extra gauge pods before. They were a pain in the ass with all the Bondo and sanding but they worked out great. Only drawback was that I couldn't completely remove the hood.

[cbaylis77]

Got any pictures of yours?
I like the gauge hood with built-in pod that Rev9 sells but I've already got an A pillar and e-pod so it's pretty busy in that area.
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Here's an overhead view of the angle I'm going for.
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[Agent☣Orange]

No pictures but I took the idea from someone who had done one and posted picts. I got a triple gauge A pillar for a little while then finally a triple gauge center console plate. My gauges have been floating around al over.

[SpeedWorks]

I think this is coming out awesome and it is definitely a great idea and the execution is pretty good too.

[cbaylis77]

Starting to look like something.
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[HELLIONMX5]

I had a similar idea, cept you can add a lid to the frontboom hidden.

[Martin]

Gonna look great when it's finished

[HELLIONMX5]

I think eventually of going with the plx system or innovative. Didn't want the because race car look with 6 gauges if I don't have to. I used to not mind, but would rather an e pod and be done with it.

[cbaylis77]

Yeah I love my e-pod. This set up is just for the fun ricer factor. Too many gauges and no where to put them.

[cbaylis77]

Lots of filler and sanding since my last update. It wasn't ready for primer yet but I wanted to see it one color. It will help find the low spots while sanding too.
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[WASABI]

Looking good Chris! Are you going to have it finished for the show?

[Agent☣Orange]

Wow, this is really taking shape nicely.

[atank]

Nice work!

[cbaylis77]

Thanks guys.
Jim, I'll have her at the show if it kills me!

[HELLIONMX5]

Don't die brah!

[cbaylis77]

Final stage of primer.
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[cbaylis77]

Still waiting for the wrinkle paint to dry. Hopefully I'll get the gauges wired up soon.
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[cbaylis77]

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[wannafbody]

Looks good-maybe just convert it to RHD while you're at it:lol:

[cbaylis77]

Finally finished!

[tsingson]

Damn man. That looks sick... Great Job!

[wannafbody]

You should make a mold of that and send it to Carbonmiata

[cbaylis77]

Hmm...
Not a bad idea. I sure don't want to do it again!
They could probably make a nicer one just by sending them an air bag cover though.

[CarbonMiata]

Hey,

That looks great! Actually I have the shape made but never moved futher on this project. If enough people are interested, I could definitely do it! :)

[cbaylis77]

After today's test drive I can say the new location works great! It really is easier to just glance over.

[cbaylis77]

Hey,

That looks great! Actually I have the shape made but never moved futher on this project. If enough people are interested, I could definitely do it! :)

I'll have to double check but I think the NB and NA8 use the same airbag so it might be worth it.