Hey sponsors: Who wants to be awesome and make a single din gauge panel for an NB?

[concealer404]

Because seriously. You'd be awesome.

[Martin]

I believe RoadsterTech is working on that.

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?6911-RoadsterTech-Now-Has-Blanking-and-Gauge-Plates-for-NA6-s-and-all-NA8-s&p=103787&viewfull=1#post103787

[SM16RMSM]

I want one!

[Phatmiata]

I believe RoadsterTech is working on that.

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?6911-RoadsterTech-Now-Has-Blanking-and-Gauge-Plates-for-NA6-s-and-all-NA8-s&p=103787&viewfull=1#post103787

Yes, he can make custom stuff like that no problem, and Rick is working on some other NB stuffs as well. :winky:

[RoadsterTech]

I have one in the works... it should be done along with std blanking plates by the end of the week... I will post up the finished products.

[RoadsterTech]

Just a question... do you want the gauges to be recessed? Tilted? If so what is the Bezel diameter? Also what size body cutouts are you using?

[Hyper]

Just a question... do you want the gauges to be recessed? Tilted? If so what is the Bezel diameter? Also what size body cutouts are you using?

bezel is the standard autometer AEM gauges size, tilted and or not doest really matter, but how about you design something for the glove box?? i like stealth products

[RoadsterTech]

Just curious do you still want the glove box door?

[SM16RMSM]

Tilted please! What ever the normal size cutout is.

Glove box door? What's that?????

[RoadsterTech]

Tilted please! What ever the normal size cutout is.

Glove box door? What's that?????

:fp:

[Phatmiata]

.............................how about you design something for the glove box?? ..............



Something like this perhaps?

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130094srvsue46479.jpg

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130093s0baej46479.jpg

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130093bimje046479.jpg


I would like something like this as well!

[RoadsterTech]

Yea that was what I was thinking...
If we don't have a door, is it to be embedded at the same level as where the door was?

[RoadsterTech]

Mine would not be a big piece of foam though...

[concealer404]

Just a question... do you want the gauges to be recessed? Tilted? If so what is the Bezel diameter? Also what size body cutouts are you using?

I don't have any real preference between recessed or not.... by recessed i suppose you mean the top of the "beauty ring" would be flush with the face of the panel? If you mean something different, show me an example! :)

I wouldn't want tilted. I know they're more functional, but i hate the way they look, my car is a street car, and there's already tilted ones on the market. :)


Standard autometer size guages. (believe that's.... 52mm? 2 1/16"?) Right now i'm using Autometer guages, will be going to Defi Red Racers when i get around to it.



I actually came over here to find you, guess i needed to read the other thread farther than the first post. You're awesome!

[concealer404]

Something like this perhaps?

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130094srvsue46479.jpg

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130093s0baej46479.jpg

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img329.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/0/3/2/daisukekeikonishi-img600x450-1376130093bimje046479.jpg


I would like something like this as well!


Ohhhhhh that's a neat product. I didn't realize those were out there for the NA6, but it makes sense, since HKS had the VPC setups for those cars. (That's what the rectangle slots are for. VPC and GCC units.)

[SM16RMSM]

:fp:

Joking. Besides, are you trying to reproduce the other shell/lid or a whole unit? NA and NB?

[RoadsterTech]

I don't have any real preference between recessed or not.... by recessed i suppose you mean the top of the "beauty ring" would be flush with the face of the panel? If you mean something different, show me an example! :)

I wouldn't want tilted. I know they're more functional, but i hate the way they look, my car is a street car, and there's already tilted ones on the market. :)


Standard autometer size guages. (believe that's.... 52mm? 2 1/16"?) Right now i'm using Autometer guages, will be going to Defi Red Racers when i get around to it.



I actually came over here to find you, guess i needed to read the other thread farther than the first post. You're awesome!


Here is a tilted one I did for Flippy on his NA. The NB one would be similar..
Note, after doing Flippy's we learned that we can provide a bit more angle without effecting the lines of the gauge plate.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9161256232_dcbc16399f_b.jpg

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/Miata/i-cMbwVkQ/0/L/CA_06041300025052-L.jpg

See how there is a recess, the non-tilted / recessed one would be that way all the way around. Just a subtle tweak..

BTW thanks for the compliment!


Joking. Besides, are you trying to reproduce the other shell/lid or a whole unit? NA and NB?

I would more than likely make it a cover over the inside of the box... like the one Phat's showed... The big difference would be that it would not be a big chunk of foam.

Radio are gauge plates first though...

[revlimiter]

If also be interested in an NB gauge plate. As tilted as possible please! The tilt really helps.

[Hyper]

i like the glove design actually you want to create one since a lot of NB drivers have a double din radio. I like stealth products and YES i will purchase the glove box gauge holder. see my previous thread about this. http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?6558-Boost-gauge-in-Miata-glove-box&p=98971#post98971

[concealer404]

I like the recessed and tilt like that... i just hated the steps of the other vendors. So now my question is:

How do you know how far/diameter to recess with the many different kinds of beauty rings out there?

[RoadsterTech]

Will do... please bear with me. I'm an engineer with a left brain / right brain battle going on... so I have to get the designs to have a good manufacturing process flow and repeatable quality...along with good looks prior to release. :whistle:
Some say that I'm a bit obsessive about that. :shrug:

[RoadsterTech]

I like the recessed and tilt like that... i just hated the steps of the other vendors. So now my question is:

How do you know how far/diameter to recess with the many different kinds of beauty rings out there?

The beauty of CAD...

Actually we will be making a few different cutouts based on some of the more popular gauges... for right now make sure to tell me which gauge and series of gauge you are using. I have been getting the Bezel size from the manufacturers.

[concealer404]

Ah ok. :)

Well for now, i'd probably go with a non-tilted non-recessed plate while i run the awful mismatched gauges i run now.

Then later, probably the Defi Red Racers.

I'd imagine you could get 90% of the buyers with Autometer, VDO, and Prosport. :)

[RoadsterTech]

Ah ok. :)

Well for now, i'd probably go with a non-tilted non-recessed plate while i run the awful mismatched gauges i run now.

Then later, probably the Defi Red Racers.

I'd imagine you could get 90% of the buyers with Autometer, VDO, and Prosport. :)

Probably so... Right now I have the diameters for AEM, Autometer's Elite line and GT Line, and the Cyberdyne line. I will get VDO and Prosport next.

**** Edit***** I just got the Red Racers Diameter as well.

[Hyper]

Will do... please bear with me. I'm an engineer with a left brain / right brain battle going on... so I have to get the designs to have a good manufacturing process flow and repeatable quality...along with good looks prior to release. :whistle:
Some say that I'm a bit obsessive about that. :shrug:

you and i will make a perfect team, Hyper's right brain is mind blowing!! so the gauge holder/glove box design for the NB is a confirmed or not??

[RoadsterTech]

Ha! I'm so sorry for your left Brain lol no wait... perhaps thats a good thing??
The glove box design is confirmed... I have put it on the main list...

[Hyper]

Ha! I'm so sorry for your left Brain lol no wait... perhaps thats a good thing??
The glove box design is confirmed... I have put it on the main list...

THANKS!! i will be following your threads for release of this part, been wanting this part for a long time already, thanks again

[cbaylis77]

I'm confused :confused:
Aren't we just talking about one of these?
9398
A simple 3 gauge panel?
If so I got mine at WWW.thompson-automotive.com

[RoadsterTech]

Mine are not simple injection molded poly. If you saw the two side by side you would understand. The look and feel of HDPE is far superior to poly.
Also, mine are designed with a recess and are tilted to the driver. Theses point straight on, tilting the gauge truly makes them easier to read from the drivers seat. The RoadsterTech plates are also custom machined per order to match the specific gauge you have for that perfect fit.
There is a reason why the guys that have seen the RoadsterTech plates rave about them.
I hope that helps explain the difference.

[RoadsterTech]

Sorry if this sounded somewhat like a rant. My ability to write has been somewhat compromised by the lack of a cup of coffee this morning...:whistle:
These two links might help:

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?1173-The-miata-that-waited-a-love-story/page19

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?6689-RoadsterTech-radio-blanking-plate-review

Here is a picture of the Matte finished blanking plate the Matte finish is a very good match to the tombstone:

http://rabrillhart.smugmug.com/Other/RoadsterTech/i-s2nzSjk/1/L/CA_10021316402423-L.jpg

So in response I would say there is truly a difference just like what you would see between two watches both tell time, but one is just a bit nicer and costs more.

[concealer404]

I'm confused :confused:
Aren't we just talking about one of these?
9398
A simple 3 gauge panel?
If so I got mine at WWW.thompson-automotive.com


I've been through the wringer on this subject. I purchased an !njoy Carlife unit, never received it.

I then purchased the I.L. Motorsports unit that's pretty much identical to the Thompson unit. It doesn't fit worth a damn. I had to "shim" the hell out of it with cardboard chunks and it looks terrible. REALLY irritates me that something as common as an NB Miata would result in two strikeouts for a part this simple.

There's no "cage" or anything that should be behind the console trim piece, right? Previous owner installed a single DIN stereo with a Metra install kit.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0K8gmuD-QVQ/UXqOTeg2chI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/HB-qHr60brY/s640/20130425_085904.jpg


Removing all that for the I.L Motorsport install gave me this. Anything missing? I don't think there is.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3hZdY5ObKOw/Uk19H5ohdOI/AAAAAAAAFgs/Gupio7D5YeE/s640/20130618_185017.jpg


Here you can see how crappy it fits side to side:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3wKJ0MwS-Lg/Uk19K6XJDSI/AAAAAAAAFg4/TdehKk94GMs/s640/20130618_185225.jpg


There's enough play side to side that you can get this sort of angle on it. This creates rattling and falling out. I ended up sitting the radio in the bottom DIN, this panel in the top, and there was about an 1/8-1/4" gap between the top of the panel and the upper trim. Unacceptable.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0BBpe84_dNk/Uk19JMeCyLI/AAAAAAAAFgw/Hkyy7clURfo/s640/20130618_185219.jpg

[SM16RMSM]

You think there would be more there for support. Haven't gotten around to pulling the crappy Bose stuff out yet so I don't know.

[Phatmiata]

a 1/4" gap? WTF :toomuch:

[Hyper]

I also own the I'L motorsports part for miata, never installed cause is piece of crap. My options are the glove box gauge holder or a replica of the GV hood with integrated gauge holder if they make one for the NB. A picture here although I prefer the gauges in the glove box.

http://rev9autosport.com/na/interior/garage-vary-gauge-hood.html

[RoadsterTech]

All I can say is that ours are just a bit different....
they are spaced to fit perfectly inside of the gap and fill the center cutout. There will be no movement.
We are either going to have ball detents to hold the bracket in place or a back clamp that is tensioned from the side..
thats what we are working on now...

They will not be injection molded or stamped out of thin aluminum or steel....

as soon as we finish the clamping arrangement I will post pics.

[RoadsterTech]

I also own the I'L motorsports part, never installed cause is piece of crap. My options are the glove box gauge holder or a replica of the GV hood with integrated gauge holder if they make one for the NB. A picture here although I prefer the gauges in the glove box.

http://rev9autosport.com/na/interior/garage-vary-gauge-hood.html

the side mounted gauge is definitely more readable... but not very stealthy, I know thats what you are looking for.

[Phatmiata]

How about something like this with a hidden panel that is removable to expose the gauges?


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2206/4541/5514770038_large.jpg

[RoadsterTech]

For Liability reasons I'm not going to do anything with the Airbag area.

[Phatmiata]

For Liability reasons I'm not going to do anything with the Airbag area.

Disclaimer: The following is for information purposes only. Removing any safety device from your car can compromise the car's occupants' safety. No warranties, expressed or implied, are given regarding the validity or legality of this information and the effect using it may have on your car. Perform the task described AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Working with airbag modules is DANGEROUS. If you live in dry, staticy conditions, be especially careful, since the module can be deployed with a fairly small electrical pulse. You should always disconnect the battery (after first disabling any radio-based security systems, or recording the recovery codes) before attempting any of these modifications. Airbag components and steering wheels should be removed by a licensed technician trained with handling these electronic systems. The following information is for individuals who enjoy working on their own vehicles and are aware of risks involved. We can not accept any responsibility for problems associated with the implementation or interpretation of these technical guides. Reader accepts full responsibility.

[RoadsterTech]

Disclaimer: The following is for information purposes only. Removing any safety device from your car can compromise the car's occupants' safety. No warranties, expressed or implied, are given regarding the validity or legality of this information and the effect using it may have on your car. Perform the task described AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Working with airbag modules is DANGEROUS. If you live in dry, staticy conditions, be especially careful, since the module can be deployed with a fairly small electrical pulse. You should always disconnect the battery (after first disabling any radio-based security systems, or recording the recovery codes) before attempting any of these modifications. Airbag components and steering wheels should be removed by a licensed technician trained with handling these electronic systems. The following information is for individuals who enjoy working on their own vehicles and are aware of risks involved. We can not accept any responsibility for problems associated with the implementation or interpretation of these technical guides. Reader accepts full responsibility.


Ask someone we know if she could burst through that clause. At minimum it would require a lawyer and some court time to defend.
My liability insurance to do anything with that risk would cost me more than my gross sales on these parts.

[Hyper]

the side mounted gauge is definitely more readable... but not very stealthy, I know thats what you are looking for.

I want stealth parts for my roadster!. lol, seriously, this is a convertible car, the moment thieves look at gauges inside the car it becomes a target for a slashed top. That's why I would like someone to design gauge holder in the glove box in first place and because most NB have double din radios. there is no space unless you swap the radio. .

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa301/_iNmotioN_/P1030375.jpg

[cbaylis77]

Just to clarify I wasn't saying the cheap panels are as good as Roadstertech's. Just that they do exist. That was the OPs question.

But to answer the quality question. Yes, the panel I have sucks. There should be more support behind it.

Disclaimer, my dash was also hacked up when I got the car. I do believe the fit would have been better if I did it myself.

In the future I would love to try one of Roadstertech's panels.

[HELLIONMX5]

I read it's a felony to remove the airbag from the car.

[psulja]

I read it's a felony to remove the airbag from the car.

Looks like a lot of people have committed felony's removing the airbag when installing an aftermarket steering wheel then.

That slashed top pick up top made me cringe

[HELLIONMX5]

Yeah, I know. Wish I could remember where I read it. It was just this week

[Phatmiata]

Ask someone we know if she could burst through that clause. At minimum it would require a lawyer and some court time to defend.
My liability insurance to do anything with that risk would cost me more than my gross sales on these parts.


You need lawyer. no problamo :teehee:

[Phatmiata]

I want stealth parts for my roadster!. lol, seriously, this is a convertible car, the moment thieves look at gauges inside the car it becomes a target for a slashed top. That's why I would like someone to design gauge holder in the glove box in first place and because most NB have double din radios. there is no space unless you swap the radio. .



that is what I told Rick at the last Miata meeting, you don't want folks knowing you have boost, a cover panel, or hidden location that you can get to while driving or tuning would be a great option

[Dandy]

I read it's a felony to remove the airbag from the car.

Not to worry. No one in the federal government is working right now.

[theothersawyer]

Not to worry. No one in the federal government is working right now.
:toomuch: :toomuch: :toomuch: :toomuch:

[silvermazda]

WOW really good stuff is happening. Good job roadstertech. Couldnt you sell them as "race only"? (not that I care, I have a occasional passenger and...well airbags are hard to throw away. Another sponser from my area was trying to give me 2-4 bags from steering wheels/dash) And they are hard to store. lol.

Cool ideas. I would like the block/stair case affect with mine. Also looking for holes so I can fasten something like 2" clear plastic squares on top of the gauges. THe gauges would be recessed into the gauge panel. (head hurting yet?) Then I would use triangle head screws aka recessed allen heads to make it look snazzy. Its a great idea, but...like everyone said above. it becomes a theft target; also, I have the 2 DIN radio cassette and personally I dont need the cassette once I connect a AUX to the back if my version of the stereo has a aux in the rear. Personally I love the look of the plastic (bose 99 radios). It it the right shade for my interior, bar none. So I would be sad to see it go.

Another problem. I'm going to try to run a mini amp like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-A68-Digital-Amplifier-Remote/dp/B00721Z1AE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2U4V7WDF6QOQW&coliid=I22JMMK0X94PQE) and use an ipod jack/aux. Now you can see how I need 4 DIN's. HOLY MOLY! I was thinking of squshing this one where the airbag DIN is using a EUDM cubby and tossing it behind the glove box. I would still keep the bose as its OEM and looks great. Sorry guys, I just dont like polycarbonate new stereos too much plastic and chrome.

Now for the glove box. I need to mount my wideband in there, so something act as a gauge panel. I also will be storing my documents in a zippered bag that will go on the door side of the glove box, freeing up the left half for gauges, ect. I could do without the factory locking mechanism for more space. -In my mind's eye, it doesnt have to open. I would be happy with a decent flat piece of plastic that has the factory mounting points and can accomidate the items I said above. In terms of 3D space we can get plenty like having a 12"wide by 7x7 factory cubby box.

SO now you know what's in my mind. I'll start working on drawings so it doesnt confuse anyone. (this isnt a high priority project as I'm still planning out a few other projects. Including a battery box for my NB)

[HELLIONMX5]

WOW really good stuff is happening. Good job roadstertech. Couldnt you sell them as "race only"? (not that I care, I have a occasional passenger and...well airbags are hard to throw away. Another sponser from my area was trying to give me 2-4 bags from steering wheels/dash) And they are hard to store. lol.

Cool ideas. I would like the block/stair case affect with mine. Also looking for holes so I can fasten something like 2" clear plastic squares on top of the gauges. THe gauges would be recessed into the gauge panel. (head hurting yet?) Then I would use triangle head screws aka recessed allen heads to make it look snazzy. Its a great idea, but...like everyone said above. it becomes a theft target; also, I have the 2 DIN radio cassette and personally I dont need the cassette once I connect a AUX to the back if my version of the stereo has a aux in the rear. Personally I love the look of the plastic (bose 99 radios). It it the right shade for my interior, bar none. So I would be sad to see it go.

Another problem. I'm going to try to run a mini amp like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-A68-Digital-Amplifier-Remote/dp/B00721Z1AE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2U4V7WDF6QOQW&coliid=I22JMMK0X94PQE) and use an ipod jack/aux. Now you can see how I need 4 DIN's. HOLY MOLY! I was thinking of squshing this one where the airbag DIN is using a EUDM cubby and tossing it behind the glove box. I would still keep the bose as its OEM and looks great. Sorry guys, I just dont like polycarbonate new stereos too much plastic and chrome.

Now for the glove box. I need to mount my wideband in there, so something act as a gauge panel. I also will be storing my documents in a zippered bag that will go on the door side of the glove box, freeing up the left half for gauges, ect. I could do without the factory locking mechanism for more space. -In my mind's eye, it doesnt have to open. I would be happy with a decent flat piece of plastic that has the factory mounting points and can accomidate the items I said above. In terms of 3D space we can get plenty like having a 12"wide by 7x7 factory cubby box.

SO now you know what's in my mind. I'll start working on drawings so it doesnt confuse anyone. (this isnt a high priority project as I'm still planning out a few other projects. Including a battery box for my NB)



is there a more powerful amp?

[SM16RMSM]

is there a more powerful amp?

More ways than you can think. I was looking at using a JL amp and a JL line driver and that would give me good sound and no headunit to worry about.

[CMP]

More ways than you can think. I was looking at using a JL amp and a JL line driver and that would give me good sound and no headunit to worry about.

Not to derail this thread anymore, but you might find this thread I posted (http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?18793-Smartphone-Stereo-Integration-Replacement)over on mx5atlanta to be of use.

[Hyper]

Not to derail this thread anymore, but you might find this thread I posted (http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?18793-Smartphone-Stereo-Integration-Replacement)over on mx5atlanta to be of use.

interesting, it requires a password to see the thread, can you copy and paste and put details here instead?

[Phatmiata]

interesting, it requires a password to see the thread, can you copy and paste and put details here instead?

THIS PLEASE ^^^ :mrgreen:

[CMP]

interesting, it requires a password to see the thread, can you copy and paste and put details here instead?


THIS PLEASE ^^^ :mrgreen:

Derp, sorry. See here: http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?7063-Smartphone-Stereo-Integration-Replacement&p=105208#post105208

[RoadsterTech]

Would anyone be interested in a hookup for the smartphone in the center console?
I'm working on that right now for NA's.
Either just a USB Or a USB to charge
and phone jack. BTW I have that right now in my car.
But... It needs to be fine tuned.

[Dandy]

Maybe . . . would have to see a sample. I'm kind of doing my own thing right now but if you have something clean and functional there may be a market.

[silvermazda]

is there a more powerful amp?
OH...I'm not the loud stereo guy. I just need a basic mp3/ipod to speakers thing with a USB for charging convinience, volume dial, on/off, and if anyone can find a 4-5 band EQ, 2 is just plain dumb, my mp3 has 5 bands, but limited to 5 total steps-3 up, 2 down.

And yes, CMP that's what I'm trying to do.

And would any of you want to help my try to find uses for about 7 switches/inline fuses/wire as I was a bit too quick when buying electrical supplies. (now posting in electronics section)

[silvermazda]

any updates roadster tech?

[RoadsterTech]

Look for a product release tomorrow. We have the design done.

[RoadsterTech]

The Radio Gauge Plates are here:
http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?7199-Did-Someone-Say-NB-Gauge-Plates&p=106878#post106878

We have one more thing on the books to release... can you say RoadsterTech Rack System?
Then I will be working on the Stealth Gauge mount in the Glove Box.

[silvermazda]

very good.

[Hyper]

update on glove box gauge holder please