PDA

View Full Version : Where to mount gauges



I<3flippyheadlights
04-25-2013, 01:20 PM
I'm having a really tough time deciding where to put my gauges (Wideband, boost, water temp, etc.) and I would like some advice/pictures. I'm trying to avoid the A pillar thing because it is very ricey/attentiongrabby/cockswinging style.

I attempted to punch holes in a DDM panel and it died a terrible death. Now I need new ideas!

Lets see what you got or what you recommend.

Agent☣Orange
04-25-2013, 01:27 PM
You ruined that DDM panel? Gahhhh!

I<3flippyheadlights
04-25-2013, 01:48 PM
You ruined that DDM panel? Gahhhh!

I didn't, a friend did. He felt really bad about it. But I love him so I forgave him. The moe's helped too.

Cxmoney
04-25-2013, 02:47 PM
Crash pad gauge pods.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-25-2013, 02:49 PM
Crash pad gauge pods.

That would be fancy, but I don't have money/skill for that

Agent☣Orange
04-25-2013, 02:54 PM
I'm really partial to center console gauges because at my height, the A-pillar gauges really obstruct my view, especially any traffic coming from the right.

What about getting some black Plexiglass, cut out gauge holes and then attach that to the ruined DDM? I bet it can still be salvaged.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-25-2013, 03:18 PM
I'm really partial to center console gauges because at my height, the A-pillar gauges really obstruct my view, especially any traffic coming from the right.

What about getting some black Plexiglass, cut out gauge holes and then attach that to the ruined DDM? I bet it can still be salvaged.

The whole thing is warped now. There were attempts to save it.

Agent☣Orange
04-25-2013, 03:20 PM
Understood. All it would have to do now, however, is just mount into the console. The damaged face could be pounded flat with a mallet and then you could affix a new Plexiglas face over it and it would look pristine IMO.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-25-2013, 04:08 PM
I'll have to ponder on that... and post pictures.

Agent☣Orange
04-25-2013, 04:26 PM
I say Plexiglas but I mean generally, black plastic or even wood that you can cover with black vinyl or who knows, maybe stain black or green and varnish.

ZQQMIN
04-25-2013, 08:14 PM
I'm having a really tough time deciding where to put my gauges (Wideband, boost, water temp, etc.) and I would like some advice/pictures. I'm trying to avoid the A pillar thing because it is very ricey/attentiongrabby/cockswinging style.

I attempted to punch holes in a DDM panel and it died a terrible death. Now I need new ideas!

Lets see what you got or what you recommend. THAT WAS AWESOME, that was a good laugh... llike for real..... thanks.. id like to see the panel mocked up with yellow's idea.....

blenderblast
04-26-2013, 11:18 AM
get rid of your radio and get the gauge cluster that goes where the radio goes from one of the sponsors. If you don't have the skill, you're going to have to practice because most of peoples ideas involve DYI. and for gauges, it can get pretty crafty. Spend the coin or learn the trade.

I'm making(yes me, personally) a custom dash out of aluminum. the whole thing, and I'll add spots where I feel I want gauges to go, and everything else.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-26-2013, 01:35 PM
get rid of your radio and get the gauge cluster that goes where the radio goes from one of the sponsors. If you don't have the skill, you're going to have to practice because most of peoples ideas involve DYI. and for gauges, it can get pretty crafty. Spend the coin or learn the trade.

I'm making(yes me, personally) a custom dash out of aluminum. the whole thing, and I'll add spots where I feel I want gauges to go, and everything else.

I'm tossing around the idea of putting in a real fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge and water temp into my cluster. Just need a place for boost and wideband.

blenderblast
04-28-2013, 11:14 AM
A fuel pressure gauge? or just a fuel level gauge? if fuel pressure, do NOT put it in your car, keep it under the hood. You don't want any fuel in your car if there were to be a fuel leak or the gauge malfunction and spray fuel in the car.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-28-2013, 12:07 PM
Fuel level

afc2112
04-28-2013, 01:19 PM
Talk to Rick about mocking something up if you don't want to diy...

jnshk
04-30-2013, 08:29 PM
http://www.somethingsquare.com/temp/project_fail/gauge_project/963_0420x.jpg

This was my solution. I attached a hood over the tombstone and clamped some DIY gauge cups to it. It didn't turn out quite as nicely as I had visualized it, but it's a pretty good beta version. AFR gauge is clamped to gauge cluster hood next to the others. Functionally, it's great, but it could be prettier in the daylight.

I<3flippyheadlights
04-30-2013, 11:34 PM
I really like that set up actually. Hmmm

revlimiter
05-01-2013, 09:09 AM
It COULD NOT be prettier at night. Awesome setup Andrew. Not just saying that because of the main gauges either.

black roadster
05-09-2013, 10:47 AM
http://www.somethingsquare.com/temp/project_fail/gauge_project/963_0420x.jpg

This was my solution. I attached a hood over the tombstone and clamped some DIY gauge cups to it. It didn't turn out quite as nicely as I had visualized it, but it's a pretty good beta version. AFR gauge is clamped to gauge cluster hood next to the others. Functionally, it's great, but it could be prettier in the daylight.

Can we see some daytime pics?

jnshk
05-17-2013, 09:03 PM
I will try to take some tomorrow if I can remember.

jnshk
05-18-2013, 10:52 AM
Not very good pictures, but they might give you an idea

http://www.somethingsquare.com/temp/project_fail/gauge_project/x20130518_102818.jpg
http://www.somethingsquare.com/temp/project_fail/gauge_project/x20130518_102910.jpg
http://www.somethingsquare.com/temp/project_fail/gauge_project/x20130518_102842.jpg

Lesac
05-27-2013, 03:18 AM
Jnshk's car has a cool setup going on.
if you dont wanna go super over the top you could work something in like this
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8736821234_37ca6ed60e_c.jpg
or do the same with a multi PLX gauge.
I run the one above as well as a boost gauge on the a piller mounted as low as possible (I too dislike A pillar gauges)

Pfunk
05-27-2013, 05:16 AM
You can do what I did, particularly if you're looking to install 'real' fuel level, water temp and oil pressure gauges:
7746

Pfunk
05-27-2013, 05:18 AM
Since that pic was taken I've added four LED warning lights with black nickel surrounds; should be done installing it all in the car in a few days. I've made extra five-gauge center console mounts since then as well, playing with different edges, etc.

Agent☣Orange
05-27-2013, 05:58 AM
Pretty cool ideas in here.

cbaylis77
05-27-2013, 07:55 AM
Pfunk those gauges are awesome! What brand are they?

DK Wolf
05-27-2013, 08:08 AM
kinda the set up I had on my FD.

However, exposed gauges like that grabs attention. Attention most people don't want. I was rocking Defis and those usually fetch near 200 bucks a pod, and I was always a little nervous since Oki insurance here doesn't cover itemized theft.

I'd seriously look into just making your own plate for the center console. It's stupid easy and a monkey could do it, or just pop them in your vents. Lots of super easy options out there.

Pfunk
05-27-2013, 03:10 PM
Pfunk those gauges are awesome! What brand are they?

They're Speedhuts, and I designed the faces. They were very good to work with--allowed some heavy customization, particularly on the speedo. Here's a screenshot SH sent me (with a logo on the face to prevent copying, I think) when I asked for a final proof:
7747

cbaylis77
05-27-2013, 05:03 PM
Thanks, they make some great gauges. A little pricey but if I was starting fresh I would consider them. I've got too many Autometer gauges already.

73Bacon
05-27-2013, 09:44 PM
I stuck three on the top of the dash in an RX-7 triple pod.

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo328/71gearhead/gauge%20pod%20build/IMG_6432.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/user/71gearhead/media/gauge%20pod%20build/IMG_6432.jpg.html)

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo328/71gearhead/gauge%20pod%20build/IMG_0731copy_zps2e7ed840.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/user/71gearhead/media/gauge%20pod%20build/IMG_0731copy_zps2e7ed840.jpg.html)

These are ISSPRO EV2 gauges, the font matches the factory Mazda NA font