[DocV70r]

So, after contemplating all of the options for positioning a boost gauge, I was inspired by Fitzy et al and have decided to go custom as well.

Since I've got a 6MT - My left hand is pretty much always on the steering wheel, so the most "open" spot seems to be on the right side of the dash cluster - I'm going to try to squeeze it over in the lower corner and MAYBE not block any warning lights.

Once I have the dash pod made, will worry about wiring of the sucker...

ipd boost gauge - check
single gauge pod - check
Bondo - check
"Finishing" Bondo - check
Sandpaper - 80 all the way to 1500 - check
Primer and Paint - still to be purchased...
Wifes permission to hack up my dash - CHECK!!!!!

Will post pics along the way...

Wish me luck!

 

[RRRon]

Now you did it!
I'll have to wait until I see your version before I decide.

Cheers & GL!
Ron

 

[fcpgroton]

+1

What are you waiting for!!

 

[DevolvR]

Where'd you get single gauge pod? I want to do this too!

 

[DocV70r]

Got the gauge pod from garage16 in Toronto.
After removing the dash bezel approximated where I wanted boost gauge:

Then cut small hole just so gauge fit through:

(used a dremmel)

Gauge in hole:

Almost considered painting the gauge cylinder black and calling it a day!

Cut pod to fit:

Rough fit, then epoxy (waiting for it to dry)...

Oh yeah presanded and cleaned the area for bondo.
Went back to car many many times to check fit. So far no lights blocked...

 

[DocV70r]

Post epoxy. Actually looks much worse in person! I was trying to get as close a fit as possible to minimize bondo step...

 

[donut1140]

That looks good. i would be so nervous to cut into the dash like that. Cant wait to see the finished product!

 

[DocV70r]

My wife's final words to me just before starting: "are you sure it's a good idea to cut holes in your car??"
Maybe not a good idea, but fun!
Luckily the gauge fits without having to trim the inside of the dash.
Bondo layer 1 done and I think that's all I'll have time for tonight...

 

[Lightspeed]

Nice how-to. :thumbsup:
Any pics for removing the trim?

 

[DocV70r]

Nice how-to. :thumbsup:
Any pics for removing the trim?

Close your eyes and pull!
When I get the car out in the light will take some pics of the dash and location of retaining clips.

 

[redbaronace]

please continue the writeup and show photos of each step along the way. I am getting very tempted to try this mod after seeing all the others who have gone before.

The location of your pod is where I would mount mine ideally so im very interested in seeing your finished product.

 

[redbaronace]

is this your first time doing something like this (bondo)?

 

[DocV70r]

is this your first time doing something like this (bondo)?

Yup, first time doing something like this and working with bondo.

 

[DevolvR]

Yup, first time doing something like this and working with bondo.

any pics of the first layer of bondo? hehe..

 

[DocV70r]

First layer of bondo: fugly!

Test fit:

With gauge:
Half of the battery warning light is obscured...

 

[phuz]

Weird...it says 4C under your clock. Is that where your suspension status is located?

 

[DocV70r]

Weird...it says 4C under your clock. Is that where your suspension status is located?

Yup! Nice catch!

s60rKid sent me the following tips to share:

"I have done fiberglass work in the past and my buddy gave me a "trick" for bondo'ing. In addition to the bondo/hardener...add some resin/hardener (fiberglass) to the bondo mix. It will set pretty quick (6-8 min) but it's a very liquidy consistancy and you just buy some cheap paint brushes and brush it on. The advantage is, when it hardens, it's very smooth. It's so smooth that it cuts your sanding time down dramatically vs. traditional bondo especially in tight spaces."

 

[Lightspeed]

With gauge:Half of the battery warning light is obscured...

How's the view with your hands at 10&2? Is the gauge blocked?

 

[DocV70r]

How's the view with your hands at 10&2? Is the gauge blocked?

Not really - maybe around 25-30 a little. I'm 6'2" so my seat is pretty much all the way back and the steering wheel is pulled out as far as it will go which gives a slightly wider angle of view there. Would likely be more obscured with different driving positions.

 

[DocV70r]

Thinking ahead, wondering how the dash cover would look painted matt silver.
The real color is a charcoal with a bit of a metallic fleck to it. Hard to match so instead of having a slight mismatch figured may as well try something completely different.