I'm toying with the idea of fiberglassing a custom pod that would sit in the center of the dash above the vents to hold 4 gauges. I wanted to kinda blend the shape in with the dash so it doesn't look ghetto. This was a very rough draft and is way taller than I'd make it, but you get the idea...


The issue is wiring. If I mold it so it attaches to the dash there's nowhere to run all the wires unless I drill a hole in the dash. I don't like that idea at all because you can't click UNDO on that one. The only other way I can see doing it is to mold the bezel trim around the vents onto the pod so it's one big piece. But the only way that will work is if there's enough room on the left of the vent to run wires. I haven't researched how to pull those trim pieces off yet to see what's behind them. I've not found anyone else who did a dash mounted pod. So I'm fishing for ideas. If you have suggestions let me know.

Before the question is asked, I don't want to have an A-pillar pod because too many ricers see that when they pass you and immediately think your mission in life is to waste your gas racing their 120hp junk. I could probably squeeze them down at the bottom below the stereo BUT I'm going to put in boost, AFR, oil pressure and fuel pressure, so I'd like to be able to monitor them without having to completely look down. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

 

The coolest setup I've ever seen is this.




He put gauges behind a custom molded piece of plexiglass that was tinted black to match his interior. It's in his build thread here.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...ld-thread.html

 

That's definitely awesome. Something I hadn't thought of, and is probably out of my comfort zone. I've not done any really nice finishing work with fiberglass and the center pod idea would be wrapped with vinyl to match the dash and the face would be painted whatever color I decide to do the trim work in.

 

i'm definitely gonna do this, except i have no gauges right now, but once i do! i'm doing it!

 

Holy cow, that plexi idea is awesome. I've got a wideband waiting to be installed and totally want to try that now!

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ation-mp3.html

Been trying to do this. I dont want any visible gauge on mine so I would connect my aem to an mcmini or android/apple tablet and possiblities are endless. Lol

 

oh god that is so ugly, looks like a cop car then. i understand installing a tablet in the dash but that huge monitor just looks way outdated.

 

I like the plexi idea but still why put the gauges so far away from the driver.....it should be right in front of you near the cluster

 

Yeah, I would think it only makes sense for gauges you don't need to monitor closely, like perhaps oil pressure and voltage. The boost gauge in the example is probably fine, since you usually only need to see what it's doing when something is wrong. The speedo (or two?) in the example, though, I don't get.

Getting the transparency and darkness of the plexi just right might be tough, but it sure would be cool to have totally hidden gauges when the car is off.

I'm also not sure how easy or difficult it would be to do that with a pass. airbag equipped model. I took mine out and rigged up a mount for the dash cover, so I know it's somewhat doable to work with that space. (There's no way it would work with the airbag still in place.) On the other hand, it would be way easier to just ditch the airbag and cover, and place gauges in the opening left behind, angled toward the driver. Not as slick, though. Maybe they could go under a plexi hood...

 

Remember the space behind that panel is black and dark anyways, you probably wouldn't have to worry too much about getting it the right transparency, and could probably just use some VHT for tail-lights. Also he mentioned the gauges were very bright so it probably doesn't have to be as exact as one might think.

However you are right about putting non-essential gauges over there.

 

Perhaps, but it seems like clear plexi would illuminate it like a greenhouse. Not everything back there is dark unless you make some tweaks.

 

Thread jacked lol, the plexi glass is killer! I'm honestly a bit old school and am a fan of the 2 gauges in the pillar, otherwise I like when some people mount them on the steering column too. Cleaner the better obviously. Not sure about the OP idea, it could look good but it would need to be much smaller, just big enough to fit the gauges.

 

delete one of the center vents and stick them in there. you don't need like 5 vents in a 2 door car IMO.
The 5th one is under the steering wheel btw.