Okay I started this project last weekend and finally reached the final leg of it tonight. I dont want that massive tach look that everyone has, and I dont want that 3 gauge pod that just bolts to the dash board somewhere. I plan on getting rid of my ignition switch all together, so i have plenty of room for switches. With the Nitrous and Turbo plans in the future I wanted to make sure that I had enough space for the added gauges. Check it out and let me know what you think.....

 

ahhhh...i donno what to say....

 

is that a shoe box?

 

its all molded out of lexan

 

It could have been made a lot less intrusive.

 

wasnt really looking to keep it out of the way. Its in a place that no matter where I am driving I wont have to move my head to look at it, and i dont have to see it if I dont want to

 

looks out of place!

 

Your going to need a ton of gauges to fill that large of a space... that or install a mini LCD screen. I mean... IT'S HUGE!
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Thats funny...racing my camaro i might get to glance at the tach going through the traps and it is right where that box is, so dont think things are as visible as they are sitting in the garage

 

You are right on the ball here. It's damn near impossible to keep an eye on the vitals while your flying trough Autocross cones. A little easier while drifting, but not much. About the only thing I really see is my 6-LED shift light blasting me in the eye.

 

You dont want the "big tach look" that everyone has...but a big ol box of gauges is ok? Why not replace your stock gauges with some autometers, then build something smaller for a few aux. gauges?

Also...I dont know of many "pods" that stick on the dash of a thirdgen. But, pillar pods blend very well, arent intrusive, and position gauges in great view.

Anyway...just so you know. Im not tryin to bash. By all means, set things up how YOU want. But I think you can do better with that box. Unless you are just mocking things...but the final leg comment made me believe you were about done.

Good luck and post pics of what you end up with regardless!

J.

 

I'm with you on this one. That box is just not working. ****, hang a few guages from under the air vent and it would look a ton better. just my opinion, but a better box can be made and not be as big and bulky/ out of place. Tear that old one off and re-work your idea.

 

Since I have a mostly stock 3.1, mine are for looks more than anything. They are for amplifier voltage, current and temperature from left to right. I had the pod made out of ABS, bondo and fiberglass by my stereo installer. It sort of looks like the standard 3-gauge pod, but it isn't open on the sides and the gauges are angled slightly toward me.

 

I must say that looks nice, and for its use very functional.

 

I did something simliar about 6 years ago...and still have it.

Never mind the black tape. I have a guage in there currently.




The polymer is ABS.

 

Now THAT looks good. Thats what you wanna shoot for if you are going to build a gauge pod for that area. The one shown above is nice as well.

Just gotta put alittle more time into it and you'll come up with something clean.

J.

 

Nicely done AC! Notice the taper of the sides that match the angle of the vent enclosure. The gauges are also angled toward the driver. I would trash the shoe box in favor of a similar design.

 

Don't bash the shoebox , I'm thinking you could prolly cut 2 cup holders in the top of it , small lcd screen in the front and some 4" speakers in the side , it would be like a little drive in movie theater .
Sorry I'm giving you a hard time , I know you put some effort in it and it would prolly look much better if it was black , that white is just really bright and it makes it kinda look like one of those hand / blow dryer things on a public restroom but I understand the shape and positioning . ( paint it black soon )

 

first thing take that psycopathic records thing outa the back window and burn it to ashes and **** on it. then take that shoe box out and set it aside. go down to autozone and pick up the pillar pods and use those. hey look better and there right in the line of sight but not in the way.

 

I think everybody is bashing an unfinished product too much.

Paint it black & it'll "disappear". Put in the gauges you want/need, but angle them towards the drivers seat.

Even them, I do think they'll be pretty useless on track, being so far away to focus on, read correctly & keep driving correctly, be it autocross of drag racing.

 

Side question - anyone who has the a-pillar pods - how did you fasten that to your a pillar ? I'm not sure how long my hot glue is gonna hold up...

 

I bought a full pillar and it came with push pins...tiny little black plastic push ins that you just drill a hole for and they lock in... they are kinda like whats used in some parts to hold interior panels on.

 

I think it does the job. Seen lots of drag car with worst gauge boxes. If you are going for look, I would recommend working on it and redesigning it. If you like it and it works for you then who cares. You'll always find someone with better designed stuff (from gauge boxes to sub boxes) just live and learn.
You have 6 post and your already acting like a ***. Might want to lighten up

 

'glass it in.... Click here

 

You guys are cruel!!! LOL I mean, I agree with most of you, but wow!! I wouldnt be so rude... LOL