Pillar Gauge Cluster
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Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Pillar Gauge Cluster
Well, first of I know how crappy our stock gauges are. They don't read hardly anything accurately, so I'm going to invest in some Cobalt Autometer gauges soon. Particularly the water temp, oil psi, and fuel psi gauges. I already have a little autozone oil psi gauge connected to the bottom of my dash, but it never sits the way I want it to and I usually end up bashing my knee against it.
So... I've been thinking of ordering the a-pillar gauge cluster and putting the gauges in there. My only concern is: does it look as good installed as the original pillar? I know the bottom gauge pod rubs against the dash pad, but I'm asking if the pillar looks flush and clean installed in place of the original a-pillar. Also, if I go with just 2 gauges instead of 3, does anyone make a full pillar with just 2 or is it just a little peace I basically have to stick onto the existing pillar?
I want as accurate readings as I can get, but I really want to keep a stock appearance so making a custom instrument panel in the dash is out of the question.
So... I've been thinking of ordering the a-pillar gauge cluster and putting the gauges in there. My only concern is: does it look as good installed as the original pillar? I know the bottom gauge pod rubs against the dash pad, but I'm asking if the pillar looks flush and clean installed in place of the original a-pillar. Also, if I go with just 2 gauges instead of 3, does anyone make a full pillar with just 2 or is it just a little peace I basically have to stick onto the existing pillar?
I want as accurate readings as I can get, but I really want to keep a stock appearance so making a custom instrument panel in the dash is out of the question.
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BDMDblitz (03-04-2021)
#2
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I love my full pillar pod. Ive had it for quite a few years now, and moved it from one car to another. It fits perfect and looks like it belongs. Most people wouldnt even know it was aftermarket. I think its WAY better than attaching gauges all over the place and under the dash.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
#3
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Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
So it just goes in there the way the normal pillar does with no problems or gaps between the plastic and metal at all? Also, what gauges would you reccomend for a 305carb? Oil psi is a must for my cars, but I can't decide on the other two. Thinking Fuel Pressure and Water Temp.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am, 2005 Sierra 2500
Engine: Vortec 357
Transmission: Built TH700R4 with 26-2800 Stall
Axle/Gears: GM 10 bolt 3.73 Posi
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I have done thsi to my T/A. mounted 2 gauge pods on the a pillar then fiberglassed them and then painted them. I have 4 gauges total.I can post some pics up if youd like so you can get an idea of what it looks like.
#6
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
So it just goes in there the way the normal pillar does with no problems or gaps between the plastic and metal at all? Also, what gauges would you reccomend for a 305carb? Oil psi is a must for my cars, but I can't decide on the other two. Thinking Fuel Pressure and Water Temp.
Its hard to tell its not all one piece unless the tops are out...and even then, if you didnt know what you were looking for you'd never notice any gaps or seams.
As for what gauges you should get...thats up to you. Ide say oil pressure and water temp are the most important "basic" gauges. Fuel pressure might be a good one...though I always think of them being more important on an EFI car. Like I said...you dont HAVE to fill the third spot right away.
J.
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Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
Well, if I could get a full pillar with just 2 gauge pods, I'd get it. I just don't know exactly what 3rd gauge would be useful for a carb'd car. Oil psi and water temp I'm going to be getting so I can do away with this autozone gauge on my dash... it bugs me.
#9
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I dont think there is a full pillar pod with only two guages. You will have to get one of the 2 gauge pods, and if you want it to look like it belongs, you'll have to fiberglass it into the a-pillar like it sounds like TADailyDriver did.
Personally I think 3+ looks good over there...and you can always fill the third spot up with a cheapie like a vacuum gauge. They are somewhat useful...Im running a vac gauge, fuel pressure, and wideband in my car. But, you gotta go with whats in your budget, what looks good to you, and what you think you can use best.
J.
Personally I think 3+ looks good over there...and you can always fill the third spot up with a cheapie like a vacuum gauge. They are somewhat useful...Im running a vac gauge, fuel pressure, and wideband in my car. But, you gotta go with whats in your budget, what looks good to you, and what you think you can use best.
J.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am, 2005 Sierra 2500
Engine: Vortec 357
Transmission: Built TH700R4 with 26-2800 Stall
Axle/Gears: GM 10 bolt 3.73 Posi
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I dont think there is a full pillar pod with only two guages. You will have to get one of the 2 gauge pods, and if you want it to look like it belongs, you'll have to fiberglass it into the a-pillar like it sounds like TADailyDriver did.
Personally I think 3+ looks good over there...and you can always fill the third spot up with a cheapie like a vacuum gauge. They are somewhat useful...Im running a vac gauge, fuel pressure, and wideband in my car. But, you gotta go with whats in your budget, what looks good to you, and what you think you can use best.
J.
Personally I think 3+ looks good over there...and you can always fill the third spot up with a cheapie like a vacuum gauge. They are somewhat useful...Im running a vac gauge, fuel pressure, and wideband in my car. But, you gotta go with whats in your budget, what looks good to you, and what you think you can use best.
J.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/interior/487174-quaddruple-gauge-pod-88-a.html
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Car: 87 camaro
Engine: 2.8L for now
Transmission: t5
Axle/Gears: stock for now
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
DyingYoung138- you can get a full pillar 2 pod from speed hut. i dont know how they look in our cars.
ghettocruiser- where did you get your pod from. i like the way i looks. i do have a hardtop so the top is going to be cover. how hard was it to get in place.
ghettocruiser- where did you get your pod from. i like the way i looks. i do have a hardtop so the top is going to be cover. how hard was it to get in place.
#14
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
My pod, as well as the two gauge pod that you mentioned, are both from Autometer. You can pick them up at any of the good online stores. Summit, speed hut looks good but I never used em, egauges.com, etc etc.
I thought I remembered the hardtop cars getting a different type of pod...one that covered more, or one that replaced the entire trim. That might have changed however.
Mine was really easy to install. I took my trim off, laid the pod in place so it matched up, attached it, and it was good to go. You gotta make some holes in the a-pillar trim to pass wires and hoses through. Atleast I had to.
I also recommend installing some type of quick disconnects on those gauge hook ups. Like for the wiring and hoses. Makes it easy if you ever have to remove the trim for something. Im going to re-do my wiring when I install my wideband.
No one will be disappointed with autometer's stuff. Ive been running there gauges and gauge pods for years, and both my jeeps as well as my car have guages and pods from them. Love em.
J.
I thought I remembered the hardtop cars getting a different type of pod...one that covered more, or one that replaced the entire trim. That might have changed however.
Mine was really easy to install. I took my trim off, laid the pod in place so it matched up, attached it, and it was good to go. You gotta make some holes in the a-pillar trim to pass wires and hoses through. Atleast I had to.
I also recommend installing some type of quick disconnects on those gauge hook ups. Like for the wiring and hoses. Makes it easy if you ever have to remove the trim for something. Im going to re-do my wiring when I install my wideband.
No one will be disappointed with autometer's stuff. Ive been running there gauges and gauge pods for years, and both my jeeps as well as my car have guages and pods from them. Love em.
J.
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Car: 1985 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: '93 LT1
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I've never wanted a pillar pod on my car 'till now. I guess I'd just seen too many poorly built and ones that didn't match the car correctly. Usually the same people who plug under dash lights into 3 prong cigarette lighter outlets. :S
#20
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
Here's where I got mine. Should be ok posting the link...I dont think any sponsers sell these things. If they do...I would like to know.
http://prosportgauges.com/52mm-switc...uge-blank.aspx
I painted the silver ring black since I have Phantom gauges. I also paid less at the time...looks like they went up about $1.
J.
http://prosportgauges.com/52mm-switc...uge-blank.aspx
I painted the silver ring black since I have Phantom gauges. I also paid less at the time...looks like they went up about $1.
J.
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Car: 87 Firebird, 89 Trans Am
Engine: 406, LB9
Transmission: T56, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Torsen, 2.73 Posi
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
Here's another couple of pictures of a triple pod in hard top.
It mounts flush over the existing plastic and from outside the car it's hard to tell it's been added in.
It mounts flush over the existing plastic and from outside the car it's hard to tell it's been added in.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 346 LS6
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
looks like the bottom gauge sits on the dash.. is that my imagination or what?
#25
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Car: 1992 Camaro
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
i love the way these gauge pods and gauges look. found a guy on ebay that has amazing prices on autometer gauges. cant wait to get some and install.
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Car: 1989 Trans Am
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
Where did you get speedo and rom gauges from? I like the style and want to put into my 89 trans am! Easy to put in?
I love my full pillar pod. Ive had it for quite a few years now, and moved it from one car to another. It fits perfect and looks like it belongs. Most people wouldnt even know it was aftermarket. I think its WAY better than attaching gauges all over the place and under the dash.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
#31
Member
Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
Yes it is.
It’s more than long enough.
Oil, water, and fuel.
It’s more than long enough.
Oil, water, and fuel.
Last edited by Z03Z28; 05-18-2020 at 07:25 PM.
#33
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Chevy86 IROC-Z (05-20-2020)
#34
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Re: Pillar Gauge Cluster
I love my full pillar pod. Ive had it for quite a few years now, and moved it from one car to another. It fits perfect and looks like it belongs. Most people wouldnt even know it was aftermarket. I think its WAY better than attaching gauges all over the place and under the dash.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
Attachment 434546
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Attachment 434547
Attachment 434548
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
Right now, Im just running 2 gauges in a 3 gauge pod. I sold my narrow band O2 sensor... So I got a snap in cover/blank to make the hole look better. Now I have a wideband O2 gauge to install... But it looks fine with the blank.
Here's a pic of how it looks currently with the blank installed.
Attachment 434546
And here's a couple during my build, when I still had 3 gauges in it. The bottom pod does rest on the dash...but its not a big deal.
Attachment 434547
Attachment 434548
Hope that helps ya with your decision... I say buy the 3 gauge pod that is made to fit our a-pillar. Put a blank in it... That way, if you decide to add another gauge, you're good to go. Or you could mount a shift light behind the blank. Or get a cheap gauge like a vac. gauge. Lots of options. If I wasnt going to have 3 gauges, Ide probably mount my shift light in the bottom spot behind a blank.
J.
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