As we all know the gauge pod options for our cars is on the lacking side. About the only affordable one is the vent pod but many of us want to run 2 or 3 gauges. So I decided to improvise. Here you will find a guide to building your own 2 or 3 gauge a-pillar pod for under $50.
Items you will need:
1 - A-Pillar interior trim piece, which should have come with your car. (I bought a spare incase I messed up)
2 or 3 cheap swivel gauge pods. They are about $6 on Amazon, see link below
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S...F8&qid=1487019761&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65
Hack saw
Pop rivet gun (or very short screw driver and ratchet driver with socket)
Drill
Drill bits
Assorted rivets (or 1/2" machine screws and nylon lock nuts)
With all that sorted lets get started. First start by cutting off the tabs on the single gauge pods. You want to make sure you cut them as close to the actual pod as possible. After trimming off the mounting tabs you will need to drill a small hole in each pod. I used a 3/16" bit to drill about halfway where the removed mounting tabs were. (Make sure you have the correct size of rivet for the hole you're drilling)
Next, line up where you think you want your pods. This will vary from person to person since we're all different heights but I placed the first one about 3" from the bottom and then placed each pod 6" from that. Some electrical tape and patience will help you to decide the best location for each pod.
After you've determined the location of each pod you're going to use the same drill bit as before to drill you're a-pillar trim piece. Make sure that you drill on the "spine" (where it curves inward to make a v-ish shape) of the a-pillar trim piece. If you drill anywhere else the gauges will end up facing more toward the window than you.
Once your holes are drilled you just need to rivet each one in place. Don't worry about getting the tilt of each one perfect as you will be able to adjust them once you rivet them on.
*EDIT-Alternative mounting method*
The rivets work and I haven't had any issues out of them but you could also use a 1/2" machine screw with a nylon lock nut. One of the pods was yanked of during the instal and I used that combo to reattach it. It's a bit more sturdy but also slightly more difficult to attach. You will need a very short screw driver if you go this route.
The last step will be to drill holes for the wires. Just align the holes in the pods mark and drill the a-pillar trim where you need to run wires through. If you want to be extra slick then use some plastic split wire loom in black to hide the wires from view.
Ta-dah! You now have a 2 or 3 pillar gauge pod for less than $50 that looks almost stock.
When mounting your gauges you will most likely need to wrap the inner section with electrical tape as they are held in via friction. I had to on my instal. If done properly the gauges will stay in place.
Items you will need:
1 - A-Pillar interior trim piece, which should have come with your car. (I bought a spare incase I messed up)
2 or 3 cheap swivel gauge pods. They are about $6 on Amazon, see link below
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S...F8&qid=1487019761&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65
Hack saw
Pop rivet gun (or very short screw driver and ratchet driver with socket)
Drill
Drill bits
Assorted rivets (or 1/2" machine screws and nylon lock nuts)
With all that sorted lets get started. First start by cutting off the tabs on the single gauge pods. You want to make sure you cut them as close to the actual pod as possible. After trimming off the mounting tabs you will need to drill a small hole in each pod. I used a 3/16" bit to drill about halfway where the removed mounting tabs were. (Make sure you have the correct size of rivet for the hole you're drilling)
Next, line up where you think you want your pods. This will vary from person to person since we're all different heights but I placed the first one about 3" from the bottom and then placed each pod 6" from that. Some electrical tape and patience will help you to decide the best location for each pod.
After you've determined the location of each pod you're going to use the same drill bit as before to drill you're a-pillar trim piece. Make sure that you drill on the "spine" (where it curves inward to make a v-ish shape) of the a-pillar trim piece. If you drill anywhere else the gauges will end up facing more toward the window than you.
Once your holes are drilled you just need to rivet each one in place. Don't worry about getting the tilt of each one perfect as you will be able to adjust them once you rivet them on.
*EDIT-Alternative mounting method*
The rivets work and I haven't had any issues out of them but you could also use a 1/2" machine screw with a nylon lock nut. One of the pods was yanked of during the instal and I used that combo to reattach it. It's a bit more sturdy but also slightly more difficult to attach. You will need a very short screw driver if you go this route.
The last step will be to drill holes for the wires. Just align the holes in the pods mark and drill the a-pillar trim where you need to run wires through. If you want to be extra slick then use some plastic split wire loom in black to hide the wires from view.
Ta-dah! You now have a 2 or 3 pillar gauge pod for less than $50 that looks almost stock.
When mounting your gauges you will most likely need to wrap the inner section with electrical tape as they are held in via friction. I had to on my instal. If done properly the gauges will stay in place.
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