I decided I would be different and make my own gauge pod, I got the idea from a wrx that had something similar installed. As you can see I used PVC pipe which fits the gauges perfectly, balsa wood as a base and styrofoam to make the desired shape. I wrapped it in a vinyl similar to the dashboard so it matches then painted the front flat black.
to secure the pod i used zip ties looped through the wood base and mounted it on the defroster grill, this way the pod is removable for service and does not require any drilling into the dashboard. I did have to relocate the sunload sensor with this setup but it was as easy as clipping a piece of the grill and zip tieing the sensor into place.
the wires run through a hole in the base through the defroster vent and into the cavity behind the gauge cluster. from th harness the wires travel over the steering cradel and down to the driver foot well where they exit through a hole below the grommit with the hood release cable
As you can see i wired all the gauge connectors together and made a harness, wires are labeled and wrapped in black duct tape to match oem wiring. the gauges require three connections:
switched + : this is coming from the passenger foot well from an add-a-fuse plugged into the windshield wiper fuse, the wire comes behind the carpet and into the cavity behind the center console
ground : i removed a bolt holding the steering cradle in place and used a grounding clip attached to a wire
lights: the gauges are tinted, when you turn the ignition on they light up revealing they're reading, then you turn on the lights they will dim like the factory gauges 30%. previously i added leds to light up my ashtray switch panel, so i merely used this wire found in the cavity behind the center console.
the wideband 02 sensor need a constant + wire so i tapped the wire supplying the 12v outlet, ive tapped here before its a very heft circuit with a 30A fuse so it can power lots of goodies. the WB O2 box is in the glove box as it needs to be calibrated every 6 months by pressing and holding a button, when i button everything up i will tape it down with automotive 2face tape
more pics
had to relocate my gtech, the plug is still hard wired into the 12v outlet circuit but now the wiring travels behind the gauges and out between the dash and apillar
feel free to ask questions id be glad to help anyone looking to install theyre own gauges.
Last edited by SinisterC6; 01-15-2010 at 01:38 PM.
im running glowshift gauges in my car, they match the stock gauges and are less expensive than the autometer brand while still having great reviews. I did a lot of research before buying on different car forums and got nothing but praises with people using them for 3 years.
i put glow shift gauges in my bonneville when we did the blower and they are nice looking... color match is sweet too! thought bout swaping my auto meters from vette with these too
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Gauge pod install
