dash pod pics

[DFrank]

The long awaited dash pod is finally in and looking good.



It is Autometer's gaugeworks dash pod, from Geno's.



Here are a few pitfalls I encountered; hopefully someone learns from my mistakes.



I installed EGT boost and transmission gauges from DiProcol. The boost gauge has a plastic sleeve that aparently was not supposed to be permanent. Not knowing this I used a sanding drum in my drill press to enlarge the hole. It looks fine, but was a PITA.



You have to drill holes in the dash to install the mounting bar and to run the wires up through to the gauges. There is plenty of room inside the cover so run your wires long enough to have some room to move it around.



I definitely recommend removing the back windshield half of the dash entirely. After you pry the front up the back (windshield side) is stiffer and needs to come towars you as it comes up.



The pod needs to park in an exact spot trim out right. I accomplished this by drilling slightly larger holes and adding washers under the screws that come up through the dash. That way you can slide it right where it needs to go then snug it down.



There is one recessed spot in the sub-dash, in this general vicinity. Drill a large hole above it so the wires and boost hose have room to flex without kinking. Failure to do this prevents the dash from resting all the way down in its original spot.

 

[DFrank]

Sorry the pic is so small. I just spent a ridiculous amount of time figuing out (almost) how to resize the file. I thought I chose 320x 240. WHat do other people use?

 

[Red Ramrod]

DFrank,



I take all my photos high quality and then edit them using Microsoft photo editor which comes with Windows XP. You can right click on a jpeg and select "open with" then "Microsoft Photo Editor". This is pretty easy to use. You can crop the image first by outlining (selecting) the area of the picture (middle of the tool bar - dashed box is the select tool). Once the box is outlined you can pick "Image" on top and then "Crop". Then to make the file size below 122k pick "file" and then "save as". Once you pick save as name the file what you want and then hit the "More" button. After hitting the "More" button a slide scale is shown. You can move that to a percentage (probably around 30) to start with and then click "save". Then check the file size. If it is below 122k but not to far you are done. If it is still to big click the "save as" again and click on "More" and lower the percentage. Once you get used to it, it only takes about 30 seconds to edit a photo. I hope that helps.

 

[DFrank]

Thanks for that desription. I should have mentioned that I am a Mac user. I did it with I photo. Like most things there is a learning acurve and I am still pretty close to the bottom.



Is it possible to remove an oversized photo from a post in progress? When it gave the message that my file was too big I couldn't figure out how to get rid of it and had to start the post over.

 

[GWeed]

Thanks for the good installation details and picture. I am thinking this is the best location for gages for easy visibility with minimum focus change and for keeping them out of the way.



Is it possible to mount the dash pod with velcro tape instead of using the mounting rod? Seems like the pod and gages are light enough in weight that velcro might work and would avoid another hole to be drilled in the dash.

 

[Jeremiah]

This thread

This thread has convinced me to mount mine on the A-pillar!

 

[DFrank]

Originally posted by GWeed

Thanks for the good installation details and picture. I am thinking this is the best location for gages for easy visibility with minimum focus change and for keeping them out of the way.



Is it possible to mount the dash pod with velcro tape instead of using the mounting rod? Seems like the pod and gages are light enough in weight that velcro might work and would avoid another hole to be drilled in the dash.

The whole bottom is open, so you would need to add a bottom of plywood or something and then you could go that route. I figured on leaving them there forever, so I went ahead and drilled. I will probably end up regretting that whenever it comes time to sell/trade.



I think the A pillar looks better, but I am leary of the increased blind spot. The dash mount does not interfere with any visibility and is more in your immediate line of sight.



It does not seem to slow the defroster down any either.



It also makes a spot on the left of the dash where stuff cant slide across when cornering.

 

[bpenrod]

How about the steering wheel dual pod from Autometer? I was going to mount my boost guage and fuel pressure in one this weekend but the mechanincal pressure guage came out of the box reading 18 psi! Waiting on a replacement to do the mounting. My 03 has the grab handle on the A pillar so I put a single pod there with the EGT.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Being someone who's had both, my vote is dash pod all the way.



Looks better IMO and less distracting at night. Easier to read at a glance due to being near line of sight. Downside it it's more work to install everything.



Vaughn

 

[amsoilman]

Very nice installation of your gauges on the dash!



I like mine on the column.



#ad




Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

Being someone who's had both, my vote is dash pod all the way.



Looks better IMO and less distracting at night. Easier to read at a glance due to being near line of sight. Downside it it's more work to install everything.



Vaughn

Is your Whiplash a bent BD short shifter or regular stick?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Jeremiah it's a stock stick, available from a body shop in Kent:



PRO FINISH

(253)850-9422

1506 S. CENTRAL AVE

KENT WA. 98032



I really like mine. There were some threads about it, do a search for Whiplash in both 3rd Gen forums.

 

[CSilkowski]

DFrank,



Do you get a lot of glare in the windshield from the dash pod set up, especially at night?

 

[DFrank]

Well I just installed the pod friday afternoon and haven't even driven it in the dark yet. The cowl overhangs the top of them by about two inches. A quick trip to the driveway just now confimed that they do not create any glare on the windshield. I do have them wired into the dimmer, so they dim with the rest of the panel. I do suspect, however that I may try to get them even dimmer, as I already thought the dash on lowest was still too bright.



How has anyone else gone about making their panel or aux. gauges dimmer than stock? My boost gauge is subsstanitially darker than the other two even tough I think its the only one with two bulbs.

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

Jeremiah it's a stock stick, available from a body shop in Kent:



PRO FINISH

(253)850-9422

1506 S. CENTRAL AVE

KENT WA. 98032



I really like mine. There were some threads about it, do a search for Whiplash in both 3rd Gen forums.

Yeh, I read the threads awhile back. I think the short shifter might work the same as the Whiplash. I can lay my arm on the center arm rest and zip through gears almost (but not quite) without moving more than my hand and wrist.



But the Whiplash LOOKS cool whereas mine is merely functional!

 

[Jeremiah]

Bright bulbs

Originally posted by DFrank

Well I just installed the pod friday afternoon and haven't even driven it in the dark yet. The cowl overhangs the top of them by about two inches. A quick trip to the driveway just now confimed that they do not create any glare on the windshield. I do have them wired into the dimmer, so they dim with the rest of the panel. I do suspect, however that I may try to get them even dimmer, as I already thought the dash on lowest was still too bright.



How has anyone else gone about making their panel or aux. gauges dimmer than stock? My boost gauge is subsstanitially darker than the other two even tough I think its the only one with two bulbs.

I don't know how old you are, DFrank, but wait a few years and you'll be turning those interior lights up again! We seniors need all the light we can get!!!!

 

[KIseminger]

DFrank-



Has anyone answered your question about resizing pics? I am a Mac user as well so I can help you there.



RE: the gauges- I installed my DP gauges recently and have the same thing. I was wondering if it was just me. My Autometers had the same problem.

 

[DFrank]

I could use some more mac info on picture szing. I prpbably jus t need to do it some more. I think I inadvertantly saved it as a thumbnail and thatis why it printed so small. Soes that sound reasonable?

 

[KIseminger]

Originally posted by DFrank

I could use some more mac info on picture szing. I prpbably jus t need to do it some more. I think I inadvertantly saved it as a thumbnail and thatis why it printed so small. Soes that sound reasonable?

I will email you.