Gauge in Place of Ligher Done! + Pic

[MLimpert]

I got my pyro installed in the former lighter location. It took me about 4 hours between the wiring underhood, removing the dash bezel and cutting the hole in it, installing the control box for the gauge, and wiring into the lighting circuit. I really like the look so far! Thanks for everyones help!



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[RottnDogue]

Is it tough to monitor in that position while driving?

 

[MLimpert]

Its not too bad. With the way I have my seat adjusted, It really takes no more of a glance than looking out the passenger side mirror. All of you extra tall guys might have some trouble seeing around the shifter, but it works for me. It accomplished the mission of keeping the stock look, without adding any extra pods other than the srt-10 unit that holds my boost gauge.

 

[WM-300]

How much room

is there behind the cig lighter ? How does the dash pannel come off ? It really looks great. I will do mine like that also. I too did not want to add and pods, this is the answer



WM-300

 

[klenger]

I really like that. Very nice job. EGT is really the only gauge I need as I have no intention of bombing, and that would keep the totally stock look.

 

[Briman]

That looks great Matt. Sometime after Thanksgiving I hope to get my fuel pressure gauge in the same location. I suppose you had to trim the panel behind it.

 

[MLimpert]

There will be some very minor trimming required to the area behind the dash panel. I bought a dremel tool just for this, and used a small cut off wheel tool with it. (don't know how I made it all these years without a dremel!) I trimmed about 1/4" square off the female area that the trim panel clip nearest the lighter used to go into behind the dash panel.



I found it was easier to remove the entire dash panel and work on it out of the truck. All you need to do this is remove the screw behind the bag hook, open the cupholder and ashtray, and then pull down on the knee blocker below the steering column. The knee blocker will open up then, allowing you easy access to the edge of the dash surround below the lighter. Just pull it towards you and then work your way around the panel removing the clips from their sockets. Unplug all the electric connectors for the climate control etc; and then the dash panel will be removable.



Before starting to make a hole, I also removed about 1/2 of the plastic on the male portion of the clip below the lighter that is attached to the removable dash panel to allow enough room for making a hole.



I ran my 2" hole saw through a piece of wood first, and then clamped the wood with hole in it to the dash panel. This allowed the bit to start cleanly without the benefit of a pilot hole. I cleaned up around this opening a bit with the dremel, and that was enough for the gauge to fit snugly within the opening.



I got power for the gauge controller box from the former lighter plug. Also, the two screws directly below the radio seem to be a very good ground for lighting.



Let me know if you need any other help or clarification.

 

[MLimpert]

Also, the dash panel seems to still fit snugly and with no rattles, even though it has one less clip holding it on.

 

[MBergman]

Finally got the pics from my camera uploaded. Here's what the dash looks like with 2 gauges mounted in it.



Marc

 

[Briman]

I got my fuel pressure gauge installed as well. I used a block of wood screwed to the dash panel so I could have a pilot hole that would keep the hole saw from wondering. I then reinstalled the dash and continued with the hole saw into the back panel so I knew exactly what needed to come out to clear the gauge. It's a really good place to put a gauge.

 

[ZRamsey]

look great i might try that

 

[JHardwick]

Finally got the pics from my camera uploaded. Here's what the dash looks like with 2 gauges mounted in it.



Marc

You'll need a co-pilot with that set-up

 

[yycguy]

Hey looks great guys, I ordered a fuel pressure gauge last week and that is where it is going.

Mlimpert, is that cigar lighter cord long enough to mount below the dash to keep the power adapter?

Thanks

 

[ttreibel]

Very nice set up great job. Do you also have a gauge in an SRT-10 pillar? that location also has a nice look to it, and the wiring was easier than I thought it would be.

 

[MBergman]

No co-pilot needed, but it does give the better half something to do! The angle rings make it easier to see, plus I dont spend much time watching the fuel pressure. I've got the SRT-10 a-pillar in the truck too with the EGT gauge.



Marc

 

[MLimpert]

The plug for the lighter is long enough to take it down to several locations that would be suitable for mounting an EGT gauge control box, however, I elected to cut off the end. I did this because the plug that connects to the lighter socket has some really small funny looking connectors, and I was worried about getting a straight blade crimp fastener to stay put inside it without vibrating loose. I did save the plug I cut off, so if I ever do put it back stock it should be easy to replace.