2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission gauge install question

[keimmmo]

I would like to mount a EGT and boost gauge on the dash. However, I am at a loss for where to run the wires! I would hate to start drilling holes in the top of my dash! Any ideas and experiences would be appreciated!



Steve

______________________

2001. 5 QC 4X4

 

[Shovelhead]

Bite the bullet

Drill the dash

It'll only hurt for a minute :{

But it'll make the job look alot better

And people will say



#ad




BTW yes, they are hooked up and functional. Oo.

 

[Smills]

Mount the gauges on the pillar.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

THESE are easy to see, unobtrusive, easy to wire - and look pretty neat to boot!



#ad




AND - frosting on the cake - I can still wash the inside of my windshield with no hassles...

 

[keimmmo]

I do not want to make my dash look like Swiss Cheese. I am thinking about eventual resale value. I would have to leave the guages or it would hurt the value of the truck... yet leaving the guages wouldn't help the value of the truck that much.



I really don't want to pay the price for the pillar mount guages... yeh, I'm kind of tight. I'm really leaning that way at the moment though. I AM willing to pay the price when I am convinced it is what I want or need!



Anyone else have some different options?



Steve

 

[zimman20]

Sure, you could mount it in the cubby hole, believe somebody sells a kit for that somewhere.



Or, you could utilize the brackets that the manufacturer sends with the gauges and mount them under the dash. Most of us prefer to have them somewhere we can read them easily while on the road, thus we're using the A-Pillar pod from Autometer.



Some guys have mounted the FP gauge under the dash with the man. bracket since that one doesn't need to be read constantly, and use the steering column mount for a dual-gauge (i. e. boost/egt combo). However, that would necessitate buying the steering column mount and you're trying not to spend the $$.



Best idea yet, cruise the classifieds, many guys selling gauges and/or mounts as they change or upgrade their existing setups and you could pick the gauges up on the cheap, thus saving you enough $$ to justify spending the $50 on the pillar pod setup.



zman

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"I really don't want to pay the price for the pillar mount guages... yeh, I'm kind of tight. "



Not really sure what "price" you are referring to, compared to other mounting methods - the pillar mount is $50 - is that REALLY lots more than dash mount? PLUS, when you DO sell, you simply remove the pillar mount and guages, replace the stock trim, and all the rest of your concerns are GONE...

 

[keimmmo]

I already plan to mount the FP guage below the dash in front of the 4/wd shifter. Agreed... a must have but not necessary to see all the time.



I have made pods for guages using the factory brackets and putting a plastic cup on the back to hide the back of the guage and wires. If you do it right and paint it black it really looks like factory mounting pods for a lot less money! I just haven't figured out how to make a low buck mount for the pillar... Yea, $50 isn't the end of the world... especially if you like the results. Again, I am leaning that way as a least of the evils.



I DO want to mount the boost, EGT, and trans temp where I can see them without standing on my head while driving!!! I sometimes have passengers in the middle seat, so my choices are limited. I'm beginning to like the pillar mounts more and more!



Steve

 

[zimman20]

Don't rule out those classifieds.....

Guys sell their trucks and decide to get rid of things all the time, I believe I've seen the triple or double pillar mounts on there a couple of times. Should be able to get them much cheaper there.



I had to kick myself because shortly after buying my Westach FP I saw a listing in the classifieds for it, would have saved me about 20-25. 00 if I'd seen it there first. Plus my gauge was on backorder at Geno's for a couple of weeks... ...

 

[Car_nut57]

I would recommend a pillar mount painted to match the interior of the truck. They make the gauges viewable with taking your eye off the road and you won't have to make any holes in the dash.

 

[24V-DSL]

Maybe this?

Check out the VDO mounting cups shown at www.tstproducts.com



Mine are dash mounted just next to the pillar. No drilling the dash for the wires. Run them up through the bottom of the pillar area and wrap them. Clean look, and cups are adjustable. Good line of sight for vision.

 

[duaneparks]

Re: Maybe this?

Originally posted by 24V-DSL

Check out the VDO mounting cups shown at www.tstproducts.com



Mine are dash mounted just next to the pillar. No drilling the dash for the wires. Run them up through the bottom of the pillar area and wrap them. Clean look, and cups are adjustable. Good line of sight for vision.

24V-DSL, do you have a picture of how you have those wires and hoses done? I like the gauge cups, and don't really want to drill my dash if I can keep from it.



Thanks!!!

 

[24V-DSL]

duaneparks....

Duane... .



Sorry, no pics (I just got rid of my rotary dial phone a couple of months ago, if that tells you anything)...



I am sending you a pm later tommorrow, 8-29 with some details.



Joe