2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gauge Mounts, 94-97 dash

[Willys]

I want to mount a set of gauges in my truck- boost, pyro, F/P, trans. temp, oil pressure, and air pressure.



My dad has pillar mounted gauges, and they look great until you almost hit a pedestrian(or small car) a few times from the blind spot. :--)







Is there a brand of pillar mount that doesn't stick out much? What I'd REALLY like to have is a set of mounts that sit about halfway between the edge of the dash and the defrost vent. It is just enough out of view that it will only block the view of the hood, but will still allow a quick check of the gauges. I'm a little concerned about the effect of hitting your head on those pillar mounts in a wreck(I witnessed a head on collision a few days ago, both trucks were doing over 50, neither hit their brakes, its a miracle noone died, but they were badly banged up. ) The pillar mounts also have an obnoxious glow at night, that close to your direct eyeline.



I've seen the rods pods in the newer trucks, and like the looks, but haven't seen those available for the older style dash. I have a friend that works with plastics for a hobby, he's told me how to make a vacuum form, so if there is nothing available I'll try making a few of my own(my brother has a 96 as well). I could also use some fiberglass to make a gauge set on the bezel, but that is a LOT of work, and I'd like the mounts further forward than that.



Anyone have any ideas?

 

[cahammer]

try piers or autometer.com for different mounting locations also check out the vairous readers rigs pics and see what others have done i know i have seen some dash mounted guages good luck in your search

 

[bmoeller]

I have a US Gear dash mount. Bought it from www.dieselpage.com



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[Joe G.]

Here is what I did with my dash. I used a '99 shift lever to get the OD button out of the hole. My EGT/boost combo gauge is there. Less often monitored gauges are in the mount I made from plastic lower on the dash.



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[Willys]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.



I think I may have found what I'm looking for, I'll call the suppliers today to find out exactly how it fits, its an autometer gauge works mount.



http://www.dpsdirect.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=58&category=13



http://www.dieselpage.com/bnkmount1.htm



http://www.dieselperformanceparts.c...eselshop?f_success=dieselshop2&e_unique=15001



It appears to sit a little closer to the windshield, and is less tall than the US gear mount. I want it to be out of the way, but easily visible. I'm probably just picky.



bmoeller, is that gauge on the right a trans. temp or engine oil temp? Are they all autometer? What color is the backlighting?



Joe G, that looks like a really clean installation. I've thought about putting the newer shift handle in, but thought it would be a pain to wire(and I'd have to pay for a new handle ) I don't like the combo gauges, they're a little harder to see, but I'd like to mount a few switches near the O/D switch, I have no foglights so it shouldn't be too hard to make a new panel. I don't want the gauges down low like that because my wife often rides with me, and she likes being close in the middle seat. Oo. Where is your cupholder(spiller) mounted now? That's a must have for me. I modified mine with some metal strips riveted on the sides so big drinks don't fall out. Drinks only splash when on rough driveways, only because they're mounted so high from the center of gravity. Floor mounted cup holders don't splash as much, but again that's where my wife's feet are parked. One last question, what is that futuristic looking device peeking out of the ashtray? It looks like some sort of teleporter control, or a cell phone charger? Wait, one more question... I can guess the abbreviations of some of the switches, but not all of them?



I'll have to post pics of my brothers switch mounts in the ash tray, and his air pressure(OBA) gauge and switch panel mounted on the floor.

 

[Joe G.]

I have a Geno's Garage cup smoothy. Lots better for drinks and handy to reach. Also handy place to hold junk.



Wiring the shift lever is pretty easy. I used the base of the original OD button as a connector. You have to solder extensions to the two wires on the shift lever so it will reach the stock wiring. You also have to mount a light somewhere to show if the OD is on or off. I used a green Radio Shack LED for mine. It's on the switch panel.



The "teleporter control" in the ash tray hole is my Prodigy trailer brake controller.



I like the combo gauge. It gives me quick reference to the main performance indicators and is close to the stock gauges where it is easy to see when I'm checking other stuff.

 

[bmoeller]

bmoeller, is that gauge on the right a trans. temp or engine oil temp? Are they all autometer? What color is the backlighting?

They are Isspro gauges. The one on the right is for the transmission. They didn't have a gauge marked as "transmission temp" that started under 140* at the time.



I put the green bulb covers on them.