Gauge Pod Interest

[TAchterberg]

I have found a local shop willing to reproduce these pods & bases. Start-up costs are going to limit me though to only 1 or 2 variations for starters. I would like to get your opinions on which ones you'd be interested in, and also to see if it will be worthwhile to make the investment... ...



3 Pod - Right

4 Pod - Right

5 Pod - Right



3 Pod - Left

4 Pod - Left

5 Pod - Left



I'd also like to hear from anyone who purchased these while they were still available Aftermarket & how much they cost at that time.



Thanks Everyone, hopefully we can make this happen Oo.



"Thank You" to TDR members for these pic's

 

[RSchwarzli]

Frickin sweet!! brilliant idea.

As for when they were new, if memory serves they were like $60 top and base for 4 pod and just under that for 3 pod. I will see if I can find invoices. I know I have them somewhere.

Am I interested? Do Chevys break!? I say hells ya!!

So let me help this thread out. TA wont know how much they will cost. That is based on volume. But figure more than $50.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Going through notes here from 2005. Seems banks had the 3 pods for $65 and 4 pod for $60. Odd but that's what my notes say! Also says no longer available. Guess that's why I went to US gear.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Ok. Here we go.

PDR had a listing of

Top half:

3- $26. 94
4- $31. 99

Bottom half

3- $31. 19
4- $40. 71

I don't have any listings for the 5s as I was never able to see at the time why someone would need that many gauges so... .

 

[TAchterberg]

Yep, USGear had them sitting around in the warehouse for a while yet (until they sold out) after the manufacturer went out of business in 2006. They were manufactured just 20 miles from Banks hdqtrs, in Corona, CA.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Very interesting. I think if we really want to peruse this, we should also get input from Genos to see if they would like to be involved. If they are willing to stock some it may make or brake this. Also should post this on 1stgen, Cummins forum, and DTR if we run low on takers.

Let me ask, do we have a minimum number we need to hit to make this feasible? That may be step 1. If it is 500 pcs... .

 

[TAchterberg]

Pricing

Thanks for the price-watch B. And correct, price will vary on production run & production method.



They offer injection molding & vacuum forming. Tooling for injection molding is 3x that of vacuum forming, but the finished product cost is 3x less. So if there is enough interest I will go with the larger initial investment to keep the price down for all of us.



There isn't a minimum qty for a run.



Also posted on 1stGen with a poll.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Makes sense.

I will go over there and post my vote then.

 

[jclark5810]

I would definitely want one! A 4 gauge left or right it doesn't matter, and i'd pay big for it too. Definitely going to keep my eye on this. Great job guys!Oo.

 

[TAchterberg]

There will be 2 design changes involved.



1: The upper will be manufactured slightly thicker than the originals. This will be done to eliminate the posibility of future shrinkage from heat and/or UV rays (I have seen this)



2: The upper will have solid face "blanks" over each hole, with a dimple in the center of each. The dimple will allow for use of a hole saw to cut the hole for the gauge. This will also allow the use of only 2 or 3 gauges in a 4 pod holder if needed. The blank faces can then be used for a clock, Cummins badge or whatever. So there's no need to worry if the 4 or 5 pod goes into production and You only want to mount 2 or 3 gauges, there won't be any unsightly holes on your dash.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Yes to point 1. I have an old 3 pod that is cracked between the bottom of the gauge bore and the bottom of the holder. It is the thinnest spot.

Point 2. Very good point. Would be the best for all.

Now the other option for the tooling could be inserts. They can do a batch of 3s, then add the next section only the mold. Elliminates making two complete molds.

 

[ENafziger]

My vote for a 4 pod left side!

--Eric

 

[RSchwarzli]

I vote for 4 or 5 pod right side. And 4 left side as that will also fit between the visors on the roof.

 

[JLEONARD]

There will be 2 design changes involved.



1: The upper will be manufactured slightly thicker than the originals. This will be done to eliminate the posibility of future shrinkage from heat and/or UV rays (I have seen this)



2: The upper will have solid face "blanks" over each hole, with a dimple in the center of each. The dimple will allow for use of a hole saw to cut the hole for the gauge. This will also allow the use of only 2 or 3 gauges in a 4 pod holder if needed. The blank faces can then be used for a clock, Cummins badge or whatever. So there's no need to worry if the 4 or 5 pod goes into production and You only want to mount 2 or 3 gauges, there won't be any unsightly holes on your dash.

I am not interested in buying any, but allow me to comment since I have worked for many years in manufacturing and even sometimes with plastics.



1: Try to make the material thickness as uniform as possible for the entire piece. This will minimize distortion down the road as the material contracts/expands. Of course you have to mold it so this needs to be considered as well and I assume the molder has looked at this.

2. The solid blank idea is a really good one for versatility. You volume will be low and making several inserts for different numbers will be cost restrictive.



What material are you planning on using?

 

['strokeThis_'07]

In for three or four, either side. Five is too big I think.

 

[TAchterberg]

JLEONARD: Haven't decided on an exact material yet, ABS is one consideration. For cost effectiveness it looks like these will be repro'd using vacuum forming, as it would require a 500 piece run just to break even with injection molding tooling costs.



BSchwarzli: Exactly what I was thinking about the roof mount as well !! First, I'm working on a "multi-fit" base for the L & R dash mounts Oo. (not to be confused with a "universal"). Then I'll work on the roof mount.



I encourage everyone to visit 1stGen.org • Index page1stGen.org • Index page and cast your vote. The poll can be found in the BODY topic area. This will be the best way for me to keep track of the interest in these.

 

[AABEN]

4 would do very good. I have a 3 pillar post. But I wish I had gone with the dash mount. Why not make it set in front of the driver so he does not need to look some place else. That is why I do not like the pillar post.

 

[TAchterberg]

I have just posted this poll on 2 more sites ( DTR & CUMMINS FORUM). Please only vote once so an accurate interest level can be determined.



Thanks Everyone

 

[RSchwarzli]

Well done!!

 

[HHhuntitall]

You know I'll take several of whatever you can come up with... . 10 or more. Just a reminder... .



And I tried to join PToombs in stirring the drum on 1stgen.org, but it won't let me log on... WTH?