Hiding Wires for dash mount gauge cluster?

[SFord]

Thinking of purchasing the dash mount gauge cluster and I was wondering where some of you were routing the wiring. Thanks in advance to the people who run this setup.

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2001 2500,AUTO QC,4x4,SWB,SLT PLUS W/LEATHER,HEATED SEATS,PWR ON BOTH,4:10 LSD,PERFORMER IAS, WARN,MAG-HYTEC DC&TRANS DD,TRUCK TRUNK BOX,KC,RED VALVE COVER,PATRIOT BLUE W/AGATE INT.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Just drill a hole in the top of the dash and call it good. #ad
if you don't want to do that, you can try tucking them in at the bottom of the windshield.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Steve,

On my 97', I rolled the dash away from the windshield and filed a small notch in the dash as it seemed to snug to pinch the wires without the notch. I found it did not work to well though. Puts too much constraint on you wire lengths due to limited space in the pod. When I get around to it, I am just going to drill about a 1" hole right in the dash below the guage pod. That way I can pull the wires back and forth as I seat the pod. Course', I don't have a problem drilling big holes in my vehicles.

 

[dresslered]

Steve-
I have the autometer dash mounted gauge pod which required quit a bundle of wires for the gauges. I individually ran the wires up next to the fuse panel and came out below the A-pillar. I used a stiff wire which I stuck down and individually hooked each wire. Once all the wires were through the top of the dash, I slide shrink tubing down the wiring to complete a nice clean harness. This whole harness tucked down between the windshield and dashboard out of site without doing any modifications to the dashboard. The back of the pod was the only item that had to get notched to allow the bundle to enter. good luck,

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins ETH/DEE, SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Autometer Ultra-Lite (electric fuel pressure, vacuum), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, SmittyBilt Outland Sport Bumper Gaurd, 2-LO kit, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"


[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 05-28-2001). ]

 

[SFord]

Dieselnerd or dresslered----So, if I understand correctly you have exited the dash mount towards the windsheild and then, because there is enough space between the winsheild and the dash, you were able to hide the wiring there and then over to the pillar where they dropped down through the dash? Do you like the mount you currently have or would you use the a-pillar next time? I was considering this style due it not blocking my vision any more than the a-pillar does now. Also does the dash mount fasten to the dash in any way or just sit there? TIA-----Steve.

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2001 2500,AUTO QC,4x4,SWB,SLT PLUS W/LEATHER,HEATED SEATS,PWR ON BOTH,4:10 LSD,PERFORMER IAS, WARN,MAG-HYTEC DC&TRANS DD,TRUCK TRUNK BOX,KC,RED VALVE COVER,PATRIOT BLUE W/AGATE INT.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Steve, after you get used to it, the pod is easy to see without taking your eyes off the road. I guess it's personal choice, pillar mount looks more OEM. Plenty of room to tuck wires down left side of dash, just take your time and it all fits. Mine has a piece of velcro that sticks to the dash and another strip on the bottom of the pod. Holds really good and can be removed without leaving any holes.

[This message has been edited by Dieselnerd (edited 05-28-2001). ]

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Steve, I'd had both the A-pillar and dash mounted gauges from Autometer. If I did it again I'd stick with the dash mount I currently have. It was more of a challenge to install but easier for reading. I liked the A-pillar setup fine but found the gauge lights distracting at night in my peripheral vision. I did like dieselnerd & dresslered did, tuck the wires between the dash & windshield. Only drawback with that is I can't see my VIN anymore. Oh well!

Vaughn

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'01 2500 QC Shortbed 2wd, 6-speed, 3. 54LSD, Cab & Fog lamps, Camper & Tow Pkg.
BOMBed: DD2 Injectors, PS Boost module, Amsoil air filter, straightpiped exh. , Aeroquip 3/8" fuel line w/tank mounted lift pump, AutoMeter Sport Comp gauges, Line-X'd, Amber turn signal conversion.

 

[dresslered]

Quote by Steve:
"So, if I understand correctly you have exited the dash mount towards the windsheild and then, because there is enough space between the winsheild and the dash, you were able to hide the wiring there and then over to the pillar where they dropped down through the dash? "

Yes, Steve that is precisely it. Try it out. Take a big extension cord and you can stuff it between the dashboard and the windshield and it will dissapear!

The dash mount is definitely my prefered location, although I have since run out of room and am also going to a double pillar mount. I prefer the dash pod as you can keep your eyes on the road while viewing and there is no obstruction as with the pillar mount. The autometer dash pod (15002) comes with a longer screw which replaces the center screw on the dashboard. It holds the pod in place pretty nice.

You will also want to order some interior paint to make the pod match your interior--they only come in black.


[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 05-28-2001). ]

 

[SFord]

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, Steve.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Just think, one day they will have wireless gauges and mounting stuff will be a breeze. Everything else in this world seems to be "Cordless"

 

[Dieselnerd]

I did mine just like Dresslered except my pod came with a little raised tunnel that routed the wires to the edge of the dash. Was fairly easy to squeeze them along the left side and eventually under the dash.