Mounting a dash pod

[kompressor]

Can you mount a dash pod on the '04 without removing the dash top? For those of you that have removed it what is under where the pod goes? My idea is to leave the dash in place and drill holes to mount the bracket and use pop rivits then drill the hole for wires, but I don't want to drill into something under the dash top. Ideas?

Thanks

 

[XJSuperman]

I would say nope. You have to remove it... how would you run the wiring if you didn;t?

Also... not many drills would fit in the space between the dahs and the windshield... it's a pretty steep rake.

The only thing that is under that plastic dash is the metal dash... and there's just enough room for the wiring to fit.



You'll need to drill the 2 holes for the pod itself and one larger hole under the pod for the wiring and boost line.

 

[SLinse]

What kind of pod are you using?? I used a gen 2 pod and sanded down the bottom a bit to match the arch of the dash. Then ran the wires between the dash and the bottom of the A pillar. Then used Velcro to stick it on the dash. No holes, and easy to get to in case a bulb goes out. there is a pic in my galley.

 

[JBlock]

Dremel Tool

On my second generation, I drill a two 3/4 in pipe size holes, by using a dremel tool cutting bit. Just a small hope then enlarge them by cutting the plastic to 3/4 pipe sizes, with the idea I could alway remove the guages and just insert two plastic pipe plugs in the dash like it was never there, I accessed the wiring by pulling the heater controls panel to see and a little fishing around with hook.



Hope this works on the three generation, where the air conditioning ducts.

 

[JThiessen]

So to you guys that have done this:

I mounted the dash pod right in between the two defrost vents, direct in front of the steering wheel. The curves of the pod fit the dash "cover" very nice, by the way. Now, I need to drill the hole for the wiring. I havent seen any clear information on how/where to run the wires after they got through the dash "cover" (this is the one that you remove to mount the pod on). You guys stated that there is just enough room to run the wires between the cover and the plastic dash. But to where? It looks like the best spot would be over to the A-pillar area - just so one would be able to get to the wires after they were pushed through. If so, should the wires run in front of the vent openings? Is there enough room for the wires to be bundled, or do they need to be lying flat?

I have the adjustable pedals, and there is this large aluminum casting that the pedals are mounted to that prevents me from getting to, or even seeing, any wires that would come directly down from where the pod sits. Not sure if all trucks have this casting or not. (on a side note, I finally figured out why I've been feeling uncomfortable driving over the last several months... . somewhere along my travels, the button for the pedals must have been hit, so they were back about 2 inches... ... live and learn!).