mounting guages in dash

[CTait]

I did a search and did not find any answers. Has anyone mounted their guages in the cupholder opening? I found where they have been mounted in the cubby hole or in an air vent opening. I am not the kind of guy who nurses a soda pop and would rather have the space for guages. The pillar mount does not appeal to me. If someone has done this can you fit three guages in the opening? Thankyou.

 

[Cummins4Life]

Looks like you can fit 2 gauges, 3 might not fit.

https://george.he.net/~marks1/mcsstore/index.htm

 

[MStearns]

I have used the cup holder opening in my 96 for my aux switches (Engine Brake, Fan, etc). I used a piece of diamond plate aluminum and it looks great. I know several trucks with three guages mounted in the same place. The third guage (on the far right) requires a little filing on the inside of dash to make room. If your looking for a good spot to mount your trailer brake, the ash tray opening works perfectly for me! I can send some pictures of my set up if you would like.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Pictures please... ...

Was thinking of that myself but have to get the female side of the truck to think it is neato too...

 

[MStearns]

Here you go. This is my first time trying to submit pics - hopefully it works! I used a chunk of aluminum diamon plate from an old set of bed rail covers and then had a buddy of mine media blast them for a soft, brushed look. Hope this helps!

 

[Joe G.]

Here is how my dash looks. I made the switch panel and gauge mount from some ABS plastic I got at a local plastic shop. Pipe glue works to make the joints. The display side of the plastic has a nice crinkle finish. The shift lever with the OD lock out button is from a ‘99.



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[NPloysa]

Joe, can you tell us what the switches are for? I know the TC, EB, but not the others.



Thanks

 

[Joe G.]

Left to right on switch panel.

TC = Torque Convertor clutch

EB = Exhaust Brake

TB = Trailer Brakes (allows EB to turn on brake lights)

PL = Pre-Lube (kills fuel solenoid if off)

AC = Air Compressor

LS = Left Steps

RS = Right Steps



My wife is handicapped and can't get in the truck without the electric motor home steps. See my pics in Reader's Rigs to get a look at them.



The left switch on the gauge panel is to power the extra tank fuel gauge. If the tank is out of the truck I have to turn off the power to the gauge because it stays pegged if I don't.



The right switch on the gauge panel is for the fuel transfer pump to pump fuel from the extra tank to the main tank.



There is also a hidded switch that kills the starter solenoid.



If the PL switch is off the truck will crank but it won't start. Kind of a theft delay switch as well as used to get oil pressure up after an oil change before start.



The large red light on the switch panel is on if fuel or oil pressure is less than 10 PSI.



The green LED is OD off.



The red LED is tail gate is open. My hard bed cover prevents me from seeing the tail gate. Since I have a bad case of CRS I need that light.

 

[NPloysa]

Cool Joe, thanks!