Need Advice on Dash pod install

[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!).





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[XJSuperman]

I drilled a 1/2" hole underneath where the pod mounts for the wiring... this is on the plastic part the pod mounts to... NOT in the metal dash.

I ran them over towards the A-pillar ... then down through the dash from there (this is underneath the plastic cover that the pod mounts to). If you take a large flashlight (maglight will do) and basically wedge it in from topside near the A-pillar so it shines down you can see well enough to run the wires... there's PLENTY of room to run them down and then throught the firewall and/or to the 12V source(s).

 

[JThiessen]

Thanks XJ - thats what I suspected. Just to calrify though - you mention the metal dash - to drill through anything metallic, I'd have to drill through the plastic cover over the metal support structure, correct? I did drill two small holes in this plastic piece, and found metal underneath - hence my sudden hesitation at which direction I should go.....

 

[DocDetonancour]

Where did you get the dash pod? I want one and my dealer has no source? Thanks, Doc

 

[kompressor]

Genos has the dash pod

 

[XJSuperman]

From Genos.



JThiessen... you did pull the plastic part off right? Meaning the long piece that runs along the windshield and the pod mounts to it? You'll never get the wiring run if you don't (unless you're plastic man). Best way I found was to pull the piece off completely (you can pop it off with a screwdriver) and set it on a flat space... IE your tailgate or a workbench. Set the pod in place and mark with a marker or some tape... now you have a template to see where the mounting bracket goes, so place it there... mark and drill the holes. Then you'll see about where to drill the larger hole for the wiring to run through. You will not need to drill the metal part of the dash at all. Next mount all the sensors/probes in their respective places and run the wiring from them to and through the firewall... . and then up through the bottom of dash to the top. It should run up and over the pedal assembly... . the wiring should come out close to the A-pillar (or at least in that general vicinity) From here you'll see how much wiring you'll need for grounds etc... and you can guage how much you'll need to run from the guages to the 12V source for lights etc. Once you have done this... put the guages in the pod and wire them up accordingly. Once you think you;re wired up test them... turn on the truck... to see if they work. (the boost guage won;t work unless you hit the gas)... etc, etc. Once you;re satisfied that they are working as they should mount the pod to the plastic dash piece and then pop the dash piece back into place (not easy but it will go).