From Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki
Materials
- Pillar from d*rivers side
- Generic 1 or 2 guage pod
- Fiberglass kit (Pep Boys, Home Depot, etc..)
- Assorted pack of sand paper
- Can of black primer spray paint
- Can of wrinkle finish spray paint
- Hack saw blade
- Sanding disc with medium to coarse paper
- Drill and an abrasive wheel
Procedure
Check the generic pod in the vehicle for proper fitment, you will be cutting a good portion away so don't worry. Just note the proper level for the driver to view the gauges. Utilizing a flathead screwdriver, with the end taped so you don't scratch your interior, gently pry the pillar away and toward the rearview mirror. You will hear the clips release. Just be gentle. Once it is unclipped pull upwards and out from the dash board.
Using a hack saw blade, start trimming the gauge pod away till you are happy with the way it sits on the pillar (angle/height/etc.). Utilizing a screw gun or drill and some self tapping screws secure the pod to the pillar. These screws will be removed later on so try and position them in an area where the fiberglass will not obstruct their removal. Hot glue is an alternative to screwing the pod into place.
Using a drill with a 4 inch sanding disc with medium to coarse paper sand down the pod edges until it sits as flush as you can get it.
Mix the fiberglass resin and apply like so. Then use the fiberglass mesh and smooth it out so the material is saturated with the resin...Don't worry this part is messy. Don’t try to get it perfect that's what the sanding is for. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes. You will now remove the screws, and fill the holes. After letting that dry for another 30-45 minutes, use a drill and an abrasive wheel sand the high spots and reapply a second coat where needed of only resin no mesh. Let that dry 30-45 min.
Sand again by hand, using a medium to fine sand paper. This is what you will have...Wipe with a damp cloth and clean well. You are now ready to paint!!
Prime it with flat black. Then re-sand any spots you feel need it. Spray with several coats of wrinkle finish spray paint to match the texture of interior as best as possible...Your DONE!!!
Finished Gauge Pod
