[Daking350Z]

I am starting this thread to help you guys build what you have been asking for from companies but have not yet recieved..A Custom Guage Pod..
Time - Aprox 4-6 hours
Skill level - moderate

Supply list
1) pillar from drivers side
1) generic 1 or 2 guage pod
1) fiberglass kit (Pep Boys)
1) assorted pack of sand paper
1) Can of black primer spray paint
1) Can of wrinkle finish spray paint

You will need a basic array of tools during the process as you will see....


Here is the pod I chose....Cost around $19.99

 

[Daking350Z]

Another view..you can choose to do one guage pod also..I chose to do 2 out of necessity..

 

[Daking350Z]

Step 1 - Check pod in vehicle for proper fitment,you will be cutting a good portion away so dont worry.Just note the proper level for the driver to view the guages.

 

[Daking350Z]

Step 2 - Utilizing a flathead screwdriver with the end taped so you dont 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 uncliped pull upwards and out from the dash board...

 

[Daking350Z]

another view..

 

[Daking350Z]

Step 3 - Utilizing a hack saw blade start trimming the guage pod away till you are happy with the way it sits on the pillar...

 

[Daking350Z]

another view...

 

[Daking350Z]

Step - 4 utilizing a screw gun 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...

 

[Daking350Z]

Step 5 - 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..

 

[Daking350Z]

This is how it should look...

 

[Daking350Z]

This is the kit I got from Pep Boys...

 

[Daking350Z]

Step - 6 mix the resin and apply like so..then use the fiberglass mesh and smooth it out so the material is saturated with the resin...Dont wory this part is messy..Dont try to get it perfect thats what the sanding is for..

 

[Daking350Z]

This is how it will look...Let it sit for 30-45 minutes..

 

[Daking350Z]

Step -7 you will now remove the screws,and fill the holes..After letting that dry for another 30-45 minutes ..Now using a drill and an abrasive wheel sand the high spots and re appply a second coat where needed of only resin no mesh..Let that dry 30-45 min..

 

[Daking350Z]

Step -8 Sand again and then by hand utilizing a med to fine paper..This is what you will have...Wipe with a damp cloth and clean well..You are now ready to paint!!

 

[Daking350Z]

Step -9 Prime it with flat black..Then resand any spots you feel need it...

 

[Daking350Z]

Step - 10 spay with several coats of wrinle finish spray paint to match the texture of interior as best as possible...Your DONE!!!

 

[gdojr]

Nice... please post the finished, installed version when you have it.

 

[JTS2005]

WOW daking that is awesome, ill do a write up for a how to article page when you are done!!

 

[Daking350Z]

Soon as the paint dries I will post pics..