What you should do is make 2 such molds: one for people like me who will not want to keep the stock idiot lights(If you have several aftermarket detailed gauges why teh hell do you need idiot lights?) such as that you have designed, and another version which can incorporate teh stock cluster and gages.

Pending tests of fitment and wiring length/slack, you could make the base of your gage pod the same shape as the stock trim, move the stock idiot cluster up to the front, lower edge, and sit the gauges on top of that. IT'd look odd, but it's the only way I see it working. I dont think you could(or would want to) relocate them anywehre else in the car...if you put them anywhere else, you have to remove something else, and it's a never-ending chain.

BTW< I volunteer my car as a test bitch as well I wll check wiring harness slack later tonight.

 

AMEN!!! Triple guage pod with the ability to mount a single DIN stereo!...I would be all over that like white on rice!!!!

Rat

 

A small update.

The triangle vent idea is being shelved to allow time and molding cost for the warning light pod (WLP). The basic shape of the WLP is pending a factory part arrival to measure for the actual base shape and size. If there is enough slack in the harness we would try to incorporate the a warning cluster into the base of the WLP. It seems the plastic cover is different for the later model second gen car. We will need to see if the warning cluster is also different if we try to incorporate it into the pod.

A pod for the stereo area is going to be a little more difficult. There are a few things to consider. Single verses Dual DIN. What the actual size could be. Where the single Din unit is mounted in the dash. Standard size hole for DIN unit. There are a good number of variables to consider. Preliminary thoughts are that the gauge size could not be more than a 2" diameter gauge. When you guys go to a single DIN unit, where is it mounted? Below the climate controls or above the ash tray?

 

Can you render a dummy light replacement with the gauges angled towards the driver? (a la 350z)

I think this is a good idea!

 

I have an 89 and am very interested in the gauge panel beneath the radio or however it works out.

 

mickey mouse stlye for 2nd gen

 

What software are you using?

Looks like SolidWorks, or AutoCAD. Maybe Inventor?

How are you transfering the rendering to an actual part? Or is this just to get an idea of the final project?

 

Solid Works. The images you see are rendered from actual 3 dimensional models. These are not Photoshop or similar drawings. when a render is posted here that means we already have the model needed to CNC cut the pattern

 

Cool, I work in PDS and Microstation. Any estimate until the prototype is shipped to me for testing? John

 

Everything sounds good. Only if you're not BSing.

 

There is not enough room to angle the gauges and still fit in the ~ 9.250 width dictated by the dash recess. It would be easy to angle the face but the ~2.0 inches worth of actual gauge would protrude out of the size window.

 

This is a quick look into a gauge pod that also incorporates the warning light cluster. I do NOT like the look of it. It also brings two more equations into the pod.
1) A clear plastic lens would need to be fitted to replace the factory part.
2) The mold would now be a multi piece with a pickout for the new recess.

The warning light harness does not unplug from the board in the climate control box. A longer harness is not looking good.

I have one more thought I am going to work on in the next few days. Our factory parts are due in on Friday. I would say by Monday we will have a final decision made on the WLP.

Still need input on the questions asked a few post up on the location of the DIN units when they are converted to single DIN.

Is there anyway to rename this post? I wonder if the name is hindering responses.

 

Just create a new post. Those interested should note your user name and flock .

The reason that I asked about the a-pillar gauge pod for the 89-91 is because as of right now, no one makes a direct fit.

Also, there are "mickey mouse" gauge pods that mount above the instrument panel for the 3rd gens. Sadly, no product like that exist in the US for the FC3S.

 

I believe most people have their units mounted in the top of the space, right underneath the climate controls. This allows insertion of cd's without interference from the gear shifter.

 

Just from measuring my car, it appears the stock dual DIN style radio opening measures about 7" wide, by 5" tall. Measuring my reciever (aftermarket) in my truck, it looks like it would need a maximum of 2.25" in height, and 7" in width to fit in there, leaving about 2.75" by 7" of open space when the reciever is replaced with a single DIN.

I don't understand why it is an issue whether it goes on top of the stero, or below the stereo, because it seems like all you would need to create is the CF plate with the holes in it for the guages, and it should be able to rest above or below the stereo with the same fitment. Maybe there is something I am missing, could you please explain?

Anyway, out of personal preference, I would perfer the guages to mount below the stereo, as most have flip down faces and front loading cd's, which would be more likely to hit the shifter if they were on the bottom.

So basically what I am trying to say, is create a Guage Pod panel to fit in the 2.75" tall by 7" wide (Can anyone confirm my measurements?) open space that would sit below a single din stereo.

 

What kind of mill do you have? Also, how are you converting the SolidWorks parts to tool-paths? I've done 3D work like that for over 4-years during high-school. My old Shop teacher would be REALLY intrested about this kind of thing. As am I, I've turned out quite a few parts using 2D toolpath's from AutoCAD 98'. If I could make parts in SolidWorks, I could turn out a new design a day!

 

I can see what you are saying but our intent is to supply a affordable yet stylish piece. removing the stock stereo leaves a large hole. If we build a panel that replaces half of that space then the consumer will need to fill the rest with another panel and/or stereo unit. In this instance you would have mismatched materials on the face of the dash. The location comes into play for us to develop a panel that inserts into the stock surround that covers the entire hole left open by the stock stereo removal, yet houses the replacement stereo and/or gauge cluster.

If the unit is installed at the top. How are you filling the space now? Are you making brackets that hold the new unit? We can supply the new panel with or with out the hole. We just do not want to leave the cutting to the consumer if possible. This stuff in nasty to cut and dulls cutting tools fast.

Here is what I am talking about.

 

we need to stick with this carbon thing because there are so many parts we could use in carbon fiber, i would really like the warning light cluster one as long as it fits 3 2 1/16" gauges and is angled towards the driver and not just pointing straight out...

 

BTW: in case you didn't find out yet (didn't see reference to it yet), the logicon (is that the right name?), or idiot lights pull out about 1 1/2 inches..

 

Hopefully this will fly. I would like a triple gauge pod for sure. what would the price be.

Ian skacel
88 10th AE

 

Why is it so important to have this in CARBON FIBER?!

Plastic is FINE. (and cheaper)

Too many people are going NUTS with CF fabrication.

CF is there to make lightwieght, strong replacements for heavy stock parts.

How about a hood or brace or somthing ouf of CF thats useful.

I like the ideas of new interior peices, but CF parts on the interior are really ricey.

Really.

 

Ya but carbon fiber wont snap in half when you try to pull the stereo surround out.

 

I agree that plastic would serve the same purpose and be alot cheaper for those who cannot afford, or just dont like the CF.
It's definatley something to consider.

 

That is not correct. A plastic part would not be cheaper to manufacture for as little as would be sold. A plastic injection mold would cost someone 50K to produce. Sure the plastic material is cheaper but divide 50 grand by say 100 gauge pods and you have $500.00 gauge pods and the company has yet to pay for the material, mold operators paycheck and surly has not made a profit yet.


-billy