FD Steering Column Gauge Covers
 

Hey everyone! I have been away for quite some time, however I come back with a potential idea.
I'll keep it short as I just basically want to gauge how much interest there would be if I continued with developing these.
I have seen the expensive and cheap ones online but nothing in-between that doesn't require some sort of a janky way of mounting it.
So I present a fully 3D printed version complete with mounting pins and ledges for tabs to clip onto!
Please let me know if you have any suggestions, its still a very early version of what I want it to be.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1ea51c20d7.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a705fbf652.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4e6b4202bb.jpg

Looks nice!

FYI there is a difference between RHD and LHD steering column covers - the holes in the side for the wiper stalk and turn signal are reversed. If you model it after one style know that it won't work the other way.

Also typically the gauge is sunken into the surround and at an angle. That helps not block the tach and also angles it towards the driver.

Dale

Are there clips to hold it in place to the bottom half? Maybe create a full set top and bottom and make the opening universal so it fits both RHD and LHD, then folks can tuck away their good condition OEM one till they want to put the car back to stock.

Thank you for your input! I wasn't 100% sure if they were the same or not, I will work on a rhd version this coming week. I will post some photos soon with how it looks in it's current form installed, I think it will be a bit tall right now. This one was basically just a rough test to see if it could be printed at all, pretty stoked to see how it evolves!

Yes there are! I ran into some issues with designing the bottom half with how it would print, decided to scrap it and make a fully oem spec top half. Also, by only printing the top half it decreases build time by about 12hours. I love the idea of having a universal top half, I just don't know how it would look installed. I will print one out and try it this coming week. Thank you!

Alright it's been too long since I posted an update. I basically completely redesigned the original column cover to be more universal. I also quickly made up a cup-holder and would like some feedback on it! (It can also hold up the e-brake boot which always falls in!)
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6d656860e0.png
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b2c867eee6.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...76f3462531.jpg

It's cool that you're able to do things like that, especially since I can't fab a ham sandwich. In the picture it's hard to see exactly how fitment and visibility is with the rest of the gauges, especially with your aftermarket wheel. But the surface texture and hard edges of the piece doesn't look right and combined with the pod attachment design, looks unfinished. Especially compared to the Pettit design. ---> https://pettitracing.com/products/co...b93d68dc&_ss=r

I have a Pettit gauge column. I like that cupholder! What are you final plans??

I will get some more photos of fitment! I ran into an issue with material and need to switch to abs, as you can see the corner through the wheel started to deform. This was the first rough design that went in and didn't block out the tach, it still needs a lot of refinement. The only problem I have with the Pettit is that it requires the use of silicone to mount to the lower half. It's also taller than the factory cover so the gauge can be moulded in. I want the least amount of tach blocked as possible.

As of right now I am trying to get both designs to a point I am happy with. I want to make both something that myself and others would want, any suggestions or feedback is welcome! I am very happy with the cupholder so far, I just need to widen the top hole a bit and refine it. When all that happens I will make a poll to see who wants what and start production!

FWIW, Drake did a really nice column pod that i bought and haven't gotten around to installing yet...
https://www.draklore.com/shop/fd-column-pod-52mm

He makes some badass parts! I honestly started designing for the local community as we don't really have anyone affordable up in Canada. The current dollar isn't very nice to get parts from the states lol....

I was wondering if you ever finished this project and if you were willing to sell the model. I'm trying to make a power fc commander mount that's integrated into the steering column cover, and 3D scanning the original model is proving slightly more challenging than initially anticipated. I'm in the process of upgrading my 3D scanner from a Kinect to something more robust but would like to move forward in the mean time :)