pugg57

i'm wondering about the little chrome trim rings in the gauge cluster. are they separate pieces that can be purchased? i suppose i could just call Malloy Mazda and find out, but i'd rather not waste their time on something this "insignificant." can anyone give me a part number for them or are they part of the cover as an assembly type-deal. if so, can anyone recommend where i can get ahold of 3 of the little ones?

what i'm thinking about is taking my DEFI D-gauges, painting the silver bezel on them black to match the stock interior plastic trim pieces, then set the little chrom trim rings into them to make the gauges look as stock as possible. i'm also going to get the Autometer tripple gauge pod reupolstered to match the stocker A-piller cover, again, trying to incorporate the new gauges without losing the stock-ish look i've become so fond of.

what do ya'll think? am i being rediculous or is it possible that this could look pretty good when its all said and done? also, anyone have a suggestion of what type/color of paint i should use for the bezels? what about repainting the interior trim while i'm at it?

if someone has a anything sitting around that has the little rings in/on i'd greatly appreicate if you could drop me a PM and let me know if you'd be willing to part with it for a reasonable cost (make a suggestion please)

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

They aren't seperate, they are glued onto a single piece of molded clear plastic that forms the "glass" for all of the guages and warning lights. Once you have the dash pod off, its a really simple swap. Malloy keeps them in stock, they're about 85 bucks. It makes a big difference when installed, and well worth it IMO if you don't mind the work of pulling the dash pod.

pugg57

ptr, i'm not sure what you said other than that i'd have to buy the whole "glass panel" with all the rings for $85 and pull the rings off to glue them to my DEFI gauges. I'm not sure if i understand what you meant by the last sentance but, are you saying i should put the rings on my stock gauges? if so, they are there, but i want extras for my after-market gauges. or are you saying that you've done this with after-martket gauges before? if so, could you send me some pictures?

afterburn27

iTrader: (5)

ptrhahn was just talking about replacing the stock gauge trim panel. It makes a big difference if your original ones are pitted and dull.

Honestly, I think it would be a huge pain in the *** to get the chrome rings off the panel, I am pretty sure it is all one piece.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

You'd have to somehow shave them off the "glass".... I know because I was going to do this for my PFS boose guage way back in the day. It really isn't practical. You'd be better off having some small alluminum rings machined up to fit the recess in your Defi's, and just polish them w/ some Mothers.

I actually had the outer lip machined off the PFS, polished what was lift, then slipped a shaved autometer bezel over it for the effect. I can'tfind my pics of it.

pugg57

maybe i'll just have some turned and chromed then, they'll probably fit better, etc.

thanks for the help and info.