Molding a gauge pod into the A-pilar trim.
 

I don't like the tacked-on look of gauge pods, so I decided to mold one into my A-pilar trim piece.

After tearing off a bad re-upholstery job and the stock vinyl which it covered, I found that the foam layer underneath the vinyl is difficult to remove. I sanded most of it off; the rest I will need to disolve with a chemical I have not found yet. I did find out that spreading 3M weatherstrip adhesive over the foam in a thin layer, waiting for it to get tacky, and then sanding it off, will remove the foam and leave clean plastic.

Anyways, I'm starting with a lame generic gauge pod, probably for a Civic. The previous owner had this tacked onto my A-pilar. (One of the many lame things he did to the car.) In this picture I have determined how I want the pod to sit on the pilar and have begun cutting the profile of the pilar trim into the face of the pod:

http://www.mcdonaldindustries.com/james/pod1.JPG

In this picture I have visualized the profile of the pilar extruding itself through the pod, free-hand drew a line around the pod where I thought it would intersect, and cut away the excess:

http://www.mcdonaldindustries.com/james/pod2.JPG

That wasn't perfect yet so I did some more lookin' and trimmin' and now it's pretty good:

http://www.mcdonaldindustries.com/james/pod4.JPG
http://www.mcdonaldindustries.com/james/pod6.JPG

I will be glueing this on and then filling in between the pod and trim piece with putty, then sand sand sand prime prime prime paint sand paint etc.... This is after I figure out how to dissolve the remaining foam clingies off of the part.

I apologize for not waiting until I was done to create a thread.

-James

No need to apologize for anything dude. It looks like it will turn out really well. Post pictures once your done. I hate the look of tacked on gauge pods myself.

Lets see some finished pics. Here is mine. It was a dual pod though.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...97_11_full.jpg