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How to hold a gauge in a pod

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=88668
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 4:28 PM


Topic: How to hold a gauge in a pod

Posted By: shrug53
Subject: How to hold a gauge in a pod
Date Posted: January 09, 2007 at 6:20 PM

OK, I am building a custom console for my 65 Newport.
The console itself will house a 7" monitor, dvd player, and my stereo.
I want to build a set of three pods on the side to hold the aftermarket gauges, but I can not figure out how the gauges will be held in.
The only holes will be to run the wires in to the console from the gauges so I do not see how to get brackets in there. Any suggestions?



Replies:

Posted By: maglin
Date Posted: January 12, 2007 at 9:39 PM
take pictures... then we'll have ideas.




Posted By: shrug53
Date Posted: January 13, 2007 at 10:20 AM
There is nothing to take pictures of. I have not built it yet because I need to figure out how the gauges will stay in so I knnow what I need to build in to the box.




Posted By: maglin
Date Posted: January 13, 2007 at 1:36 PM
show us pictures of the guages then...




Posted By: maglin
Date Posted: January 13, 2007 at 1:37 PM
ah... why not leave the back of the pod open.

or. create a access panel.




Posted By: maglin
Date Posted: January 13, 2007 at 1:37 PM
ah... why not leave the back of the pod open.

or. create a access panel.




Posted By: puttster
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 9:26 PM

If you want the gauges to run up tthe side of the console you could try getting a gauge pod, the kind you tack onto the A-pillar.  With a little cutting it might fit into your console.    E-bay has lots of different ones:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRIPLE-GAUGE-POD-BLACK-52MM-DODGE-NEON-VIPER-CHEVY_W0QQitemZ150080484600QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33679QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Probably in the end you will have to fiberglass it in though, which I assumme you are trying to avoid?





Posted By: shrug53
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 9:34 PM
No, I am fullu prepared to fiberglass it. I think what I am going to have to do it cut an opening in the side of the console and then mount my rings. Then I should have enough of a lip to mount the gaues with the original brackets.




Posted By: pyro94
Date Posted: January 28, 2007 at 3:57 AM
I have actually purchased a reliable set of gauges at a fairly inexpensive price.  These particular gauges were in the A pillar af an 89 camaro.  I drive a bagged 94 c1500 and am currently working on a console and am considering relocating my gauges to the console.  On my previous completion of the camaro I used the cardboard from a toilet paper roll.  Depending on your gauges this should work for you as well.  You can cut the cardboard into any angle or shape you desire.  Duct tape will hold it together.  I usually hit any project with at least two coats of resin first.  I personally do not see the need to spend the extra cash on an aftermarket pod when you have the matt, resin, and surely toilet paper.  I hope this can help.  If I can provide further details or pics of my current console just let me know.  Good luck.

-------------

VERTICALLY CHALLENGED CAR CLUB




Posted By: shrug53
Date Posted: January 28, 2007 at 8:07 AM
I think I may not have phrased my question correctly. I can make the pods. The question is what keeps the gauges from falling out of them? Is it just a pressure fit? Some sort of set screw from the side? Or does it use the original brackets like it would in one of those cheap under-dash panels?




Posted By: killer sonata
Date Posted: January 28, 2007 at 8:51 AM

do you want them to be permenant? If so, how about some CA glue and accelerator spray?





Posted By: civicdetailer
Date Posted: January 31, 2007 at 5:21 AM
depending on the gauges, ive used 2" pvc pipe and they fit very snug in that, instead of making rings

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Nitrous is like a hot girl with an STD. You know you want to hit it, but you are scared of the consequences.




Posted By: ricoshay
Date Posted: February 01, 2007 at 9:48 AM
it kinda depends on the gage.  sometimes you can insert it and bend the metal surround to make it secure.  Or just stick the gauge in and seal it from the inside with automotive "GOOP". It will hold and you can peel it off later if needed.




Posted By: firedogbme
Date Posted: February 02, 2007 at 1:36 AM

I've used Autometer gauges for some time now, but for the mast part we install them in one of the "A Pillar" pods mentioned above.  The gauge assembly pushes into the hole in the pod and a "friction fit" will hold it very snugly.  There is still enough to remove the gauge and reposition it. but once it's in there, it's pretty much there to stay.  I have never used any kind of adhesive, or tape, or anything else to hold them

I think "secret" to how the pod holds so tightly is in how thin and flexible it is.  I think the gauges are also very gently tapered, at least right under the collar.  The hole for the pod is just slightly smaller than the OD of the gauge, and when the gauge is pressed in, the plastic stretches and holds the gauge with pressure.  Keep in mind, some gauges probably need to be attached from the back with a "u shaped" bracket, but all of the gauges I've worked with allow this "friction fit" approach to work.

If  you can, when you design your console, try make the fiberglass a little thinner around the gauge holes, and a little smaller.  Then, test fit the gauges and adjust the hole size with some fine sandpaper on a large dowel to make a perfect fit.

I'm working on a similar project for a custom gauge enclosure, and this is what I plan to do.  I'll post my results when I get done.





Posted By: shrug53
Date Posted: February 02, 2007 at 8:16 AM
Thanks for all of the great info gang. I think I understand what to do now.




Posted By: bbb1080
Date Posted: February 12, 2007 at 1:06 PM
what i did was use pvc like you, then i wrapped the gauge in a couple layers of electrical tape to thicken it up a bit. Either that or you can get the foam tape and put it around the inside of the pvc and this will hold the gauge snug.




Posted By: jjermzz
Date Posted: February 26, 2007 at 2:44 AM

shrug53 wrote:

I think I may not have phrased my question correctly. I can make the pods. The question is what keeps the gauges from falling out of them? Is it just a pressure fit? Some sort of set screw from the side? Or does it use the original brackets like it would in one of those cheap under-dash panels?

I would try to hot glue it in the back.





Posted By: nubiannupe
Date Posted: March 10, 2007 at 6:34 PM
bbb1080 wrote:

what i did was use pvc like you, then i wrapped the gauge in a couple layers of electrical tape to thicken it up a bit. Either that or you can get the foam tape and put it around the inside of the pvc and this will hold the gauge snug.


Did the tape show up around the edges after you pushed the gauges in, or did it conceal it pretty good?

-------------
G. Rick (aka; Tha "R")
**Peter North is my idol***
MECP-Certified 1st Class Installer




Posted By: nubiannupe
Date Posted: March 10, 2007 at 6:34 PM
bbb1080 wrote:

what i did was use pvc like you, then i wrapped the gauge in a couple layers of electrical tape to thicken it up a bit. Either that or you can get the foam tape and put it around the inside of the pvc and this will hold the gauge snug.


Did the tape show up around the edges after you pushed the gauges in, or did it conceal it pretty good?

-------------
G. Rick (aka; Tha "R")
**Peter North is my idol***
MECP-Certified 1st Class Installer




Posted By: nubiannupe
Date Posted: March 10, 2007 at 6:35 PM
bbb1080 wrote:

what i did was use pvc like you, then i wrapped the gauge in a couple layers of electrical tape to thicken it up a bit. Either that or you can get the foam tape and put it around the inside of the pvc and this will hold the gauge snug.


Did the tape show up around the edges after you pushed the gauges in, or did it conceal it pretty good?

-------------
G. Rick (aka; Tha "R")
**Peter North is my idol***
MECP-Certified 1st Class Installer





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