Autometer Oil Pressure and Trans Temp installed in center console!

[V8BoatBuilder]

I wanted the gauges mounted in the center console, I'm not a fan of the A-Pillar as it reduces visibility and could be a potential hazard for my head in a severe crash.

I cut out the bottom "pocket" from the center console, and epoxied in some black plastic.

The gauges were mounted, due to tight clearance issues underneith the console, I had to cut down the Autometer mounting studs and cut the clamp brackets in half. The gauges are secure enough without the clamp, it just adds some rigidity. The +12v, dash lights, and ground come from the radio. All connections are crimped and heat shrunk. Connections in the engine bay for the senders are crimped, soldered, and head shrunk.

Final image:

Information on the installation of the senders can be found at the bottom of page two in my "Elite Explorer Registry Thread" here: Dead Link Removed

 

[Hartman]

Looks good but are you happy with the way that epoxy looks? A little fiberglass will make all that real smooth.

 

[Alec]

Copycat

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Alec - Yea I saw your install and liked it alot - but I just had to one-up ya and mount the gauges in the bottom, They fit perfect and leave the bigger compartment open for a cellphone and sunglasses I may have to copy your CB mounting location as well...

Hartman: Not the happiest with the epoxy, it was hard to get just the way I envisioned (smooth!) We shall see about a "second draft," when I get down to my fiberglass/boatbuilding shop this summer.

 

[Alec]

It does look good and that's a great place for gauges. Out of the way and in good view.

 

[expo5.0]

just slap "BONDO GLASS" in there and clean it up with regular bondo

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

What's the best way to tint the bondo black?

 

[Hartman]

You'll have to paint the whole thing if you smooth it all out.

 

[Baby Mobile]

Nice work

 

[PUR PONY]

looks good- I would put gauges there on mine but I cant

here is what I came up with... however its much better on a 98+ cause of the different steering wheel

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Originally posted by Hartman
You'll have to paint the whole thing if you smooth it all out.

Figured - this was quick and allowed me to not have to paint the console peice.

PurPony - another great place, too bad the 97 steering wheel blocks that location from view

 

[P51DTUG]

Could you get some model paint or some automotive paint to tint it??

Jim

 

[Harry5150]

Anyone find paint that gives the plastic the factory rubberized coating?

Here's another one. How do you replicate the texture finish on the plastics (Like on the A-pillars and dash)?

 

[Hartman]

You can replicate textured finish by using wrinkle paint. The rubber finish is a little tougher, not sure how I would go about that.

 

[expo5.0]

SEM makes paint that is supposed to match. its not perfect but i've seen it look pretty good.