Custom gauge install
From Mod Mania
Gauge install
For many reasons, including functional and aesthetic, people modify their cars. For my project, I will be utilising the factory under-stereo “pocket” to install three functional gauges in my car. The gauges:
Vacuum gauge: Whilst some people consider a vacuum gauge to be a relatively useless tool, ignorantly assuming it merely shows that air pressure is obviously changing within the engine; it is, in fact, a very useful device for diagnosing engine problems in your car to do with air. These can include valve and manifold leaks, idling issues, exhaust issues and ignition & valve timing problems. If the gauge reads an unusual value, it can assist the owner in catching an engine problem before it extends into a costly venture.
Oil pressure gauge: As most people that drive a car are aware – an engine requires oil. Oil lubricates the engine in order to prevent mechanical parts from rubbing on other mechanical parts, which will create overheating and extensive engine wear. Once again, an oil pressure gauge can provide the driver with information on engine problems. However in the case of this gauge, it can provide the driver with information on oil circulation, viscosity, and leaks.
Water temperature gauge: Most cars are factory fitted with a water temperature gauge, an obvious sign that this is very important in the running of a car. Overheating is one of the most common problems for car breakdowns. Although my car is factory fitted with a gauge, a secondary gauge couldn’t hurt, right? And it will aesthetically balance out the composition of the mount.
Installation process
To begin with, I went to a car wreckers and sourced a second-hand piece from the dash which will I will use to mount the gauges. I decided second-hand would be better, as it was only $4 and if I made a mistake it wouldn’t matter.
Using a hack-saw, I cut the rear off the unit as a hole in case I needed that piece of plastic later
Next, using a piece of cardboard I measured the amount of space I had to work with, and marked all the cuts that would need to be made in a piece of plastic
I trial fitted this cardboard and marked where cuts would be made for the gauges to sit.
I then cut and marked on a piece of plastic (sourced from a broken headlight) the cuts that would need to be made in order for the gauges to fit snugly.
I cut circular holes the plastic using a die grinder and trial fitted the gauges, then refining the opening holes so that the fit was snug, but not forced.
Once the cuts were refined, I plastic welded the mounting plate on to the rear of the dash unit. This was a tedious process that had pieces of plastic added and taken away in order to get a correct bond.
After welding, I used a fine bog to fill gaps in pseudo buttons that come factory fitted, and smoothed out the overall unit. This filled any sanding marks or scratches, and allowed me to get a smoother finish.
I sanded the unit, then sprayed a coat of primer on it. I sanded it again with a fine grade sandpaper to get an even finish.
Next came paint. I didn't want a flashy unit, so I opted for a dark grey, very close to the factory fitted colour.
Putting the unit in the car
In order to fit the unit, I had to remove most of my console so that I could get to wires, and replace the factory dash pocket.
I split some wires that ran from the cigarette using a scotch lock, and then added a link so that the gauges could easily be removed later if need be. They were wired to the cigarette lighter as it comes on when the key is turned to accessories. I didn't want the gauges being on ALL the time, otherwise it would drain the battery.
At this point, I looked under the bonnet for the places to wire the gauges - to no avail. Although I did locate a vacuum line, and where to wire the oil pressure sensor. I called my dad over, and he also had no idea. I tried researching wiring for this, but it all got too complicated. So I thought the actual engine wiring is best left to some auto-electricians that know what they're doing. And if the car runs badly - they get to fix it.
The finished product.
Original unit VS. the newly fitted gauges.
