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View Full Version : *Aftermarket Gauge Relocation Project*



dropdfocus
04-24-2013, 06:36 PM
After having 3 gauges (oil press. / oil temp. / water temp.) on top of my dash I decided I'd add one more project to my current list...move the gauges to the vent space below that I rarely ever use.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps139c94ae-1.jpg

Took tons of measurements but it seemed the only way to really test and see if this would work was to create a cardboard mock-up.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsc5b79739-1.jpg

Not that it would surprise many people who truly know me...but this is a spare dash plastic I kept from the first Legacy Sport that ended up in a scrap yard. So I can always reinstall the stock one if I feel the need.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps0eb01e7d-1.jpg

With the inset lip to be removed, the 2-1/16" gauges will fit in the space allocated.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps9c1aabc5-1.jpg

Thanks in great part to the ownership of a Dremel tool, removing the unwanted plastic wasn't too much of a hassle. Only two would initially fit as the vent tapers to match the curve of the dash pad. Time to trim more plastic!!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps103ecd87-1.jpg

After lots more trimming and finessing with a round metal file, all three gauges fit. Now time to address the open space behind them.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsc2a32086-1.jpg

Thankfully I was smart enough several years ago to jump on a sale of 8"x12" textured ABS plastic sheets. This piece ended up being a scrap section I held on to from past project. Still have 8 sheets left for future projects!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps286e3ad9-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsfd499113-1.jpg

Owning a hole saw kit has come in handy WAY more times than I ever thought it would!!
*Work smart, not hard!*
Just need to glue it to the dash plastic so it stays put.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps22f4bebd-1.jpg

The finished product! I'm still at odds with the gauge rings being silver. Really contemplating making them semi-gloss black.
I still need to pull the wires up through the holes in the dash pad and rewire them, but that's not a huge issue
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps04953f48-1.jpg

r3v_v3ng3
04-25-2013, 02:50 AM
Good stuff

dropdfocus
04-25-2013, 05:11 PM
Added the gauge hoods that were in use for the dash pods. I like it better than just the plain gauges
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsfc3f143e-1.jpg

I had to cut down the brackets to make them work. Of course I cut the first one an 1/8" short so I had to use a spare Auto Meter bracket in it's place
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsdc5c8f00-1.jpg

Finished product and VERY happy with it!!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zps9caa63aa-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/null_zpsa99c4653-1.jpg