My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

[Thumpin305]

Recently I bougtht an Autometer oil temperature gauge for my car. The only problem was that I did not want to put a gauge pod on my A-pillar; I wanted a more stealthy, nastolgic look. This left me with the option of making a gauge plate that fits in the center console.

I took on the challenge of making one myself. However, I didn't want to cut up a DVD case and hack a rough looking gauge plate. I wanted it to look good. I bought some high quality ABS plastic and started measuring.

Long story short, three months later of designing and remeasuring, I designed a dual and single gauge plate and a switch panel for the ashtray. They are cut via waterjet to .001 of an inch, so they fit perfectly. Here are some pictures of the final product:

Here's the dual gauge plate I made for my car:

[Thumpin305]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

A couple of the single gauge plate I made for my father's SS




And finally the switch plate. It's cut to where the lid closes perfectly flush with the console.


Here's a picture of the back of the console so show you how much room is is between the switch plate and the ashtray lid

[98StealthBird]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

yo that looks pretty clean iam impressed

[Thumpin305]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

The dual gauge plate requires cutting the center console (obviously). It is held in place by the gauges itself, so taking off the gauge plate is very easy to do. Slip the gauge off and the panel comes off with it.

The single gauge plate is made so that absolutely no cutting of the console is required. Therefore, my father can take his gauge plate out (if you chooses to) and put the cell phone holder back in and nobody would be the wiser. Like the dual plate, the single gauge plate is held on by the gauge (the Interceptor gauge would require making a different backing bracket, but that was really easy to do)

The switch panel is held in place by 3M double-sided automotive tape. The best thing about the switch panel I made is that the ashtray lid closes perfectly, so all my future switches/buttons/led's will be completely hidden. There is also PLENTY of room to add any switch/button that I will ever need too.


Please excuse the dusty pictures. We had a dust storm hit Lubbock the day before and our cars are known for air leaks....

[mestupryan]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

nice job, ive always wanted to do something like this before

[flyboy367]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

very clean job, i just never understood why people mount thier gauges so low. i mean i myself hate apillar clusters, it looks so inviting for someone to bust into your car with one. in every car i have had i mounted gauges close to the real cluster. i never have to look away when im driving at speed. this is one i made for my gtp. it was the prototype so its not the cleanest but the final one was sweet.
i took the dic out and moved it into the glovebox. didnt do much but tell me when im about to run out of gas and i had the traction mod so i didnt need to use the button much.

[solocamaro95]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

wow it look very clean and very well done

[Thumpin305]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

very clean job, i just never understood why people mount thier gauges so low. i mean i myself hate apillar clusters, it looks so inviting for someone to bust into your car with one. in every car i have had i mounted gauges close to the real cluster. i never have to look away when im driving at speed. this is one i made for my gtp. it was the prototype so its not the cleanest but the final one was sweet.
i took the dic out and moved it into the glovebox. didnt do much but tell me when im about to run out of gas and i had the traction mod so i didnt need to use the button much.

The gauges are mounted low, but I can see them just fine out of my peripheral vision. It really takes no more effort to glance down than to look across.

Nice job on your gauge plate as well.

[Shirl]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

Thumpin305's gauges look better imo. I don't care for the fake carbon fiber panel look. (I DO however, like the blacked-out gauges). 305's are low but who cares. NICE clean install.

Btw, you should consider making more of those panels and selling them.

[t-topV6]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

wow.. looks good... yea, since you already have the dimentions prefect and know how to do it well... you probably could sell some... nice job :)

[SilverRS96]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

indeed they look pretty good

[Thumpin305]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

I hope I don't get in trouble for saying this....

I did make extra. PM me if anyone is interested and I can send you the details.

[kristen]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

when i did my gauges,(not my 3 on my a pillar) i just used a black tote, and moved my knobs to the air vent

[rt1]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

i just never understood why people mount thier gauges so low.

IMO it depends on what gauge it is. Tranny temp, oil temp, that sorta thing put them low, out of the way. Boost, air/fuel, things that will tear up your engine in a hurry, up high.

Besides those are just under the radio, it's not like you gotta look far to see them. If you can't handle glancing over and checking the gauges under the radio, you shouldn't be driving.

Rob

[Thumpin305]

Re: My Custom Gauge and Switch Plates

Thank you for the compliments everybody.

rt1 makes a great point. Having temp, etc readings down low is perfectly fine.

When finals are over in a week, I will post more pictures of the Interceptor gauge up and all the cool things it does :)