Make you own gauge pods..

[ChopandDrop]

If anybody is interested in making their own custom gauge pods out of aluminum, let me know, and I'll do a write-up on it. I'm not finished yet, but here's a sneak peak of a near-complete pod. The second picture will give you a clue as to the material I used. Also, these can be painted, chromed, or left polished...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture075.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture073.jpg

[Toolman]

:think:Looks like steel. It will rust if that is the case.

[ChopandDrop]

It's exhaust...aluminum.

[Izzy]

Where do you plan on mounting that? :think:

[ChopandDrop]

Psst...it's a secret! It's gonna be crazy looking when I get done.:whyme:

I'm not done with it yet...I just thought I'd get everybody thinking outside the 'pod.:weld:

[Otto]

i kinda like that, different. i would mount like 2 of those slanted up and at the driver from a center console, around where it onnects to the dash, would look killer

[ChopandDrop]

i kinda like that, different. i would mount like 2 of those slanted up and at the driver from a center console, around where it onnects to the dash, would look killer

That's one of the ideas floating in my head right now....another one involves stainless steel tubing from work(free), and a tubing bender. That's all I'm leaking for now.

[Toolman]

Try and search google for...aluminized exhaust. It is coated steel and you just took off the coating so it can rust faster.

[ChopandDrop]

Alright, if I want to keep the polished look, I'll just clear it.

[Toolman]

Alright, if I want to keep the polished look, I'll just clear it.


:rocking: Just like AirRide's flames. :D

[IRSd_mini]

Toolman is right, that is steel. What do you do about the hole in the back ? And how do you hold the gauge in ?

[ChopandDrop]

I chopped them about two inches today, and am in the process of welding some washers on the backs(they will be on the inside, flush with the ends). I'll then grind everything smooth, and paint them the same color as the truck. As far as the gauges go, I shimmed them up with electrical tape, until they fit in nice and snug. It sounds ghetto, but it really works well.

Today during lunch, I used a tubing bender to do the stainless tubing. I don't have any pictures yet, but think headers coming out from under the dash with gauges on the ends. It's going to look pretty nice IMO. I just don't want to have the same old gauge pod...that's boring to me.

[ChopandDrop]

Here's an update pic....it's almost done. I still have to grind and smooth a little more, then prime and paint the pod. I think I'm going to leave the stainless the way it is. BTW, it's a bitch to bend that stuff!!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture.jpg

[southerncustoms]

Looks good. how are you gonna mount that under the dash?

[ChopandDrop]

There will be three of them next to each other...I'm going to fab up a metal plate for the inside of the dash, then use bulkhead fittings to hold 'em....something different.

I'm not sure if I like those bends yet, I'll find out when I get them mounted. If I don't, I've got more tubing I can bend.

[LOWGREEN1]

Not bad. Something different. The only thing that worries me is trying to get the airline threw there???

[Izzy]

Not bad. Something different. The only thing that worries me is trying to get the airline threw there???
I think that is the airline to the gauges, it would be pointless if it wasn't.

[ChopandDrop]

The tubing is big enough to fit the airline and electrical wires. Now that I think of it, this should be in the "Interior" section. Could a moderator move it for me? Thanks!

[red02chevy]

IMO order the gauge pod from www.socaldiesel.com like I have. Right now it is a the body shop getting molded into my overhead console that has the Homelink controls. I was $132 after shipping. Worth every penny I think.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/red02chevy/consolewithpod.jpg

[ChopandDrop]

To make all three gaugepods, it's gonna cost me $6.00.....

[IRSd_mini]

You could also use something like this to finish off the back. They are only about 50 cents each, and come in many sizes.

http://www.aa-mfg.com/pdshop/images/aa-022-1c.jpg

They come fromhttp://www.aa-mfg.com

[ChopandDrop]

Hey, thanks alot! Those would have worked pretty good, but I used some thick washers from work. I'll keep those in mind if I make more. 50 cents isn't bad at all.

[IRSd_mini]

When I posted that pic, I was thinking more of someone else wanting to make them, and mount them on the dash, or somewhere where the back could be seen. I think with that exhaust adaptor, and that back piece, one could make a cool looking gauge mount.
Also when you install the gauges, put a small dab of silicone into the tube, then push the gauge in, With time, and vibration, your electrical tabe will break down, and the silicone will keep them from rattling. But still be easy enough to get them out.

[ChopandDrop]

I got ya! Thanks for the silicon tip. I'll try that when I finish them. Also, you are right about the dash mount version. They could drill through the side to route the airline/wire, and use that same side to mount to the dash. That way the back is smooth and seamless.....Good idea.

[red02chevy]

To make all three gaugepods, it's gonna cost me $6.00.....

haha Nevermind then

[Toolman]

haha Nevermind then

:nutkick: :D

[Rollindubs]

You guys always have killer ideas i am just gonna get 1/8" ABS Sheet Laminate and put a dual needle KP gauge in the center with a chrome switch on either side and have the red needle show me my front PSI and black show me my tank PSI then screw it over the open hole under my AC control panel i thought it would make for an easy/inexpensive lil project and clean my dash up a lil more, cause those plastic sheets match my CDplayer housing perfect so it would all look the same...

[ChopandDrop]

Another pic update. Finished the paint/clear. Two more to go, and I can wire and mount these suckers....
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture079.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture081.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture082.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture083.jpg

[ChopandDrop]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture007.jpg

[SimpleGreen]

That looks great. Really creative too :cool:

[ChopandDrop]

Here they are mounted....I need one more gauge.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture013.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/kustomkoncepts/Picture016.jpg