While developing a single gauge pod that would install in the ash tray of the Evo, I went ahead and began designing the dual gauge pod that will fit over the shifter console. Although I have just begun working on this, I wanted to see what kind of interest there may be in reproducing this piece. My main design goal was to create a cover that would install directly over or replace the existing shifter console cover without having to modify any of the plastic structure in the console itself. In addition, the gauges needed to sit high enough that there would be sufficient clearance for the depth of the gauges and their connections.

What I have ended up with is a rough version of what I had in mind. I still have a great deal of detail and finish work to perform on this piece before it is complete, but you will see the general idea of where I am heading. The gauges will be pointed toward the driver's line of vision, and they are staggered much like the gauges in a 350Z. This design incorporates 52 mm gauges, but 60 mm will be possible in a future piece.

Please keep in mind that this is a very, very pre-production piece, and I will have better pics later this week. The finished pieces will be molded from the original and matched to the factory console color, and I may potentially offer these in carbon fiber as well. I do plan to become an authorized vendor on this site in order to sell these, but I want to see how interested people are before I get too serious with this project.

Note: The Autometer gauge in the photo is broken. I only use it for reference while I am building these.

 

I Like It.....

 

I dont mean to steal the topic or anything, but i have a sugestion if you know how to make those yorself. Personaly i would rather make that a mounting point for a Turbo, A/F controler, and a turbo timer. I know that that would be more difficult because they are diffrnet brands with diffrent sizes however.

As far as the gauges go, i like it, but itsnt it kinda far away to be looking to read the gauges? I mean that a distance to be takin your eyes off the road and cluster. Just my opinion

 

I very much agree with the idea of placing the turbo timer, boost controller, etc. in the console as well. The advantage of an overlay/replacement console cover is that you can cut it to pieces to install switches and whatever you want, but you can remove it and return to stock very quickly if needed (i.e. selling car or for warranty work). If there is enough interest, then down the road I will offer versions pre-cut for various other products.

I chose this gauge placement as an alternative to the normal. I dislike a-pillar mounted gauges due to how much they block your vision and annouce to the world that you are not stock. I love DIN mounted gauges in place of the radio, but I personally can't afford to buy the cluster, 3 gauges, and a relocation kit for my radio. This is "technically" a cheaper alternative, since you will need less to make it work. I figure most people really only need boost and possibly EGT or oil pressure anyway. It may be a little bit out of sight, but the only gauge I usually watch while accelerating is the tach. Surprisingly the shifter does not block the line of vision.

 

I like the idea of the application however personally, I wouldn't want to take my eyes off the road to look down at my gauges. Looks very professional though.

 

i would be interested if i could still have access to my 12-volt.

 

Your console looks great, you do fine work. I was thinking about creating some ashtray gauge pods myself and selling them off but I'm not sure if I'll go through with that. I say that you should develop these because there will definitely be interest with a bit more plug. I, myself, would prefer the turbo timer/boost controller/etc. option.

 

I agree with this and like what you're doing. I'd like it more if you have a spot for the cig lighter as someone above mentioned. Need it for the cell phone, etc. I think egt and temp guages are fine down there. I would put the boost on the steering column anyway.

 

I like it, too. What would you using to fabricate the panel?

I tried something similar this month:





https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=84904

Unfortunately, the SPA digital gauges I'm using are unreadable down there. The viewing angle is wrong for the LCDs -- I see the gauges fine, but no digits. Analog sweeper gauges would work fine -- not too far a distance to read.

Your setup looks like it would be ideal for SPA's rock-star Micro-Dash:

 

Not to hijack the thread either, but does anyone see any use in this? I am thinking about making some to sell.

 

Poor guy, all he wanted to know was if anyone would be interested in something he made and all three of us used it as a platform to plug our own ideas/products.

 

I encourage people to make custom pieces for their cars, but I am offering this to those who do not have the time nor knowledge of composites to build one themselves. I am not selling these at this time, just testing the waters. I have been working with composites since 1997, so hopefully my skills with help make a product worthy enough to belong in these wonderful cars.

 

I didnt mean to steal the topic, but i had a feeling i would. But i told him what i thought of his idea and also told him what I think he could do with his skills that could make him some money. I am sorry if I did wrong, i dont like makin people mad.

 

No no no Ariofighter, I'm talking about the guys that were talking about selling stuff...like me. Haha. You were offerring your insight on the issue and he was asking for insight...no need for apologies. Audio18: You seem more than qualified, would you fabricate something for me if I asked you to (for the right price, of course)? Sometime later on, I may be interested in getting some custom work done and you know what you're doing and you, yourself, have an Evo so you know its lines. PM me or respond in the topic, it makes no difference to me. Thank you.

 

i'd be interested in the dual gauge holder but i need my 12v access still. if you ever decide to make more let me know.