Stealth gauge cluster install

[CrankyOldMan]

So I've finally started working on my gauge cluster install. At the moment, I have a Scangauge II, an AEM AFR and an AEM boost (0-15 psi). The keylock switch is for replacing the Blitz engagement position knob, since I have learning drivers in the family that don't need access to boost when they're learning to drive.

My intention is to keep it as "sleeper" as possible, so they're going inside the driver's glovebox. I started with some cereal box cardboard to make a rough mock up and then transferred the shapes into CAD. I will probably use plastic since it's easier to machine and assemble, but I may go to sheet aluminum for a more professional product once the plastic one is verified.

Here's what I've got so far:

[CTScott]

Very cool!

[WeeYari]

Nice. I don't feel the need for a more 'professional' aluminum version. The plastic looks sweet.

[CrankyOldMan]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

Nice. I don't feel the need for a more 'professional' aluminum version. The plastic looks sweet.

It's neither at the moment, these are just CAD renderings. Even if it was aluminum, I'd probably paint it black or grey instead of leaving it metallic.

[white_rice]

Love it!

[cali yaris]

I have to ask why you'd put gauges inside the glovebox, or on the passenger side in general.
Doesn't that make them useless for any real time information?

[CrankyOldMan]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

I have to ask why you'd put gauges inside the glovebox, or on the passenger side in general.
Doesn't that make them useless for any real time information?

While they will be below eye level, they'll still be useful, just not as immediately visible as an A-pillar pod. I agree that having them on the passenger side is silly, hence the driver's side glove box. My biggest goal is to keep it stealth--i.e. closing the lid of the glovebox when I park but flipping it up when I'm driving. At the moment that's how I use my scangauge--but it's just loose in the glovebox with the OBD II cable hanging out like a piece of spaghetti.

[malibuguy]

Badass. Sometimes I'm jealous of the hatchet guys and their extra compartment

[tk-421]

That looks super clean. Great job!
Any chance of making a few extra panels? I don't have any of those gauges, but I can think of a couple of uses for an uncut version, especially if it came with a lock & key and a hinge on the left side.

[CrankyOldMan]

@tk - the keylock is just an electrical switch. It will be replacing the one that comes with the Blitz:


Once I make the prototype and verify that it fits, I'll share the measured drawings. Making extras will depend on the material that I go with. Acrylic is super easy since I can laser cut it. Aluminum or other plastics will be more work since I have to CNC them in a mill, or make them by hand.

[tk-421]

Very nice.
I'll be watching this thread attently!

[CrankyOldMan]

As a heads up: I've got a few small sheets of "one side matte" black acrylic on the way. I'll make a prototype for my glovebox and tweak all the angles so that it fits nicely. After that, I'll post up some pics and pricing info. Just like the Blitz gaskets, I'm not looking to profit much from them, just covering the cost of materials and shipping.

[CrankyOldMan]

Soon...


As in, I'm cutting them on the laser right now.

[kou]

Looks good. That's where I put my AFR,boost,oil pressure and water temp gauges.

[CrankyOldMan]

Dry fit today, camera battery was dead. Pics tomorrow, I think.

[CrankyOldMan]

Ok, pics of it sitting in the install location. It needs a lot of refinement before it looks like it was supposed to be there in the first place.

[Ryze268]

I like it, looks real professional :)

[CrankyOldMan]

Thanks. It's really hard to get a good picture of it installed. I still have to put all of the bracing and supports on it, refine the corners, verify the keylock location, install the LED and a few other minor adjustments. Once I get that all set up I may do a short production run of blanks, or offer custom cutouts for a modest fee.