Interior gauges and pillars, pods, custom etc

[maurolin]

I finally got my vdo gauges, oil press, oil temp and EGT.(exhaust gas temp)

I want to see some pics of your interiors to get ideas or if someone knows where to buy good pillars or pods... or how to customize the space below the stereo and above the cig. lighter....

any ideas???

[DustenT]

This is how I mounted my gauges. I made the "pod" out of carbon fiber. It is for sale if the price is right.

http://tinyurl.com/5lp86
http://tinyurl.com/3k9je
http://tinyurl.com/4vytw
http://tinyurl.com/495on

I hope the link works. These pics are posted on 320ti.net. You may need to sign in to it.

Apparently I need to talk more, as I can't post pics on this site until I post 100 times. Anyone know of a better place for me to post some pictures?

[96cali]

Check out unofficialbmw.com I think Ron Stygar modded his console nicely with 3 VDO guages. Pillar guages look very ricey IMO- you better have the goods under the hood. Oh and those open knuckle driving gloves too.

[aceyx]

i mentioned this before on another thread, but pillar pods really can interfere with your vision. if it's something you really need to keep track of (boost psi, anti-car-blow-up-meter) then yeah, it's probably worth it to have it in your line of sight.

stygar's page is here: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/int...ges_part1.html
there are a few other members doing this mod, and i think somebody mentioned they were making faceplates for sale.

[maurolin]

wow... this is nice info, although the pannel looks funky laid flat instead of the ashtray... I'd like the gauges on the space right above the ashtray.
but PROPS to stygar, for posting the template... now THAT'S what I call sharing!.

[1996 328ti]

I have Ron's panel and have never gotten aaround to installing it.
I think my shift lever will block my view in 3rd.

Originally Posted by DustenT

Apparently I need to talk more, as I can't post pics on this site until I post 100 times. Anyone know of a better place for me to post some pictures?

You can attach photos to your posts.

[maurolin]

selling it?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by maurolin

selling it?

Mine? No.
If I ever put gauges on the A pillar I would. But until then I want to hold onto it.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by DustenT

How do I attach the picture to the post? Sorry, I'm retarded, really, I should know how to do this.

I think you almost got it. There was a space between jp and g.
That might have caused the problem.

Also look at this this FAQ.

[maurolin]

link not working. email me the pics and I can host them for you... mlinero@tampabay.rr.com

[DustenT]

maurolin - I just sent you an email with the pics.

Steve - if I donate to the site will you let me post pics?

[maurolin]

here's YOUR pic. That's kinda what I am looking for.... but.... what's holding them?

[DustenT]

The gauge holder is held in by it's own weight. The bottom of the hold is sheet metal that was cut to *exactly* fit in the opening. The ashtray and light assembly were removed and that left a small (1/8") lip for the gauge holder to sit in.

Although having gauges this low in the car is probably not optimal, it does look very nice inside the car. Currently I only have the boost gauge hooked up, I just haven't had the time to play around with hooking up the oil press. and air/fuel.

Again, the gauge holder and gauges are for sale if anyone is interested. I am thinking of building a new one, just for boost and EGT. Let me know is anyone is interested.

[maurolin]

where did u buy the pod?

[DustenT]

I made the pod. It is a combination of sheet metal, foam filler, carbon fiber, body filler and DuPont Croma-base & Croma-clear paint. The pod exactly matches the outside Schwartz II paint.

I needed to make a pod because I didn't like the angle of some of the other gauge panels I have seen. I made mine so it angles up at me.