Mounting Guages

[L84THSKY]

I saw the thread on Bimmerforums on this subject. I can't load pics there, since I haven't posted enough messages yet. Would the three guages mount on the vertical wall in front of the ash try. I was wondering whether there was enough room behind this vertical wall to fit three guages. Then the guages would be flush. I'm referring to the place you see my MP3 player in the pic.

[marleymon]

check this guy out!
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/ronstygar.html

[L84THSKY]

I've seen that 100 times. I want to mount the guages vertically, not horizontally. That way they don't take up the space I created when removing the ash try. Anyway how much space is available behind the vertical wall of the cubby hole in front of the shifter?

Originally Posted by marleymon

check this guy out!
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/ronstygar.html

[DustenT]

I have a single DIN panel that replaces your radio and holds 3 gauges. That's probably your best bet. There isn't much room behind the ashtray, it's all heating ducts and electronic.

[marleymon]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

I've seen that 100 times.

The guy does good work. Too bad there is not enough info there to help you figure it out.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by marleymon

The guy does good work. Too bad there is not enough info there to help you figure it out.

I have that panel although I never installed it. Maybe one of these days. The problem with that panel though is I'd have a hard time seeing the right gauge in some gears. If I do gauges I'll probably do A pillar mounts even though I think it's ricey.

[mohaughn]

Dusten- where did you get the radio replacement insert that holds gauges? Does it have a good way to secure it in? I've seen some, but they required you to make a custom bracket to secure it in.

[L84THSKY]

This is exactly why I want to mount them vertically. One thing I always do is look at what has been done, and weigh the pros and cons.

Pillar mounts are tacky, Ron Stygar's method eats up the space I spent so much time clearing. When I do all my electrical upgrades this Sunday, I'm gonna remove the center console and see what lurks behind.

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I have that panel although I never installed it. Maybe one of these days. The problem with that panel though is I'd have a hard time seeing the right gauge in some gears. If I do gauges I'll probably do A pillar mounts even though I think it's ricey.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by mohaughn

Dusten- where did you get the radio replacement insert that holds gauges? Does it have a good way to secure it in? I've seen some, but they required you to make a custom bracket to secure it in.

I purchased it from someone on the yahoo list (sorry, can't remember who). It is only a panel, you might need to make a bracket. I like my radio too much to use it right now, but plan on using it someday...

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

Pillar mounts are tacky, Ron Stygar's method eats up the space I spent so much time clearing. When I do all my electrical upgrades this Sunday, I'm gonna remove the center console and see what lurks behind.

L8 - I agree that pillar mounts are tacky, but you can't argue against the functionality of them. When you get to the point where you NEED gauges, all that matters is that you can see the gauges when it counts. Keep that in mind when picking a mounting solution. Trust me, as I'm sure you've seen through the years, I've tried LOTS of different mounting options, including mounting behind the shift with a custom mount. What am I using now? An a-pillar mount - because it works the best.

[J!m]

Sunday? Does that mean you're not coming out to Jersey?

Oh wait, I think you mentioned that earlier...

Oh, well. I guess we'll have to get together next week if you want to finally see my car. It goes into hibernation very soon....

[L84THSKY]

I would probably give in and use a pillar mount only for boost gauges. If I wanted just oil press, oil temp and volts, I wanna stick with my current plan.

The three guages I just mentioned are more for a casual glance when starting the car, or stopped in traffic. A boost guage needs to be somewhere where you can get a quick look under accelerating circumstances.

Originally Posted by DustenT

L8 - I agree that pillar mounts are tacky, but you can't argue against the functionality of them. When you get to the point where you NEED gauges, all that matters is that you can see the gauges when it counts. Keep that in mind when picking a mounting solution. Trust me, as I'm sure you've seen through the years, I've tried LOTS of different mounting options, including mounting behind the shift with a custom mount. What am I using now? An a-pillar mount - because it works the best.

[pnosker]

L84THSKY, what do you have behind your window controls?

[L84THSKY]

Heated seat switches. Came equipped on the car from the dealer.

Originally Posted by pnosker

L84THSKY, what do you have behind your window controls?

[aceyx]

You could probably "build out" the HVAC controls to give you the required depth for the gauges. You might lose some height in the tray space, but you'll still have it.

[nigeltee]

dont shout, but have you thought about removing the central air vents and mounting the gauges in there? I know they would be horizontal, but much nearer eye level. If you only wanted a boost gauge, you could just blank off one vent.

I dont use my centre vents, so this would work for me. I havent seen it done, i got the idea from an audi site when i had an a4 t sport.

Regards

Nige