Gauges

[geswek]

I'm working on gauges and still having some issues here.

A Pillar; boost and oil pressure

Center; EGT (left) and EGT (right)

I have one gauge open -- still can't decide; oil temp or AFR.


Thoughts?

 

[bpd1151]

I would use the open spot for a Tranny Temp gauge personally.

Also, my mechanic pal who helped me install my gauges recommended an Oil Temp Gauge over an Oil Pressure Gauge, simply saying that you're more likely to notice an "issue" by monitoring Oil Temp long before you will problems with Oil Pressure(s).

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[geswek]

Thanks for the tip Mike.

I like the oil temp too--be nice to know if I'm roasting.

Now I'm thinking of where I can get oil temp -- might have tap the pan or do that bolt trick you did.

 

[Darkside]

No brainer, get an Aeroforce guage.  They make them specifically for the Sho and will even have SHO inside it.  It will give you two things to monitor and allows you to change them up.  Personally I'd want to monitor knock at all times. 

 

[FracaSHO]

Where can I find a gauge pod for the a-pillar?  Can I get one to fit 3 gauges?


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[bpd1151]

You would have to have an a-pillar pod completely custom made (like I did) as nobody currently produces them.

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[FracaSHO]

You would have to have an a-pillar pod completely custom made (like I did) as nobody currently produces them.

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Where would I go for for something like that?


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[bpd1151]

I wouldn't have the slightest clue.

I say that, only due to the fact that the person who made mine, swore up & down that mine was the only one he would make (as a thank you for all the "How-To's" I authored) because he had learned so much from me.

That person, who was a member of another community, has since sold his SHO, & is no longer around. Hasn't been for some time.

I have pictures I could PM you of how the build process went on it, if you'd like them.

I would then suggest printing out those images, & perhaps bring them around to some local vendors in your area that specialize in custom fabrication (& upholstery) & inquire if they would be interested in taking on such a project.

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[FracaSHO]

I wouldn't have the slightest clue.

I say that, only due to the fact that the person who made mine, swore up & down that mine was the only one he would make (as a thank you for all the "How-To's" I authored) because he had learned so much from me.

That person, who was a member of another community, has since sold his SHO, & is no longer around. Hasn't been for some time.

I have pictures I could PM you of how the build process went on it, if you'd like them.

I would then suggest printing out those images, & perhaps bring them around to some local vendors in your area that specialize in custom fabrication (& upholstery) & inquire if they would be interested in taking on such a project.

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Pics would be much appreciated. I may have a place that could do it. Or they might be able to point me in the right direction.


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[geswek]

I'm going to my fabricator Monday and he said he'd be interested in doing more. He wants to do mine first and make sure. He does a lot of fiberglass and bonds work for boats, custom jobs. Has a good reputation and likes Grand Nationals.

I'll keep you posted, but I know it's going to be somewhat expensive. I bought a second pillar for $120, and the 2 gauge mount was another $20 bucks. I figure the fiber work and upholstery another 2 or 3.

The only thing I'm worried about it upholstery. I have fabric covered pillar, not leather like Mike.

Sent from a mobile, I think.

 

[bpd1151]

Just for the record there Storm.....

My A-Pillar was custom upholstered & the upholsterer located a source that matched the OEM fabric found on the A-Pillar, as it came from the factory.

Which, you would know, is a cloth based material. Not leather.

As such, mine is not, nor ever was, leather. Not then. Not now.

 

[geswek]

Just for the record there Storm.....

My A-Pillar was custom upholstered & the upholsterer located a source that matched the OEM fabric found on the A-Pillar, as it came from the factory.

Which, you would know, is a cloth based material. Not leather.

As such, mine is not, nor ever was, leather. Not then. Not now.

No sweat; I must of not realized that in photos you gave me. I thought it was leather. Glad to know they were able to match your fabric, maybe I will have a shop too--there is a few upholstery shops here that are good with automotive applications.

 

[Scott13SHO]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

 

[geswek]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

Not sure; market?

Maybe the fact our pillars are cloth and not just ABS plastic?

Eh, either way -- I have a guy in Doylestown who will more than likely be successful in making this.

 

[FracaSHO]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

Not sure; market?

Maybe the fact our pillars are cloth and not just ABS plastic?

Eh, either way -- I have a guy in Doylestown who will more than likely be successful in making this.

Keep us informed. I would be interested in purchasing one. Maybe we could get a group but going.


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[Larrylu]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

I'd make a wild guess that since there is an air bag that deploys behind that panel, manufacturers are going to be super cautious about mass marketing any modified panels that might have to be tested extensively for government approvals and or leave them open to liabilities in crashes.

 

[geswek]

Keep us informed. I would be interested in purchasing one. Maybe we could get a group but going.

I spoke to him about that and he seemed interested given it's not difficult.

Cost can be a huge factor; I'm already $140 in for second pillar and gauge pod--grant it you could simply rip your factory one off and send it in and only pay $40 + labor to do the bondo work. Of course, you'd have to get it upholstered.

I think it's going to end up being a 300-400 job when I am done.

 

[bpd1151]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

I'd make a wild guess that since there is an air bag that deploys behind that panel, manufacturers are going to be super cautious about mass marketing any modified panels that might have to be tested extensively for government approvals and or leave them open to liabilities in crashes.

Huh? Whaddya talk'n about Larrylu?

There's an air bag behind what panel?

Certainly not the A-Pillar :nono:

There's definitely NO air bag behind that.

Keep us informed. I would be interested in purchasing one. Maybe we could get a group but going.

I spoke to him about that and he seemed interested given it's not difficult.

Cost can be a huge factor; I'm already $140 in for second pillar and gauge pod.....

I think it's going to end up being a 300-400 job when I am done.

Storm, the cost range(s) you quoted are relatively inline with what I paid if it's of any solace to you?

For me, the upholstery work alone, was slightly more than the fabrication of the pod itself.

So for those of you truly considering the implementation of an A-Pillar Pod, if Storm is able to work his magic, understand that the $300-$400 price range would be merely for the A-Pillar Pod itself, sans any gauges.

Gauges, depending on type/design/mfg'er can & will likely run you an ADDT'L $50 on the low end, to $200 or so on the high end (each).....

Now you added another $100-$400 dollars ON TOP OF the pod itself.

Therefore, keep in mind, that you're likely to be looking at anywhere from $400 on the low end, to $800 on the high end, for a complete product that includes gauges.

Alright, total product cost(s)...... check.

Labor?

Ha! Certainly you didn't forget about the cost(s) involved to install that nifty new A-Pillar Pod now did you?

Given hourly labor rates vary across the country (generally $50-$90 p/hr) if memory serves me correctly, it took myself & my pal approximately 3hrs to run all the wiring, & to make all the necessary connections under the hood, etc. before it was up & running.

This is assuming you're lucky enough to find a shop that will accept doing the install in the 1st place.

We've had some members (here & elsewhere) that ran into some "challenges" when it came to sourcing an installer.

All of the above is NOT meant in anyway to discourage. Quite the opposite actually.

I present all of these points (and associated cost projections) so that each of you can realistically get a grasp on what the total project will likely run, so that you can each make the necessary financial preparations to make it become a reality in each of your own vehicles.

I know, at least for me, money doesn't come as freely as it seems it may for others, and it's necessary for me to budget out each mod, as it relates to all of my other obligations at home.

Good luck everyone!


opcornandbeer:

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[Larrylu]

I'd love to see a  A pillar gauge pod available for our cars....can't figure out why no one offers one.

I'd make a wild guess that since there is an air bag that deploys behind that panel, manufacturers are going to be super cautious about mass marketing any modified panels that might have to be tested extensively for government approvals and or leave them open to liabilities in crashes.

Huh? Whaddya talk'n about Larrylu?

There's an air bag behind what panel?

Certainly not the A-Pillar :nono:

There's definitely NO air bag behind that.

Sorry for the misinformation. In my peeling and poking to chase and locate wiring I thought I spotted what I took to be a very narrow version of an airbag behind the pillar. I have a lot of experience with the internal seat mounted ones but now they are proliferating and showing up in a lot of new places. I'm pretty sure that there is one not far away under the headliner over the door glass so it was not a stretch for me to miss-see. But in any case....my apologies and thanks Mike for the correction.

 

[geswek]

Just FYI;

My speed shot who did my springs and wheels quoted me $1570 to install and purchase my Evo gauges--that is (1) Boost, (1) Oil Pressure, (1) AFR, and (2) EGT. Includes the oil filter plate for sensing.

You can use this as an example too.