Installed gauge panel in TC center console...check it out

[Red_LX]

For all you guys with Turbo Coupes that want a good place to install gauges, here ya go. The factory EQ hole is PERFECT if you use a 3-gauge panel (I have an Autometer aluminum one, I can't say whether or not other ones will fit). All you have to do is go to lowe's and get a sheet of aluminum (or steel, but the aluminum easier to work with) and some small machine screws. Flip the gauge panel over so the mounting "lip" is at the bottom (or you can cut it off if you want), drill two holes near the edges for the screws, and then start measuring in the eq hole (with the trim piece installed) to determine what size to make your brackets. After you make the brackets, it's easy to trim or reshape them to the size you need, but in the end it should fit like this:

It fits like it was MADE for it! Also here's a closeup of one of the brackets:

I ended up only using two screws to hole the whole panel in. It fits tightly enough that it really doesn't need all four.

 

[Red_LX]

And here it is with the trim piece installed.

 

[kiddiccarus]

Sweet look.

Get a pic at night with the lights on.

 

[Red_LX]

Well, I haven't even started the wiring yet (it's a rats nest...5 wires for each gauge basically), but I'll try...my digital camera doesn't take the best night pics. Might have to break out the tripod for that one.

 

[kiddiccarus]

No rush, I didnt know that the wiring is such a mess.

 

[Bearded Forever]

Damn Red, that's nice!

 

[T3AL]

looks bitchen

 

[rgosulliv]

i like

 

[Red_LX]

Thanks guys

And to think that's over $100 worth of gauges there. whew!

 

[rgosulliv]

what made you pick those three... oil press, oil temp, volts... what about air/fuel, engine temp, tranny temp, boost/vac, or something else...

i'm just asking cause I plan on adding gauges to my center vents on my car and what to know why you chose what you chose.... so i can figure what would be the most practical choices...


-Ryan

 

[mr_woodster]

Looks real pro! Who are you and how did you get a turboford!

 

[140cilx]

Garrett,

That should be a real relief for you to know your Oil temp and voltage at any given moment! Whew! And a redundant Oil Pressure gauge!

- but you did do nice work you friggin ricer!

Yeah I know I've got more guages than you in my LX so I'm one too. Fuel Pressure, A/F, EGT, Boost, Nitrous.

 

[Red_LX]

Hey 140... I'm no ricer, my gauges work

I picked the gauges I picked because I already have boost and water temp gauges in a dual pillar pod. My factory oil pressure gauge doesn't work anymore, my factory voltmeter gauge hasn't moved since I bought the car (it just stays in the middle), and being that it is a turbo engine I want to keep track of the oil temperatures.

I didn't get an air/fuel gauge because everyone says the ones you can buy aren't accurate anyway (and they're too expensive), don't need tranny temp cuz the car is a 5 speed....I have a fuel pressure gauge mounted directly to the rail on the engine. These are probably the last gauges I'll ever get, don't see much need for any others unless I get nitrous or something like that.

Oh and as requested...here's a pic with the lights on!

 

[freakintiger]

HEY MAN, THATS COOL!