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Dash mounted gauges

5488 Views 41 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  JaxHemi, 
JaxHemi
I really like the dash mounted gauges on the SMS Challengers. Too bad it probably requires a HOLE being drilled into the dash pad to run the wires, etc. On a side note, I can't wait to see Jason's pillar pod install!

Jack
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IntimidatorR/T
JaxHemi said:
I really like the dash mounted gauges on the SMS Challengers. Too bad it probably requires a HOLE being drilled into the dash pad to run the wires, etc. On a side note, I can't wait to see Jason's pillar pod install!

Jack
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that does look sweet but I agree on drilling the holes :rolleyes:
looking at the pillar pod, it will match up nicely.
I have a one guage pod that I will eventually put my Autometer Ecoguage in sometime. :whistle:
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X's Revenge
^ I ordered the SMS gauge pod, see the pillar pod won't work on some Challengers as they have the airbag in the pillar, I'd rather have a hole that can be patched then a face full of plastic during an accident.
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Matrix
X's Revenge said:
^ I ordered the SMS gauge pod, see the pillar pod won't work on some Challengers as they have the airbag in the pillar, I'd rather have a hole that can be patched then a face full of plastic during an accident.
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You have some bad information. The Razors edge pillar pod is compatible with the A pillar air bag that all challengers have. I have one right at my feet waiting to install it in the spring. I have pulled both side A pillar trim and there is no magic, just two small nylon straps like pull ties. The only issue is that it is covered with fabric that matches the headliner. You need to send in a passenger A pillar trim and they will cover it and all matches. I'll order the passenger trim piece this weekend and when it comes in send it off and be all set for spring. I need a boost gauge and air/fuel gauge.

No critique here, just getting the proper info out.
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Matrix said:
You have some bad information. The Razors edge pillar pod is compatible with the A pillar air bag that all challengers have. I have one right at my feet waiting to install it in the spring. I have pulled both side A pillar trim and there is no magic, just two small nylon straps like pull ties. The only issue is that it is covered with fabric that matches the headliner. You need to send in a passenger A pillar trim and they will cover it and all matches. I'll order the passenger trim piece this weekend and when it comes in send it off and be all set for spring. I need a boost gauge and air/fuel gauge.

No critique here, just getting the proper info out.
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this is interesting. i was of the same mind set as X and had heard that with the airbag you were taking big chances with this style of gauge pod.

you would think with the way these cars keep getting busted up we would start seeing some photos from accidents with a gauge pod installed.
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X's Revenge
appreciate the info Matrix, I saw the the Razors Edge pillar, I wasn't to keen on the fabric covering, again I haven't seen the pillar in person, so I'm not going to speculate, but glad there is an option,
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JaxHemi
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I'm biting the bullet and am going ahead with the dash pod. I have an Autometer pod coming from Summit and the gauges will be from AutoAnything. The oil pressure gauge will be electric for the sake of convenience. Here are a couple of pics of the gauges: Autometer Street Rod Arctic White


Jack

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Chris1992
Jack I was about to ask if you had found Mopar gauges. I looked around with no luck, but it seems as if I have seen some around somewhere. Yet, I'm not sure if they were the right type of gauge you were looking for (oil and voltage). I also looked through a summit magazine today, and was planning on giving you the magazine too look through the gauges they sell. But it seems like you made a choice already though, can't wait to see them installed!
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JaxHemi
I really liked the Mopar white faced gauges, but I wanted one with minimal "writing" on the face to best match our factory gauges. Also, it had to be a short sweep with chrome bezels. I need to locate the oil sending unit and begin to plot the route for the wiring, I want it to look factory.

Jack
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Chris1992
I didn't think about that, but those do match well with the factory gauges! I like the chrome lip around them too! When will the install be?
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JaxHemi
Probably a couple of days after I get it all together. The pod will need to be paint-matched then pre-assemble the pod, mark for the hole, figure out which way is best to attach it to the dash, that kind of nerve-wracking crap LOL.

Jack
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Chris1992
Hope the installation will be a breeze! I'll be ready to see the finished project!
BTW-hows the engine cover coming?
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X's Revenge
the pod doesn't come painted or matching to teh plastic dash, SMS led me to believe this pod was matched and ready to install?? WTF?? well I see them next month at SF maybe I'll bring mine with me and inquire.
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JaxHemi
My dash pod came today and yep it's black. Anyone know the name of the gray Dodge uses so I can paint-match? Gauges may be ordered this week, we will see what the ol' paycheck looks like ;)

Jack
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GHOSTDANCE
I finally saw a pod gauge cluster on Chuck's Kenne-Bell SRT - it looked GOOD!!!
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JaxHemi
OK, well the nice man at Apasco said if I could remove some panel or piece of my interior he could scan it and match the color. So sometime this weekend I'm going to be poking around to see what's the easiest removal. The pod doesn't exactly fit flush all the way around, I have an idea to make it look better.

Jack
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JaxHemi
Got it painted today, gauges should show up tomorrow.

Jack
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JaxHemi
5
Gauges came in today, these Autometers are well worth the money as far as electrical gauges IMO. Small issue with the twist-in bulb socket, nothing a little trimming didn't take care of. Same with the metal bracket where it rests in between the gauges. The pod color still isn't the shade I would like, it's been a bear matching the shade. The fitment of the pod to the dash has gaps, my remedy will be to carefully split a 2' section of windshield washer hose to use around the base as a gasket. So, a small teaser of what is to come.

Jack

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IntimidatorR/T
you could also use some black plastic door edge guard. but what ever will work it still looks good. :thumbupleft:
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JBUDA
Lookin good Jack.....

Post some more pics Thurs when you get them installed...
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