custom scangauge install in New Beetle

[skyking]

I have started the personalization on my Beetle

The rounded dash and steering column parts have a nice OEM look, but are not good for new radios, little doodads like a scangauge, etc.
I had it velcroed to the top of the column, but it obscured the fuel and tach, and I had to reach behind it to set the trip meter. Sorry, no before pics but it was about 3/4" higher.
I removed the steering console top and laid out a hole in it, 13/16" back from the front edge and 1" wide by about 4" long to start. The console top is held on by two #1 phillips screws from below.

I started cutting it in with a razor knife. Not too pretty yet, but I trimmed it up once I had the hole through.
Once I had the hole cut, it was obvious I needed to go wider. The shape of the hole was defined by the profile of a high part of the cover.


I cut it a little wider yet, and this is what it looked like from the side.



On the top of the steering column there is a clip for a set of contacts, probably the horn and airbags. I took the scangauge apart and determined I could notch into the gauge itself to miss that clip.
I centered the gauge up and marked it with a pencil, and cut that with the razor knife.
I removed the board and display, of course.



Here is the final look. Before, the wire exited the right side of the gauge. Now it goes out the back and is totally hidden.


In that photo the column is adjusted all the way up, and is about 3/4" back from the front stop. That is the only limitation, you can't push the column all the way forward.

[digital rules]

Nice work Skyking!! Any glare issues?

[mcrews]

Big thumbs up!!!!

First rule of add-on:
1. put them in the same line of sight as other gauges!!!!

Second rule:
2. Mount them securely!!!

maybe you could add your picks to this thread?

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...e-18431-2.html

[skyking]

Originally Posted by digital rules

Nice work Skyking!! Any glare issues?

None at all. I had it velcroed to the same place for months. It blocked the fuel gauge and the trip meter button. Now it blocks nothing.

[skyking]

I did not want to clutter up the column and stock gauges further, but wanted full instrumentation on my diesel so I drilled the dash way up by the VIN tag and stuck a 3 in 1 combo gauge up there.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Thanks for the link here sky. Think I'll get another ScanGaugeii. Advance Auto Parts has them for 20% off if ordered online, then pick them up at your local store.

BTW were you on Mopar1973Man.com? Thought I may have read your posts over there.

Dave3500

[skyking]

Not on his site as a member, but he is on a few forums I frequent. Feel free to copy my cut out, and I can get you the original images and also take some measurements.
The Scangauge has a nice blue color option that really is close to the dash light color. Looks great.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Thanks for being so helpful! What holds the SG in place, looks level too!

Great job,
Dave

[skyking]

It's so tight in there, I think it is just a patch of double back tape.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Thanks skyking, good to know! BTW, I like your 49.05 MPG. What is your mix of city driving? Open road? Do you keep it under 65MPH?

Thanks,
Dave