Saturn SW2 Gauge Pod

[betasniper]

I wanted a gauge pod that didn't "obstruct" my view so I decided to make my own out of scrap material I had around.

This Is how I made my gauge pod for my Saturn SW2 A pillar:


Turning scrap ABS tube on lathe to outside diameter of the gauge:


Drilled Holes for roughing outline of pillar


Dremel to fit:


Aline gap between gauges protrusions with hole: (this was finished)


Constantly checking fit on Pillar


Repeat Dremeling to fit again if needed.

Front of gauge:

(square thing is camera reflection)


What should have happened next:
Cut hole for passing vacuum line and light wires in A pillar
Glue pod to pillar with amazing goop marine/rv/automotive/plumber/any really. (needs to be a glue that is flexible enough to fix plastics)
Attach wires to dimmer circuit so they could be removed somewhat easily
attach vacuum line to manifold (somewhere close to the intake runners is preferable)
Reinstall trim in car
Enjoy!

Tip for using dremel: When changing bits, loosen threaded collar then push bit further into the tool then pull it out. Made my tool change time go from about 15s to about 3s.


And other gauge pods I made turned:

[betasniper]

Finally Finished (only took 9 months)

I turned on the lathe a Tee fitting with 2 barbs and an 1/8 NPT hole from a rectangular piece of scrap aluminum using a 4 jaw chuck. Took about 2 hours (most the time I was looking for the tools) to complete. Next Day I installed it within 30 minutes. I haven't Driven since I turned the Tee fitting, but there isn't any vacuum leaks from just starting the car for a minute and the gauge responds very quickly.

Pics under Hood:



Used 8.9mm fuel line to connect Tee to Manifold. The original connection was a hard plastic tube in a foam sleeve.

[Fat Charlie]

Great work- and the found materials make it even better!

[gone-ot]

The QUESTION-of-the-DAY, however, is *how* are you attaching those gauge pods to the A-pillar moulding? Glue, screws, velcro, bubblegum, or what?

[betasniper]

I used Wood glue, but I suggest a glue meant for plastics as wood glue doesn't hold as well as I thought it would. I mentioned appropriate glues but didn't use one.

Here It is holding itself up while I'm sitting at a Red Light:

Car is warm. (Still haven't done the other three yet.)

[arcosine]

Cool, I use an Ultragauge.