ScanGuage II - Best dash location in your vehicle

[seifrob]

Awesome! Thanks for the instructions. It seems easier than it probably was.

[jedi_sol]

It is very easy, everything can be bought from your local hardware or "boat supply" store.

The only downside is the time spend sanding, smoothing, and painting if you want it to look really nice.

I love working with fiberglass because you can get almost OEM looking results.

[Andrei_ierdnA]

Thanks a lot everyone for all the suggestions and ideas.
I especially enjoyed mcrews's shaded/hidden concept and jedi_sol's How-To-DIY with lots of pics. Still haven't figured how to best position and install my SGII in the Honda Fit, but I would like a combination of both your ideas. I'm waiting on a OBD II splitter in the mail, so right now not using the SGII. Definitely want to find a more permanent solution that doesn't involve removing and re-installing it every time I drive. I leave the dash-cam in the car at all times, but it's "hidden" near the rear-view mirror.
Will post a pic with my result when I figure out what I'll do.

I have now learned how to do advanced searches and found the other threads on this topic.

[mcrews]

there was a fiberglass/plastic store in Sacramento. They were trying to show me how to work w fiberglass before I moved.
My idea was to create a curve that matched the on over the instrument panel. THe 7 series bmw has to matching curves. THat was my inspiration.

But when I saw the black 1 inch binder at the dollar store with the faux grain flexible cover....

[hat_man]

mcrews......is that a ScanGauge I under ScanGauge II? What are the dimensions of the SC I? I have been wanting one and have a mounting place in mind if it fits.

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by hat_man

mcrews......is that a ScanGauge I under ScanGauge II? What are the dimensions of the SC I? I have been wanting one and have a mounting place in mind if it fits.

Hat_man, what picture are you looking at?
I have the scangauge II in all pictures (Infiniti Q45 an Kia Sportage) but I want to identify the gauge causing the confusion

My dimensions are: 5" across the face (width), 1.5" tall and about 1" deep.
It can plug in from the center of the back or the right side(looking at it) I believe I have a scangauge II.

[hat_man]

I went back and looked and it may be me that's confused. It was post #6. I was assuming the SGII was the upper unit and the lower black unit was a SG I. I seem to remember when I was looking at these that the SGII wasn't available for my older truck. If the units are like I was thinking, the slimmer black one is the one I would like.

[spacemanspif]

I don't understand all this sun shield stuff. My SG is mounted on a piece of metal that is wedged into the vent in the center of the dash. No cover, no shade no nothing just there on the dash and stays there all the time. I've never had a problem seeing the screen or it overheating. New Jersey doesn't get hot like Texas but I'd think we get close enough to see problems arise.

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by spacemanspif

I don't understand all this sun shield stuff. My SG is mounted on a piece of metal that is wedged into the vent in the center of the dash. No cover, no shade no nothing just there on the dash and stays there all the time. I've never had a problem seeing the screen or it overheating. New Jersey doesn't get hot like Texas but I'd think we get close enough to see problems arise.

please explain why all the manufacturers waste material recessing the gauges on the dash?
In the old days there was no cowl over the gauges.
It's about ergonomics.

What you might have missed (from at least my posts) is that the reason is subtle. The human eye reacts differently in bright light and in shade. It reacts differently when looking long distances and when reading up close.
By having the gauge in the bright light, you are asking your eye to adjust in a way that is not congruent with the layout of the dash. Eventually, your mind will tell the eye that it is a pain in the ass to look at the gauge. And quit looking.
You describe your gauge as being in the center oh a vent, so at least it is not on top of the dash.

Sure, you can 'see' the screen.
But it is about incremental improvements that enhance the experience.

To the other end are people who have the Scangauge down by the 'ashtray' and think that is 'fine'. Like looking down off the windshield is a good thing.

You can do as you like.
I drove 40-50k miles a yr in the Infiniti. I didn't do what I did randomly. I did it because it enhanced the driving experience.

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by hat_man

I went back and looked and it may be me that's confused. It was post #6. I was assuming the SGII was the upper unit and the lower black unit was a SG I. I seem to remember when I was looking at these that the SGII wasn't available for my older truck. If the units are like I was thinking, the slimmer black one is the one I would like.

THe upper unit in that post is a 5" garmin gps. THe scangauge II is below it.