Also, the guages could also be closer together IMO which could make smoothing between the 2 easier.
i tried it closer together, it looked like crap, and would be a pain to finish, you have to take into account the angle of the piller itself. The top one is going to be closer to you because of that angle. So I can't just really stack them on top each other or the top one would be sunk into the piller not leaving much room for tubing or wiring.
I hear ya. I have done this before but in steel, so I know the difficulty in the compound angles due to the pillar and gauges.
I set my steel one up so the top guage was closer to the driver and the lower one "stepped" back a 1/2" or so. I personally like this look, but understand how it could be difficlt to pull off in fiberglass. In steal it was easy - just a couple bends.
Now that you bring up the wiring and tubing on these - you do you plan on people routing that? I know this is the tricky part.
On the Autometer pillars it looks as if the run the wires through the back of the "pod", then attach to the gauge, then attach gauge to the "pod", and the last step is poutting the pod on the pillar.
Also - are you finishing the back of the gauge cups in a cone or tapered type shape like autometer pods?
*edit* It just dawned on me that pics of my gauge pod are in a "tech" gallery of mine. Not the same thing you are building, but remotely similar...
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1938 Ford Pickup = hot rod
1989 Ford Ranger = never gonna be done...
1974 Ford F250 4x4 Crew cab Build thread in "motor swap" forum
1972 Alfa Romeo GTV
1991 Dodge 250 cummins - motor donor
1999 Toyota Tacoma 4wd = DD/weekend toy
Chasetruck has a point there. If they're closer together, it'll basically be a hump with two gauges(or 3). I do agree that lower is better. I honestly don't care, so long as I can mount a couple of gauges in something that'll look good that I don't have to fabricate myself!! Hey, one less thing for me to worry about... I like it!
That is the reason I vote for not going level. Keep them down low (close to the dash) but pointed up towards your eyes just a bit.
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Have you flown a ford lately?
1938 Ford Pickup = hot rod
1989 Ford Ranger = never gonna be done...
1974 Ford F250 4x4 Crew cab Build thread in "motor swap" forum
1972 Alfa Romeo GTV
1991 Dodge 250 cummins - motor donor
1999 Toyota Tacoma 4wd = DD/weekend toy
Well I just hit my first speed bump. i ran out of resin. I thought I had another gallon, but now remember giving it to a friend, So I need to order more. But in the mean time, I can get the first one ready for cloth.
I think we can all be patient enough to wait a bit longer... This is going to be great for these trucks. I can't count the amount of threads from people who ask about this idea. When you finally get it done, I think you are going to have a few people wanting your product. It's a great think to have made possible. BTW, what are U using to hold it to the piller...3M tape?
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BTW, what are U using to hold it to the piller...3M tape?
The problem with the double side tape is, my base is a exact mold of the piller, so if you use tape, it will sit off the metal that much, but that may be ok for some people, but I think the best way would be to use some trim screws like what holds up the headliner trim. Really it will be up to the person installing it.
Same goes with getting the wires and tubes up there. It will be hollow, so you can run wiring to the guages. I see 2 ways to get into the guage piller. Cut a small hole in the dash at the bottom of the fiberglass, or run up the piller (if they are hollow) and come throught the back to the guages. Again, it will be up to the installer.
I guess it's going to be up to you, for the most part. I just don't want to have to pull myself up by the steering wheel to see my gauges. I'm 5'-9", so I would think if you can see them easily, it should work for most everyone else. Just my opinion...
Thought I'd jump out of "lurker" mode to throw in my two cents. I think the angled position looks better (and I am over 6' tall too), but the non-angled approach may be more appealing to the majority of people. I too am definitely interested in obtaining one of the final product. Keep up the good work! It's been fun watching this evolve.
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. This is going to be great for these trucks. I can't count the amount of threads from people who ask about this idea. When you finally get it done, I think you are going to have a few people wanting your product. It's a great think to have made possible. BTW, what are U using to hold it to the piller...3M tape?
