Hey Guys and Gals,

Im looking to start my refresh on the old 06, part of that task is removing the A-Pillar gauges and going with the CTS. I have the dash pod mount and was wondering if anyone can tell me what years didn't have the grab handles on the drivers side A-pillar. It looks like the pod will not mount if the handle is there.

I thought that 03-04 trucks didn't have the grab handle but I cant remember. If anyone can help that would be great, and if anyone is willing to share a VIN so I can order the molding that would be awesome...my truck has grey interior as well.

Thanks,

Sarge

 

Mine is an 04, has the grab.

 

They all do I beleive, back to 03 anyway.

 

My Early '03 has the Grab Handle, use it all the time - so went with 3-in-1 gauge.

 

x2 I went with a 2-in-1 "Dual-Gauge" (see sig)
I did have to do a tiny bit of trimming with a dremel tool to get the pod to fit snugly up under the grab handle, before I painted it.
I hid the configuration switch inside the vent (shown here but it's behind the vent panel now)

 

I have the CTS INSIGHT mounted with the dash pod in my '06. The handle is tight but it fits just fine.

 

Did you have to paint your pod?

 

Yes, but I was in a hurry so picked a color that did not match. Looks more yellow in picture than it really is. I will have to do some research and revisit that when weather gets warmer.

 

Yeah that's what I'm trying to figure out if I want to go with black or tan. And then where do you find the paint to match.

 

I used Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric tan. Almost perfect color match to Ford's. Fusion also has it now I believe.

 

Cool thanks.

 

Thanks for that. I used Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Desert Sand. The cap color looked right, but the paint was definitely not.

 

Eh! I used the Desert Sand also.... mine looks pretty good. Thought I had a photo but can't find it now. Found it:

 

The color is not as far off as my camera makes it out to be, but is definitely not a perfect match. Did you use a color primer under the Desert Sand?

 

No, I didn't use anything. I did "clean" the surface with some alcohol tho..... If the remember correctly it did take a LOT of shaking to get the paint mixed well.