Gauge install without cutting A-pillar
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
Gauge install without cutting A-pillar
Can it be done? I hate the thought of having to butcher my factory A-pillar to install my gauges. I'm considering buying another A-pillar at a junk yard and keeping my stock one if I can find one cheap.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Here is a few sites that sell paint to paint them factory color: http://www.itpdiesel.com/store.php?crn=104&rn=509&action=show_detail
Ford Interior Paint
DieselManor - Gauges
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 699
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From: northern Michigan
I used a gauge pod, remove your plastic pillar cover and install the one with the gauge mounts. One I got you have to prime and paint to get it to match the trucks interior. Bought Mine through a site sponsor, Diesel Manor if I recall correctly and they have good instructions on installing the gauges if you have the automatic transmission.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
In answer to your question. I don't think so. The plug on the pyro is a pretty big one. It has to go somewhere and I don't think it would fit tucked in behind. I do believe that the way you are thinking( getting another stock one off ebay or from a wrecking yard) is the way to go if you want to save the original.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,293
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
I bought the one from ITP and all I did was install over the top of the original pillar cover and I drilled one hole at the top and used the provided plastic push-in fastener into the original pillar cover. Holds just fine. Everything tucks in behind no problem. And only one small (3/16"?) hole.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
That's encouraging news. I have a gauge pod from Diesel Manor (waiting on the paint) and their instructions say you need to cut some big azz holes in the stock A-pillar for the wiring which is what I'm trying to avoid. I'm going to try to snag one from a wrecker, they can't cost much I figure and since I'll be painting anyways color won't matter.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 115
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From: Foley, MN
didnt have to cut my pillar at all just put four screws in to hold the pod on. egt guage fits fine along with boost. got mine from glow shift it was about 30 bucks
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From: SE Wisco
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,293
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From: BLT, MN
My wires feed up between the old A pillar plastic and the dash panel. There is plenty of room to run all the wires thru. Then the new cover fits right over everything. I cannot stress enough. There is a ton of room for everything. No need for modifying anything. I wish I had the ability to post some pictures. This is with the ITP pillar.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
I'll try to see if I can scare up another A-pillar on the cheap, it would be nice to have the stocker in case I ever sell or decide to do something different. If I can't find anything then at least I know that I don't have to auger huge holes into the factory A-pillar and I could just put the push pins in the stocker to cover the holes should I decide to remove the gauges to sell the truck or something.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kamloops, BC
I just ordered a 3 gauge kit from Autometer... Don't you remove the original pillar and put in the new one with the gauge holes in it ????? or is everyone telling me that you just take off the holy SH#$ handle and mount the new pod to the original pillar ???
Thanks.. Russ
Thanks.. Russ
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From: SE Wisco
That's what you do in every kit I have ever seen. Pretty stupid design, huh!?! I can't believe it costs that much more to put three clips on the back of the thing.
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From: Kamloops, BC
Posting Guru
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From: SE Wisco
You will end up doing that about three for four times double checking fit and wires etc...BE SURE TO TAKE YOUR TIME!!!