Center Vent Gauge Panel - Preparation questions

[chickentendah]

Okay, so I already did a search, but none of the info was relevant for my needs....

For those of you who have already installed a center vent gauge panel:

1) How do I remove the center vents appropriately?

(I looked in the FSM, and I see that there are 4 "pawls" that prevent you from simply yanking the vents out)

2) What will keep a flat center vent gauge panel in place? Are any screws requried?

Thanks

[chickentendah]

cmon, i know there's at least one person here with vent gauges

[sirwarrior]

good luck bump

[koukiKA240]

I know the new gauge peice is held im place by a press fit.My fsm shows what im sure urs does. it looks like it might be possible to get a small screw driver in there to push down the prawls but i dont know how ur gonna get all 8 down. Maybe you have to pull the radio and get in from behind. Dont think i was much help but good luck~sam

[BaliLover]

I broke stuff getting mine out, and I'm using the metal "U" shaped pieces to hold not only the gauges in, but to hold the plastic panel to the dash. The only thing is they are a PITA to get the thumb screws onto if you've got big hands.

[Badfish]

Took out my cd player. unscrewed the screws holding up the heater controls and set that down on the floor. Then you can just push the four exposed bottom pawls in with your fingers, and push it out towards you. The bottom should swing out and the top four will pop out as well. I never broke anything doing this.

I havent figured how im going to secure the gauges yet. I'll let you know when I do.

[allthrottlenobottle]

check my website and tell me if thats the look you want. if it is i'll give ya a lowdown on how i did mine.

[lost]

where can you get the vent gauge panel or did you make it yourself?

[allthrottlenobottle]

i fabbed it myself. that pic is actually the first one i did. i also fabbed another that angles the gauges towards the driver.(pics on web page are a few months old...sorry!)

[Def]

I fabbed mine out of lexan, and it is a press fit. I thought I was going to have to secure it somehow, but I've driven the crap out of my car and it isn't going anywhere so I assume it's going to stay put.

I cut mine out of lexan, then painted the backside flat black. Looks pretty pimp with the clear side over the flat black.

[curbsurfer253]

i have three questions:1. are you guys making your's for two gauges, or three?2. where are all the pics? 3. what do you do about air venting that would normally come out where the gauges now are?

[chickentendah]

Hey guys, thanks for the info so far! I appreciate the help.

I just ordered a CNC-machined aluminum triple gauge panel on eBay. And apparently it's press fit. I'll keep you guys posted on the craftsmanship on the item when I receive it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...%3AIT

allthrottlenobottle, does the screw in the middle of your panel have mounting purposes?

[allthrottlenobottle]

looks good. hope it works for you.