DIY Custom Dual Gauge Pod- Dash Mount

[Rev_D21]

I was cruising Ebay and came across a Hardbody HD which has the most basic dash I'd ever seen, no radio. Just a plastic cover where the radio should be and this got me thinking...custom fit dash mounted gauge plate. I ordered the plate from my dealer, pt# 68470-60M00. At $9 I wasn't going to be hurting too bad if the thing didn't work out. If it did I'd have a plate built for my truck for less than 10 dollars. When I got home I marked everything out with my auto-punch, got my Dremel and my DeWalt out and a 2" hole saw then went to town. It came out exactly the way I wanted it to. I test fitted my old volt gauge just to be sure while I wait for my CBI gauges to arrive. What do you guys think of this?



Had to Dremel it out a little bit to make room for the hole saw. See the OEM screw brackets, that's Hollywood!

All I do to mount it is remove the cubby underneath the radio and replace it with this. Clean and OEM.
Modified by Reverend D at 9:02 PM 9/28/2009

[PEZi]

hmm... looks like mine lol

[Rev_D21]

That's where I got that, an 86 ST to be exact. I have the oil psi gauge too floating around here somewhere even though I don't plan on using either of them. I planned to use them in my 81 720 ST 2WD KC, which looked exactly like yours, but that never came to pass.

[Rev_D21]

I know the gauges don't match, I haven't ordered the new transmission temp gauge yet. Hoping to have the entire set be Clark Brothers Instrument gauges. I made a mistake and ordered chrome...my bad. I will have to paint the bezel flat black to make it fit the tone of the interior.

[Hooked on 240]

If i was to ever turbo a hardbody, this would be awsome.

Since mine is nothing more than a DD status that i plan to run into the ground. ill tip my hat off to you sir

[Rev_D21]

Updates:

Finished and installed the gauge holder. Radio installed as well. Just need to wire in senders.

[RT22]

Hey rev how much trouble to wire the oil temp gauge in to the motor? I was wanting to put one in my 91 in my new console by replacing the little pocket just like that, have a volt gauge will add the oil temp but what sending unit and how hard to get to where it taps in?

[Rev_D21]

I did the Glowshift gauge/sender with sandwich plate. Not a bad deal. I am running the wire out the passenger side of the engine compartment through the main harness grommet there.

[Rev_D21]

Gauges pt II.



One more overall shot of the inside lit up.

[Dano]

Looks great Rev!

[Dj Hentai]

Looks nice man, this is what I did for my extra gauges



Same idea but I capped and shaved my center vents. Side vents blow like mad now lol