Does anyone know if there is a part to replace the interior trim piece that has the ashtray and the hazard switch, but comes blank. I would like to install three gauges in this spot and the cleanest way would be if I could find this piece withoutany holes in it already, rather than having to put a custom frame or bezel over the existing wholes to support the gauges.

Thanks

Robin
J&S Timing Box, Crawford & AV tuner Install this weekend!!

04 G35 Cp 6MT - TB 19" Iforged Aero's 245/35/19 & 285/35/19, Borla headers & Exhaust, Test Pipes, Eibachs, Nismo Sway bars, Prochager(now its fast!!!!)

 

No, but something I am working on is taking one of the rectangular three-gage sets and fitting it in there. Then I will move my hazard light switch to the place where my VDC button used to be or put it on the side of the center console.

I am still in the process of running tubing for my oil pressure, fuel pressure gages and looking for a good EGR indication. I am doing just a little at a time. It will probably be weeks before I am done.

Interesting sideline to this: If you ever go to an NHRA dragstrip, the tech inspectors can forbid you to race if you have more than 12" of flexible tubing for an aftermarket pressure gage and that flexible tubing HAS to be steel braided teflon.

If you ever plan to race at an NHRA or SCCA race, read up on the rules before you install gages.

Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Custom Catback, Custom Intake Tube, HyperGround Kit

 

I don't believe there is such a piece available, but you could always remove the ashtray and the hazard button, then fill the holes by using either fiberlass, bondo, or both. Once the holes are filled in, sand it smooth and get it color matched at a decent paint shop to match the rest of the dash.

-Alan

 

no, I bought a three gage cluster from Napa with an approximately 3" by 8" rectangular mounting case. I will then cut a hole somewhat smaller than that and squish it it. I do this all the time for stereo installs and it works well. You will then have no ashtray but you can use the ashtray light power to light up your gages (most good sets come with light bulbs)

That takes care of oil press, water temperature and ammeter, now I need to find mounting places for a/f, fuel press and boost down the road

Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Custom Catback, Custom Intake Tube, HyperGround Kit

 

Gauge mounting is a real challenge on this coupe. I do not have the nav system, so I was thinking that two gauges could go into the flip top cubby in the center console. (I have already put the Valentine 1 remote readout in the push-pop ashtray, and the Tein EDFC in the roll-top behind the parking brake). Below the ashtray does not work because of the curvature starting before the full diameter of the gauge can be flushly fit into the console.
The other complication is that I want four readouts (Boost, EGT, A/F Mix, and Fuel Pressure) and I want them in the 60mm size, not the itty bitty ones.
I just have not settled on how to mount them, and achieve total stealth and reasonable readability. A pillar pods and toadstool clusters on the dash top are out, and a rectangular panel bracket has no place to fit, other than vertically alongside the console...and that interferes with the driver's right leg and is totally visible.
In desperation I am thinking a four gauge mount inside the top most map cubby in front of the passenger, recessed and canted towards the driver. The Apexi gauges are electroluminescent so they are easily visible, and the lid pops up far enough that they are not hard to read, and the release button is reachable from the driver side (I am six foot tall with long arms....that may be a problem for someone smaller).
Seen anybody with a good install? Any pictures that someone can share with us?

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

eagle1, all those indications that you want mentioned you pretty much need right in front of you, as far over as you are talking may be too far.

How about on the ceiling? Say hanging just above the rear view? I will look into mounting points there, we could probably rig up something in the sunglass holder that drops down real sweet like when you need them. You could fit 3 2" gages there or 2 3". You could only mount remote reading electrical indications there. Such as EGT, A/F, or others that transmit electrically such as with a pressure transducer. running a fuel line up there would be VERY bad Idea. I work at a power plant so I think I will spend some time researching some small transducers and their costs.

Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Custom Catback, Custom Intake Tube, HyperGround Kit

 

3Point:
I know you are right. Which is why after having the gauges for weeks and weeks (three of them anyway), I have not been able to accept any of the ideas I have come up with.

The one that seems the best has to give up the stealth and use a bit of "sleight" instead. That would be to take another instrument cowl and piggy back it on top of the one we have. With the four gauges mounted therein. Feather it in, slightly set back. Visible above the wheel. It does not make a real block to your road vision (though I suppose if you recline sharply it could). A casual onlooker would not necessarily notice them as they would an A pillar pod or a panel of them on the center console.

Anything other than just a quick glance of the eye is all that one wants to check gauges. You have to be eyes on the road. The sunglass holder has the same problem as the glove box, of having to physically turn your head, even if ever so slightly.

I suppose we could put two of the 60mm gauges in the flip top console cubby, and then two more into the console itself below the ashtray.

The other thing to do is to just lose the ashtray completely, like Robin was talking about, cut out a hole and mount a block four panel with the gauges in it, and be done with the whole idea of stealth....unless another custom roll top cover was fitted to slide top down and cover the entire set up like the cover behind the hand brake does. Hmmmm. If that could match it would not look all that bad either.

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

3point5SE_Auto, sorry about the confusion. When I said there wasn't such a piece available, I was addressing mykurla about the piece she was looking for, not the rectangular one that you mentioned in your post. Post pics when you're done.

-Alan

 

I've seen gauges that you can stick on the window. A little easier to install and less to worry about since you don't have to cut your interior up.



2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79

 

I will post pics when I get one made, car is down for the count till I get a new motor anyway, so other upgrades can be done at the same time

Robin

04 G35 Cp 6MT - TB 19" Iforged Aero's 245/35/19 & 285/35/19, Borla headers & Exhaust, Test Pipes, Eibachs, Nismo Sway bars, Prochager(now its fast!!!!)

 

Here's something I found interesting... its for the 350z, but I read somewhere (god only knows where) that it will fit the G:

http://www.advancespeedshop.com/tite...02-p-9008.html

If it does fit, talk about perfect setup for 3 gauges! I personally would probably just find one made of stock materials... don't need anything fancy like carbon fiber.