my dashboard is starting to get over run somewhat with gauges/displays etc.
I need to tart it up a bit and at least make a half-arsed effort to make it look more acceptable.
I have a 99uk, so the options for me are either
Top cubby hole
Top centre vents.
The cup holder

the gauges/displays I have to hide are

AVC-r
Lambdalink
commander
EGT (maybe)
Fuel pressure (maybe)

cabin area, as is...

what I would like to do is mimic the 3gauge cubby hole set up but with designs specifically to allow me to put the avcr there, with Fuel pressure gauge next to it.
I would also like to fit the lambdalink and EGT into the centre vent area.
Finally I would like to incorporate the commander into the cup holder to allow it to be tucked away at night.

I dont want to buy and butcher a 3 gauge pod so anyone got any good ideas?
I dont know how to remove the central vents and block off the airflow, so anyone got any good ideas? Also what material to ise for backing plate?
I have an idea what Im going to do with the cupholder, simply cut away the middle bit and try to mount the commander with a couple of swivel connections.

As it stands, Im looking for information and inspiration at this early stage.
When there are developments/ trial runs I will add pics as and when possible.

Andy

 

As you have said, first step I'd do is mounting the AVCR into the a new hood/ cubby hole. Have a look at the part below. Although the picture doesn't show it, it is only the hood cover and does not include the facia. A few friends have used these to mount AVCR's and even TV screens up in there.
http://www.mrtrally.com.au/shop/imag...suwb250b-s.jpg

Get this, make your own fasica to suit the hood and then cut a hole for your AVCR and fuel pressure guage. - Step 1 complete.

 

The lambda/knock link boxes fit a absoloute treat in the drivers side air vent. you can just unclip all the trunking in the back of the vent and hold it in with a couple of spots of glue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/DCP_0031.jpg

BTW; have fun removing the cup holder!! I gave up in the end as I would like to be able to put my car back to standard one day.

 

Paul,
image hosting websites are blocked by work filters, could you mail it to me please?
re: cupholder, not going to remove, but am going to cut about 4 1/2" from the central bracing bit.

 

No worries but I can't see your email address on your profile.

 

pm'd you

 

Dispose of the Center Vents

http://photobucket.com/albums/v607/s...t=01-05_24.jpg

I also have the Originb2 on the right corner of the windscreen on the Dash..

Sam

ps: and the sell the Sony and get yourself an Alpine

 

Is the AVCR demountable? or is it in the top cubby hole to hide it from prying eyes?

Looks like it would fit well the the little tray under the ashtray.

 

I've got my AVC-R next to the ashtray but its pretty pointless if you want to read it whilst driving.

My dash is also a mess so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread

Dave.

 

I tried it down there..untill i was driving and looking at it and nearly drove into a wall...So moved it up....

Nope mine is fixed in place..

--Sam

 

Why not take the approach of some of the sound off cars from back in the day!

Mount the bits and pieces further into the centre vent recess.
Using clips or foam, you can place the centre vents back in place, giving it a stock look when parked up.

Probably room for the AVC-R, a 52mm gauge and the Lamdalink (if you extend the LEDs and remote mount the box) under the centre vent.

 

Following this one with interest Andy!

I have the following 'essential' gadgets.

• 3x Defis + Control Unit
• Knock Link
• Lambda Link
• Commander

Very soon my AVC-R will be in the car and added to that list!

Defis are in a 3-gauge pod in place of the dash cubby. Control Unit is under the centre arm-rest in the CD/cup holder.

Knocklink (although now virtually redundant) is custom mounted in instrument binnacle.

Lambdalink is in the tray in front of the gearstick.

Everything was looking reasonably tidy and uncluttered until the Commander went in. This is still jarred between the gearstick gaiter and centre console where Andy left it.

From looking at Pauls pic above i am going to do the same and move my Lambdalink to the drivers side air vent. I can then put the AVC-R in it's place in front of the gear shift. I quite like what you've done with your Commander Andy so will most likely do something similar myself.

Remember, there's always the possibility of A-pillar pods for the gauges or a complete re-working of the centre console in glassfibre.

 

lambdalink is definately going in the drivers side vent, sorted.

I had a response from Jap-innovations about the MRT cubby-thing (2nd post) and its £95 + the dreaded.
Group buy direct with MRT anyone?
looks like this is the way forward for me because I think I can get my avcr-r and fuel pressure gauge in there.
commander might be staying where it is, cup holder bodging looks harder than first though, still, in for a penny and all that!

 

The 'cubby thing' can be bought from your local Subaru dealership, it was part of the auxilerly gauge pack for the Forester IIRC and cosy something like 65 quid plus vat from them

 

Now I remember why I stuck my Origin B2 on the dash...

Cracking idea about hiding stuff behind the vents although I've often wondered how the heat might affect anything in there (yes - I know - knock the heater off!)

A set of Defi's are on my shopping list - although would prefer the boost guage on the steering column, so I wondered what having 2 guages and a knocklink would be like in a pod...

Got any pics of your dash Carl?

 

Blank off the air going to the centre vents using plastic, blue-tac, gaffer tape, etc!!

 

Found a Close up Pic...

http://photobucket.com/albums/v607/s...ountedAVCr.jpg

Used some wood behind it, and a peice of leather i picked up from a Sofa shop..AVcr is angled towards the driver..

 

Messiah, my Defi's / Control Unit (You can just make out the KL in the binnacle in Pic 2). I don't have a pic showing the Lambda nor Commander.







Problem now is when the BF's arrive i'll have to find a new home for the CU2 as it doesn't fit in the arm rest cubby.

I forgot, i also have a digital charge temp gauge to fit as well. So make that list:

• 3x Defis + Control Unit 2
• Knock Link
• Lambda Link
• Commander
• AVC-R
• Digital Charge Temp Gauge

Strewth!

 

Carl,
Do you still have the instructions for the CU1?
Bought mine 2nd hand with no instructions.


You really don't want to see my dash
4x Defis
Defi VSD head up display
Knock Link
Lambda Link
Temp gauge for filter temp.
Link commander thingy in the glovebox
And now a PDA for sat nav!!!!

All just stuck on top of a MY97 dash
I will get round to sorting it

 

Iain, both mine were bought second hand. No instructions i'm afraid.

 

I do!

How do you find the Defi HUD? Was looking t those yesterday and was rather tempted...

Carl - Are those the 60mm guages? and who's pod is that - looks a good match to the dash but seems like it shrouds the top the guages a little.
Only got an Origin on my dash at the mo and it looks a little lonely - gonna get some Defi's to keep in company, but I'm planning on having a boost gauge on the steering column and the Control Unit where the ashtray is. Pod to come later on with oil temp etc...

 

Carl, put the Charge Temp gauge in the blank next to the headlamp height adjuster!

As so:

 

As a side issue, things like headlight height adjustment, headlight washer, bright button, etc can be moved to next to the handbrake.

Those blanks are the same size

 

There was a thread about replacing the centre fascia with a JDM style double DIN style one. Various buttons got relocated to the handbrake surround area in that project. Who needs three loose coin holders anyway?

A double DIN centre with a Defi style top pod could hold quite a few gauges and displays.

J.

 

James, i have to say i love your CT gauge location. However, my readout is the Lascar one and it's hoooooge. I can see me just going ahead and buying the Nomad racing one now tbh.

Messiah, yeah they're 60mm gauges. It's a JW Racing pod but i bought it second hand ready-painted, new i think it comes primed. It's not a brilliant match in daylight, that picture was taken in the half-light and i took the second one to deliberately show how the overhangs impair reading the gauges. It bothered me to begin with but you get used to where the needles sit under normal operating conditions.

 

messiah,
The VSD2 is great for the WOW!! factor, but only displays speed and revs
I did find when I first fitted it I was more aware of the speed I was doing

I is pretty easy to read at a glance though




Does anyone have instructions for the DEFI control unit 1???

 

remote mounting the leds from the knocklink and lambdalink is a good way to reduce a fussy dashboard.
I`ve modded loads of units for people.

Look

 

I've found that since moving my Origin onto the dash top next to the cubby hole, much easier to read and I don't have to move my head like I did when it was down by the ashtray - I also had to move my arm.

It certainly makes you more aware of the speed you're doing & I seem to drive a bit slower these days because of it, but I suppose that's not a bad thing when you have 11 points...

 

Peanuts - Give me a call mate. Can't PM for some reason

Ta.
Jon

 

Pickle
Where did you get that charge temp display from?

Dan.