Custom gauge mount inside ashtray
 

I wanted some gauges but I didn't want to advertise the fact I had them. I figured the best place to put them would be inside the ashtray, so I could flip down the cover when I wanted them hidden. Attached is a photo from the driver's POV. http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...x8_custom.html has more pictures and a short write-up of how I made the part.
________
CERAMIC BONG

Thats pretty nice. Good idea!

Nice.
What gauges did you install?

Also, i couldn't get your link to open...
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modi...rx8_custom.html

linky no worky

Looks interesting, kind've like the R Magic gauge pod-type install. I was thinking that, but I need my lighter plug so that I can use my air pump for my tires.

You can use the lighter plug in the back seats.

Rino

What is that on the center console between the shifter and the switches for the heated seats? I've seen it in a few pics but can't figure what it is, but assume it's some option from the factory that I don't have on mine.

^^ Nav :D

Too lazy

The entire site is down for an uknown reason. I'll look into that this evening.

I don't like the R-Magic pod because it bulges out and doesn't flow with the car's original lines. Plus it replaces the lid so you can't hide them. "Yes officer, I do have a turbo. Why?"

The custom page I mentioned has more details, but I used SPA Techniques dual gauges. They're the only company I'm aware of that offers dual gauges and it was the only way to monitor four items in that space.
________
TAOISM DICUSSION

I like it! Stealth :D

Very nice. Be glad you didn't get the R Magic unit. It was a nightmare to get. I put in an order with Matt over at Mazdaparts, and after 8 weeks, they said I had to order their gauges with their gauge pods. I promptly cancelled my order.

can't open the link..by the way what's between your volume and A/C controls?

It's the remote display for a Valentine V1 radar detector. Once the site comes back up you can browse for a DIY on that mod as well.
________
SUZUKI GSX1400 SPECIFICATIONS

Very nice. I always like stealthy installs.

I had a similar thought of putting a small 5" touchscreen for basic control of a carputer that could be concealed - too bad the "bigger is better" world of today has forced all the companies to stop making anything less then 7" :(

Okay, site is back up. Enjoy.
________
LovelyWendie99

Very neat work. All of it.
I was intending to fit my oil P and T gauges at the same place, but through the ashtray lid to see them at all times. Your solution seems easier to implement (less curves to deal with for a start). Will have to thing about that.
What is "bondo" in proper Queen's English?;)

Cheers,

Fabrice

Well done. Very nice work. Nice choice of guages as well. Anyone fitted the "Shift Light Steering Wheel"? ;)

Cheers,
Hymee.

You might know it as body filler or fibreglass filler. You wacky english always have wierd spellings for stuff. :p

Poking gauges through the lid is "easy enough" to do. Find some plastic tubing the gauges will fit into that have 1/8"-1/4" thick walls. Drill two holes through the lid and insert the tubing so it fits flush with the high points of the lid. Glue in place from behind. Secure a piece of thin stretchy fabric across the entire lid face and coat with polyester fibreglass resin. Once that cures lay down a couple layers of glass mat. Apply a thin coat of bondo and sand smooth. Cut out the gauge holes and paint. The drawback is the lid will be 1/8" thicker. I don't know how noticable that would be.
________
NEXIUM SETTLEMENT INFO

Pur NRG, I am customizing the head of my XM Commander radio by mounting it in my ashtray. So far, I have cut the divider out of the ashtray. Did you cut out the portion of the ashtray that the cigarette lighter mounts to?

Thanks for the DIY tips. I thought of something similar, but with padded leather in lieu of fabric and fiberglass. It sounds so easy and casual when you explain it, I'll just have to go now and do it!

Cheers,

Fabrice

I pretty much cut out the entire ashtray. Part of the problem is you need to figure out what angle the bottom plate should be at for optimum viewing when seated. Due to the nature of my gauge's LCD readout I selected a 60 degree angle.

Look at the ashtray straight on from the side and picture whatever angle you want. Use a dremel (that's a rotary tool you tory wanks) and cut off everything below that line. You may need to glue side plates to rebuild the walls. I used bondo on the inside edge to give it a nice smooth radius that's easier to clean.

Sure it sounds easy and casual, but I'm an experienced fabricator and it took me over six hours to make this small part. Part of it is making stuff up as I go along but it still takes more time than you think. As a side note, here's an example of other stuff I've done. We fabricated the armor from scratch. You can see more examples at www.hi-impact.org

http://www.hi-impact.org/gallery/anime/anime08b.jpg
________
LovelyWendie99

I made a mold of the inside of the ashtray with the centre devider cut out. I used a Dremel tool with a rotary rasp to cut out the center devider. Once out, I used child's PlayDoe I bought from Walmart.

After I had the form from the Playdoe, I transfered the shape to black foamcore and made myself an insert that fits on the bottom of the ashtray.

I held the insert in place by running a bead of black silicone around the perimeter on the interior side. I smoothed the silicone out and it had much the same effect as the bondo you used on the perimeter.

What I don't like about my installation is the silicone is shiny and I can't paint it. This is why I am going back to the drawing board.

I wonder if foamcore is really durable enough for this application. Seems kinda flimsy and prone to dents/deformation.
________
ESPADA

wow that looks pretty stock, very nice.