rkostolni

Well, I finally got around to making my A-pillar pod. I haven't decided how to finish it yet, whether flat black, oem creme color or a textured black. Any thoughts?

I'll likely end up selling this one, about half way through I decided I want to stick with the 60mm Defi gauges. This pod only accomodates 52mm.

If you're interested keep an eye on the parts forum.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

OEM creme color is the best. Make it look as stock as you can.

jus7o

rkostolni damn great werk i like it. remember about that project i emailed u about? the center guage pod? could u reproduce this one from FEED? http://www.fujita-eng.com/rx8/img/pl_005.jpg but of course for the left hand drive.

and how much?

so do you do this kind of stuff for a living or is this a hobby?

thanks duuuude

rkostolni

I could make a pod similar to that. You probably already saw these, but here's a link to two center pods I already made. I don't do much fiberglassing for money anymore though. Its just so time consuming its not worth it for the amount most people are willing to pay.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...stom+gauge+pod

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ssed+gauge+pod

While in college I worked at Sound solutions, a custom car audio shop, for 2 years. Learned alot from some very talented people there.

LiL BenNy

how did you get it texturized?

stock creme? what stock cream? isnt stock grey?

rkostolni

There are many products out there to create texture. To replicate the OEM texture I use SEM spray. It comes in an aerosal can. It takes some practice to get it right, but stuff works pretty well.

rkostolni

I thought I'd post a few pics of the final product.

rkostolni

I was planning to remake this to accomadate 2 60mm gauges, but after looking at it today, I think they will be too big. I think the area would look to clutered. So now I'm not sure what I want to do. I was hoping I could get some opinions. Here are the options I'm considering, although I'm open to other suggestions.
1. 1 60mm gauge should fit on the pillar and not look cluttered. So I could do 1 Defi.
2. Just stick with 2 52mm gauges and make another pod just like this one.
3. 2 Blitz thin gauges flushed in the overhead sun visor.

dgerald

I like exactly what you have, with the 2 52mm gauges. Hell, I want one!

silverwolf

well then i guess you would have to say what "most people" are willing to pay. i think you may find yourself surprised... then again i really like the 3 on the dash that you did. top notch.

rkostolni

It is true that most is not everyone. But, most people who PM me wanting custom work only want to pay $100 or so for something like the center pod. They price them against cheap injection molded ABS pods and think a custom peice should cost the same.

To be honest, I'm just not willing to make them for what even I think they should cost. For instance, I think the center gauge pod is worth $350. However, I'm not willing to make them for $350 because its a lot of tedious work. Fiberglass is not fun to work with, it stinks, it's messy, it's bad for your health. It's hours of sanding and waiting. It just isn't worth it for anything less then $500, and I just don't think anyone would want to pay that. If I invested the time and money to have a mold made, then it wouldn't be an issue, but I make everyone by hand.

Now if someone wants a TV, or boost controller, or similar, fiberglassed into a dashboard or something similar, that I can do for much cheaper. That is far less time consuming. Here's an example of that:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/glassed-bc-ash-tray-90532/

drifter_d

Ryan,
You talented S.O.B...! man, your work looks good! i might have you take a look at my set-up and commision you for some custom work. BTW, i bought Moostafa29's TurboXS exhaust and mid-pipe. 'bout time, huh? Yah, I know. Anyway, I just wanted to comment and compliment you on your work. Looks awesome.

dd sends...

rkostolni

Thanks DD. How do you like the exhaust? If I remember, that 293 was with the stock cat right?

redcivic

Talent man. I'm impressed. What is your tool of choice? for cutting and such?

drifter_d

yep - those numbers were with the stock cat. and right now, that cat is fried... deep fried! I bought Mazsport Scott's fan mod and will pick up the fuel system upgrade here in the very near future. Once I have everything, it's back up to Frederick to see Ray for some more dyno tuning and an overall check of things.

How is your car running? I have just a bit of idle fluctuation, so the timing for more mods and more tuning seems to be right.

Also, how did you fare with your emissions testing?

dd sends...

rkostolni

My car's been running great, especially recently with this colder weather. Its perfect, just enough to get a few more HP, but not cold enough to cause traction problems. I'm sure you'll lay down some impressive numbers on the dyno. I saw a huge increase when I bolted up the TurboXS exhaust.

I really need to look into the fuel upgrade as well. After hearing about 4 blown motors from failed fuel pumps, I'm getting a little nervous. This emissions testing went well. I ended up going another route based on a suggestion from a friend. Worked great and didn't cost me a dime.

Scott's fan mod is great isn't it? Knocked at least 20deg F off my average temps.


The tool I find myself using most is probably a dremel and a right angle grinder with various attachments.

danielortiz

I like exactly what you have, with the 2 52mm gauges. How muchs$$ please let me know this is my mail danielortiz82@yahoo.com thanks bro

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

haha, six year bump

Imperium612

iTrader: (3)

Lol I'm down for a 6 year bump. I'm interested on buying one if these