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Old 10-05-2018, 10:28 AM   #1
02SilverSubaruWagon
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Default Custom stealth triple gauge pod for 02-07 Impreza

Hi NASIOC

This is my first post outside of selling parts.
I've had some interest in more details on my custom hidden gauge pod and figured I would share what I can.
I made this gauge pod 6-plus years ago when I had more spare time on my hands (single and no kids) so my original build pictures are gone.
Below are the pictures before I sold it just to give an idea of how it was made.

At a high level: (very simplified)
1. I cut three pieces of 2" PVC (the inside diameter is equal to the same size as 52mm gauges)
2. I scuffed each of the PVC pieces and epoxied them in a row
3. I took a factory clock pod, cut the clock portion out and made two cuts longitudinally to allow me to push the floor of the clock pod down and open it to allow visibility to the gauges.
4. I began contouring the pod with fiberglass filler then automotive filler to get s smooth finish.
5. On the back of the pod I made two blocks of plastic and tapped them for #8 (maybe #6) screws and epoxied them to the pod.
6. I next made a matching set of blocks that were drilled through to pass the #8 screw. Then I epoxied those blocks to either side of the PVC assembly from #2 above.
7. Next I bought a piece of tinted plexiglass and cut it to fit between the gauges and the pod.
8. Finally I took the clock and cut everything off except the connector area. I also painted everything but the opening to the gauges black so all you see through the plexiglass are two tinted holes that match to the PVC assembly.
9. I then wired to the positive and negative 12volt terminals of the clock and filled that with epoxy. The end result was a connector with wire that I could plug into the vehicle clock connector. This allowed me to have a way to connect power to the gauges without cutting into the factory wiring.
10. I then painted the entire pod to match (forget the paint by I can look it up if others want to know).

The great thing about this method is there is no drilling required to install into the vehicle, just snap it back in place as you would the clock pod.

You can find my for sale posting here to see the pictures now:
https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2885325


I'll post other pictures soon. Just have to get them uploaded.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks
Brian
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Old 10-06-2018, 08:23 PM   #2
Charlie-III
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Your link didn't work for me, let me try..... https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2885325

I found it by searching your threads you started.

Looks cool, nice idea.
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Old 10-09-2018, 03:32 PM   #3
Homemade WRX
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That is a cute little set up.

I kind of wish I had a stock clock cluster to see about printing a cluster holder to bond to the clock piece. I have the tall rice boy cluster holder now.
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Old 11-10-2018, 07:22 AM   #4
02SilverSubaruWagon
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That is a good point. At the time I built this 3D printing wasn't as readily available. Printing a bezel would be a great idea.
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Old 11-11-2018, 07:59 PM   #5
PandaWagon
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If you happen to have any info you've found on the paint you used to finish I'd be interested since from the pictures at least it looks to blend very well with the factory finish. I'll likely model and 3D print the requisite parts for the gauge portion of it since I've got everything needed readily available to do that. Your work looks great!
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Old 11-15-2018, 01:50 AM   #6
Zmanwrx23
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If anyone cares/is interested, I purchased this from 02SilverSubaruWagon. I have to say its super slick, I have yet to install it on my car but if anyone cares for pictures I can snap some for this thread. I may try and modify my stock pod in the same fashion that he did and see what happens. I really like this design and idea because it keeps the dash looking clean and OEMish with out the 3 big humps of other gauges pods. Props!
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Old 11-20-2018, 09:30 PM   #7
TXwrxWagon
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yes plese post curremt pics.

~Rob
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Old 11-24-2018, 05:10 PM   #8
Zmanwrx23
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Here it is y'all. It will be a while before I install it but when I do I will post pics. This is how it sits now. Last pic is of the power harness he made out of the stock clock.





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Old 11-24-2018, 06:38 PM   #9
02SilverSubaruWagon
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Default Custom stealth triple gauge pod for 02-07 Impreza

Awesome. Thanks for posting the pics up. Good luck! I loved it but am glad to pass it along.
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