Where to mount a single gauge?

[nrubenstein]

I'd like to add an oil pressure gauge, but am struggling to come up with a place to mount it that won't look like ass and/or require removing the radio/OBC/ash tray/etc.

Any suggestions?

[nando]

steering column mount? a-pillar?

I think you will have to compromise on something. the ash tray is a pretty worthless location anyway, I wouldn't suggest it even though giving up the ash tray isn't very painful.

[Fusion]

Remove the left air vent in the center console. Probably the least work. Maybe the driver's side air vent. Shit keeps falling anyways.
Otherwise, I'd gladly give up a clock or OBC for the guage to be next to the radio.

[jaywood]

I've got gauge panels for sale. I'd recommend either the driver side vent or Obc. Like nando said, the ashtray isn't the best location for gauges.

[nrubenstein]

The ash tray is looking like the only location that could possibly come even in the vicinity of acceptable. Under no circumstances will I hinder a/c performance, a-pillar mounts look incredibly stupid in anything that's got an interior (ditto for steering column), and I honestly value the external thermostat more than I would value an oil pressure gauge. This is more about cycling parts that I already have into a hole that needs to be filled.

I was really hoping that someone had a brilliant idea for a mounting location. I might try a triangle mount in the right corner of the tray area behind the ash tray. (i.e. in the corner, angled up and to the left.)

[Fusion]

Outside temp can be made into a nice Warning light button.
Then gauge into OBC slot.

I had a hard time with this too. Then I have up and just ripped out the center vents. They still work, I left the open/close flaps, 'cept shit blows everywhere. I don't think you'll be able to angle the gauge in the tray, because the gauges are long + pigtails and the bottom of the tray pretty much sits on the carpet beneath it, so there won't be enough clearance to shove the gauge in deep enough.

Or screw it, buy the sensor and a Chariot Gauge (http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=305996) and just open the gauge on your phone when you need it (track, autox?).

[3vilE30]

get some sort of sort of led readout that will fit in an empty spot where your hazard, defroster switch are? Like George Grave's volt/afr gauges.

[audiquattrot]

+1 on the vent location. I had a similar setup on my old Audi B5 (like the pic below).

hole saw the vent, and pop the gauge in for a clean look.

[rcsoundn1]

I'm sorry but I don't think that's a clean look. I'd suggest molding a pod to the pillar for a clean look.

[audiquattrot]

I'm sorry but I don't think that's a clean look. I'd suggest molding a pod to the pillar for a clean look.

i respect your opinion.

[rcsoundn1]

I was not trying to be a jerk, so I hope I didn't offend. I know lots of people do it and many like it. It's just not for me.

[BMWManiac]

I love A/C, but the driver side vent is usually closed for me since it is so weak....I close it and rely on the center vents. I have my AFR guage in the driver side vent...looks great, clean install....trust me, you're not losing anything from putting the guage there!

[iwantspeed]

I made a gauge holder out of wood wrapped in vinyl.
52mm or 2 1/16 vdo oil pressure gauge.

Final mockup

Installed in the car

[jaywood]

Did you have to drill out the console behind the gauge?

[iwantspeed]

Did you have to drill out the console behind the gauge?

Yes