Anyone try gaugepod A-pillar gauges?

[PNW yota]

www.gaugepods.com // Lotek Inc.

Thinking about a two gauge setup but wondering if anyone has tried this brand and how clean/factory they look? If you do please post a picture.

Thanks

 

[Mindomission]

www.gaugepods.com // Lotek Inc.

Thinking about a two gauge setup but wondering if anyone has tried this brand and how clean/factory they look? If you do please post a picture.

Thanks

Wanting to do to this myself, as soon as I save enough for my Aeroforcetech Interceptor.

A.Wilson013 has one mounted in his rig, I believe.

Try this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/45682-pillar-gauge-pod.html

If you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page you are NOW reading there are links for "SIMILAR THREADS"

 

[RubiconBob]

This is not a direct fit pod. In my '99 Limited the (A) pillar plastic goes up over the drivers window. This stops at the roof line like my '01 Tacoma. You will need to make a perfect cut on your plastic. And figure out a way to butt connect them and keep them from moving.

 

[IBallEngineer]

While I do think those look cool, I could never give up my grab handle. Too old and broken down to get in a lifted truck with out it!
:noidea:

 

[thor999]

While I do think those look cool, I could never give up my grab handle. Too old and broken down to get in a lifted truck with out it!
:noidea:

You know we can relocate our grab handles to a horizontal position right above the window, fore cab, close to the a-pillar? The holes are already there for mounting it even! So I have heard here...

 

[PNW yota]

This is not a direct fit pod. In my '99 Limited the (A) pillar plastic goes up over the drivers window. This stops at the roof line like my '01 Tacoma. You will need to make a perfect cut on your plastic. And figure out a way to butt connect them and keep them from moving.

I figured there's we're designed to snap/mount over the existing a-pillar rather than replacing it. Is this not the case?

 

[PNW yota]

You know we can relocate our grab handles to a horizontal position right above the window, fore cab, close to the a-pillar? The holes are already there for mounting it even! So I have heard here...

That's what I planned to do. Can anyone else confirm the mounting points? I always thought it was kinda weird Toyota decided to give passengers two and drivers one... Guess there should be at least one hand on the wheel!

 

[IBallEngineer]

That's what I planned to do. Can anyone else confirm the mounting points? I always thought it was kinda weird Toyota decided to give passengers two and drivers one... Guess there should be at least one hand on the wheel!

Well I haven't had the trim off of mine, but on my Land cruiser the holes were there, only not threaded, I used nut serts. Still, I have to have the A pillar handle. Admittedly on my 3rd gen as is, I don't use it, but on the cruiser it is a must for climbing in. I don't have the hops I once did! When I build my runner, I'll need it. Getting old ain't for pu%^&ys

:focus:

 

[8sm]

Here's the Oak color Lotek, it's a good fit. We did Dremel it, only because we are anal about making it look OEM. The color match is right on.

Btw.... The pillar grab handle will not align correctly above the driver side door, it's not shaped for that purpose. However, we sourced a overhead passenger side grab handle from someone parting out a runner. As mentioned the threaded holes are already in the driver side location. FYI, make sure to get the screws along with the grab handle.

Hope this helps...... Regards 8sm

 

[PNW yota]

Here's the Oak color Lotek, it's a good fit. We did Dremel it, only because we are anal about making it look OEM. The color match is right on.

Btw.... The pillar grab handle will not align correctly above the driver side door, it's not shaped for that purpose. However, we sourced a overhead passenger side grab handle from someone parting out a runner. As mentioned the threaded holes are already in the driver side location. FYI, make sure to get the screws along with the grab handle.

Hope this helps...... Regards 8sm

Looks good! Could you throw up a picture or two from the inside? Id like to see the seam you cut for the factory look. Is it possible to install over the existing a pillar or does it have to be cut out?

 

[8sm]

You'll need to remove the existing pillar to install the Lotek pod. If you decide to purchase the Lotek pod, you will see that the fit is actually good with very little tweeting required. Remember, measure multiple times and cut once should you feel it needs it.

The posted photo is from a file i have on the 4runner. I'm not in the same city where it is kept to get you additional photos anytime soon. Sorry

Regards 8sm

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Yup, I've got one in my '01.

**Note the little grey caps for the screw heads in the picture below... those are not shown in my other pictures, but I do have them installed and they cover up the screws nicely

This is not a direct fit pod. In my '99 Limited the (A) pillar plastic goes up over the drivers window. This stops at the roof line like my '01 Tacoma. You will need to make a perfect cut on your plastic. And figure out a way to butt connect them and keep them from moving.

There is no need to cut the plastic, the Lotek guage pod can be installed OVER the factory A-pillar trim.

While I do think those look cool, I could never give up my grab handle. Too old and broken down to get in a lifted truck with out it!
:noidea:

That's why you add one of these.... The holes are there under the headliner, and they are threaded from the factory. You just need an extra handle/bolts/bolt covers... they are identical to the parts used above the D/S rear door.

**note guage pod installed OVER factory trim

I figured there's we're designed to snap/mount over the existing a-pillar rather than replacing it. Is this not the case?

You are correct in your figuring.

More details here > BFAD's Lotek A-Pillar Gauge Pod Installation

 

[PNW yota]

Awesome thanks for the info and pics! That looks clean!

 

[PNW yota]

Yup, I've got one in my '01.

**Note the little grey caps for the screw heads in the picture below... those are not shown in my other pictures, but I do have them installed and they cover up the screws nicely


There is no need to cut the plastic, the Lotek guage pod can be installed OVER the factory A-pillar trim.



That's why you add one of these.... The holes are there under the headliner, and they are threaded from the factory. You just need an extra handle/bolts/bolt covers... they are identical to the parts used above the D/S rear door.

**note guage pod installed OVER factory trim

You are correct in your figuring.

More details here > BFAD's Lotek A-Pillar Gauge Pod Installation

Almost forgot to ask. I know this will vary by installation but does the setup rattle much? I can't stand rattles!

 

[PNW yota]

Just ordered the 2 pod in oak. In it will go an aeroforce interceptor and a sunpro analog boost gauge. Here's hoping it doesn't rattle!!!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

No rattles here, man. My rigs see some nasty washboard roads, and even then the gauge pod/gauges do not rattle. When I installed mine, I secured the wires inside the a-pillar using the factory loops and some tape. If you're going to get a rattle it will be from the wires jiggling around.

 

[IBallEngineer]

That's why you add one of these.... The holes are there under the headliner, and they are threaded from the factory. You just need an extra handle/bolts/bolt covers... they are identical to the parts used above the D/S rear door.

Yours looks spectacular, and if I didn't have severe tendinitis in my right elbow, and a recurring sciatica, I'd do just what you did. But as it stands, the A pillar handle is the only way I can get in to my FJ62 most of the time, when it comes time to wheel my runner, I expect it will be the same.

Also when you are climbing a steep set of rocks and the right rear wheel drops in to a hole making your left front come up and feel like you'll be upside down any second because the dog almost fell out the right rear window, it is my only comfort. Unless you count the beer in the cup holder.
:couch2::couch2:

 

[PNW yota]

Looking forward to having this installed!! Your pics looks sweet.

The sunpro analog boost gauge I ordered has a light inside. Any ideas how to wire up the light so it only comes on when I turn on my headlights? I'm not sure where the best place to tap into the 12V will be to achieve this.

It's a cheap gauge so I'm sure it has a regular bulb and not an LED, so I'd prefer to not have it on all the time.

 

[PNW yota]

No rattles here, man. My rigs see some nasty washboard roads, and even then the gauge pod/gauges do not rattle. When I installed mine, I secured the wires inside the a-pillar using the factory loops and some tape. If you're going to get a rattle it will be from the wires jiggling around.

I know I'll find out soon enough when it gets here but does the new a-pillar piece use the existing holes from the grab handle? Looks close by your pictures but i cant tell for sure. Just curious as I have very limited tools where I'm at right now, as in no electric drill to tap new holes.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Nope, you're going to have to make some new holes. I just drilled the holes and used self tapping metal screws.