Custom dual gauge steering column pod (picture heavy)

[SKIDMRK]

I know I haven’t updated my build thread in a long time, but figured this could use its own thread for someone else that might be interested in doing something similar. I know that the scangauge is a nice unit, but personally, it’s not for me. Yes, this option is much more expensive than most, but I have the same gauges in my audi and love them. I talked to my buddy Greg at Podi (a manufacturer of vw/audi gauge pod solutions Podi.ca | Gauge solutions for Audi and VW) about this project and we figured out what pieces were going to be needed to make this work. Ended up starting with a pod for a 2002-2005 Audi A4 for the Frankenstein pod.

Gonna take some cutting to make this thing work.

First round of trimming.

Cut some more off.

What we are left with.

Roughing up the top of the column cover so the CA glue will have a tight bond.

Roughing up the bottom of the gauge pod.

Drilled holes for wire passage.

The magic elixir. Gap filling CA glue and accelerant

Glue begins. (didn’t take picture of final gluing, but all gaps filled and secured)

First layer of filler (you can see additional areas where pod was roughed up for bond)

First layer of filler on back side.

First sanding

First sanding on back side

More filler and sanding

More filler and sanding

Initial high-build prime

Initial high-build prime

After 2nd prime and sand (did lower cover too so that they would match)

At this point, just waiting for the primer to cure and a final sanding before the finish coat goes on. After comparing some finishes, the best option surprisingly is going to be black plastidip spray. Since the leather grain is all gone from the pieces, the plastidip will match the rest of the flat black panels in the dash. I will be sure to get pictures of the finished product. I’ve just been taking my time with this in my spare time.

 

[SKIDMRK]

The gauges that will go in are by VEI and sourced by podi.ca. I had them special make me green gauges as they normally do only blue or red for vw/audi applications. The left gauge will be oil pressure and tem. The right gauge will be trans temp and volt.

All off.

On.

Comparison of full illuminated, and dimmed with parking lights.

The gauges in my audi that inspired this project:

 

[SKIDMRK]

and while i was waiting between primer coats last nite, did my LED front turns:

 

[StreetKill831]

SICK! :wow2:

I'll be making a "pod" for my scangauge eventually. For now the Velcro works.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Dude, that's so ugly...

JK. Awesome job. It's great to see truly custom work done so well. I am interested to see the view from the driver's seat how much it obscures the stock gauges.

Is the tranny temp the "LO" on the gauge? Does it not shop the actual temp?

 

[the great him]

skidmrk that is so FREAKIN awesome, i want one! are there any plans to make more? or have Podi start making them?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

skidmrk that is so FREAKIN awesome, i want one! are there any plans to make more? or have Podi start making them?

x2. I saw your gradual build on facebook, I want one, too!

Let us know if you go into production!

 

[SKIDMRK]

Thanks guys. happy with the progress so far. I always tend to do things the hard way, but like to do things different than most.

The "LO" on the gauge just displays untill the sender starts to warm up. At a certain point it will display actual farenheight degrees. from my test fitting, shouldnt block much of the factory cluster at all. When done and installed, i'll be sure to take POV pictures for everyone.

At this point, I don't plan on making any more, and don't think podi is trying to put any into production, but you never know what will happen. With some time, patience, and body shop materials, shouldnt be too hard to replicate.

 

[fightman80]

Very nice! Can't wait to see the finished product! One question though....will it block the view of your Speedometer and RPM Gauge?

 

[SKIDMRK]

Very nice! Can't wait to see the finished product! One question though....will it block the view of your Speedometer and RPM Gauge?

from what i saw with the upper section placed on my existing column cover, won't block much at all.

 

[4runsport]

and while i was waiting between primer coats last nite, did my LED front turns:

Looks great man! I have been thinking of messing with the front turn signals too. Question tho... on the newer 4runners 2003'-2010' did they use LEDs to make the orange running lights as bright as they are or was that a brighter bulb? I always liked the look of the orange lights the newer runners had but could never figure it out. What type of LEDs did you use for these?

 

[SKIDMRK]

Looks great man! I have been thinking of messing with the front turn signals too. Question tho... on the newer 4runners 2003'-2010' did they use LEDs to make the orange running lights as bright as they are or was that a brighter bulb? I always liked the look of the orange lights the newer runners had but could never figure it out. What type of LEDs did you use for these?

i used these cheap ones off of ebay. Amber 36 SMD LED Car Interior Panel Light No Adaptes | eBay

just bought as an experiment. however, one or two of them have a bank of 3 leds that do not illuminate. I dont recommend these. I'll end up building some from scratch out of a blank circuit board sooner or later like i did on my vw caddy.

I'm not sure about the newer 4runner's turn signals. never really paid attention to them much to notice a difference. sorry.

 

[ameining]

Nice project!

I am impressed, and do like the look of that more than the scangauge. I am very interested in seeing the final product!

I also had an Audi, mine did not have the red accents throughout the interior...but seeing yours made me miss mine!! That car was FUN!!!

Good work

 

[SKIDMRK]

I am impressed, and do like the look of that more than the scangauge. I am very interested in seeing the final product!

I also had an Audi, mine did not have the red accents throughout the interior...but seeing yours made me miss mine!! That car was FUN!!!

Good work

Thanks! Love my audi. the interior trim from the factory was black, but had it color matched to the car. normally hate color matched interiors, but the trim pieces seemed to work rather than some other cars you see with complete color matched dash bezels and such.

Got the final finish on it tonite. I'll let the plasti dip set up for a few days before i install the pod and the gauges so that i dont risk marring the finish. Will have them wired for power and such, but won't have the senders in till i order a few fittings i need. you can see in the last picture the only thing i'm not happy with. the right gauge is going to be like 1/16th lower than the left. wont be noticible once installed tho. :banghead: On to the pics:

 

[fightman80]

Looks good! Just a question...Did you do a clear coat over the plasti-dip? If not, I would suggest you do so....it will be more durable.

Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[JohnnyMack]

Nice DIY job. It looks great. I like the turn signals.

 

[SKIDMRK]

Looks good! Just a question...Did you do a clear coat over the plasti-dip? If not, I would suggest you do so....it will be more durable.

clearing over the plasti dip would change the finish which i'm not looking to do. and with this being an interior piece, it's not like rocks are going to be hitting it all the time. I have plasti dipped grills on audis that look great after 4 years with no clear. thanks for the tip tho.

 

[K2Runner]

Dude, that looks sweet!

A little over a week ago i believe i spotted you in Carnation. I live in Duvall. I can't remember if i waved or not.

 

[SKIDMRK]

Dude, that looks sweet!

A little over a week ago i believe i spotted you in Carnation. I live in Duvall. I can't remember if i waved or not.

LOL. sorry man. don't remember seeing you. do remember driving through carnation tho. about 11am or so on a random weekday.

few more pics from some solder, shrink, and gauge fitting.

 

[SKIDMRK]

Mounted and power/light wired. Just need to get my fittings in and get all the senders hooked up. better non-cell pics in the next few days.

fyi: this pic was taken at my eye level for those that wanted to see how much of the cluster it blocks.