Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges

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    Author Topic: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges  (Read 1599 times)

    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « on: July 01, 2014 - 01:09:22 AM »
    Guys,
    I want to install three 2 5/8 aftermarket Auto Meter gauges, oil pressure, water temp and volts gauges under the dash.  The three hole mounting plate is 9 1/8 inches wide and 3 1/8 in height.  That makes it too wide to put it under the left side of the dash, because it gets in the way of the e-brake handle. I'm considering using angle rings behind the gauges to turn them towards the driver. So the question I have for you guys is where should I mount them?  I don't want the install to look too goody or out of place.  The only two solutions I see are;

    1). Right underneath the right side of the dash mounted right under the vent knobs
    2). In front of the transmission console mounted to the transmission tunnel.  Basically two or three inches in front of the sifting counsel begins.  I would mount the gauge panel an inch or so above the tunnel some how.

    What do you guys think looks best, option #1 or #2? Is there another option I'm not considering? I don't want to put them in my dash as some day I will get all the factory gauges working.  I'm sure most you guys have some experience with this.  Can anyone include a pic of their aftermarket gauge install?

    Thanks
       
    « Last Edit: July 01, 2014 - 01:13:35 AM by NorthWestcuda »
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #1 on: July 01, 2014 - 07:06:11 AM »
    Of the two choices,I would opt for option 2. But I wouldn't want to drill holes in my console. So I would mount them to the right of the column under the radio. Also easier to keep clean looking because you can tuck the wires up behind the dash. Mounted out by the console the wiring would be more conspicuous.  :2cents:
    Because the the voltmeter will remain, even once you get the original gauges working, I made a more permanent location for it.

    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=64866.msg665819#msg665819
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    Scott
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    Offline 6packCuda

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #2 on: July 01, 2014 - 02:32:56 PM »
    I took the radio out and mounted them right there because in my opinion, a radio is pointless when you have 8 cylinders of Mopar power to listen to. I can get a pic later if you're interested in this approach.
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    Dave

    Offline dfrazz

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #3 on: July 01, 2014 - 04:28:37 PM »
    Quote from: 6packCuda on July 01, 2014 - 02:32:56 PM
    I took the radio out and mounted them right there because in my opinion, a radio is pointless when you have 8 cylinders of Mopar power to listen to. I can get a pic later if you're interested in this approach.

    I would like to see a pic of that!
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    Offline 6packCuda

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #4 on: July 03, 2014 - 10:51:18 PM »
    Not the best pics but the gauges look right at home there I think.


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    Dave

    Offline dfrazz

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #5 on: July 04, 2014 - 10:01:12 AM »
    Quote from: 6packCuda on July 03, 2014 - 10:51:18 PM
    Not the best pics but the gauges look right at home there I think.

    That looks really nice!  Thanks for posting.
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    Offline 6771plymouth

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #6 on: July 05, 2014 - 07:24:49 AM »
    lol sixpac I keep telling my wife we wont need a radio but she insists (looking over shoulder) like im gona let her drive it anyways
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    Offline 360FISH

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #7 on: July 16, 2014 - 11:46:48 PM »
    For reference, here is where I put mine...  wiring has been cleaned up...  ;)

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    Offline brads70

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #8 on: July 17, 2014 - 09:01:19 AM »
    I made a bracket and mounted them under the vent cables.



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    Brad
    1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
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    Offline Ravage

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #9 on: July 17, 2014 - 09:04:48 AM »
    I have always found gauge placement a struggle. Just when you think you have the right spot you realize you can't see it from the driving position. Need the knight rider wraparound style dash.
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    Offline HP_Cuda

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #10 on: July 17, 2014 - 01:27:35 PM »

    I plan on putting my 3 pod right below the radio and turn it towards the driver a bit. I've mocked it up and it looks like it will work perfectly!
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    Offline Bluemonster71RT

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #11 on: July 17, 2014 - 04:40:24 PM »
    I'm probably months away from trying but I bought a 3 hole a-pillar mount for a (my 90 Firebird RIP) with the hopes in using a heat gun and molding it to fit. Everywhere I wanted to put my gauges was just in the way of something so I'd like them up there. I bought it many years ago maybe they even have one for the Chally now?
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    Offline Mopar Mitch

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    Re: Opinion on where to mount aftermarket Auto Meter Gauges
    « Reply #12 on: July 18, 2014 - 02:05:35 AM »
    I've heard the company that makes those pillar post gage mounts will custom-make for any car... needs to send them your interior piece.
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