|
|||||||
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
|
|
#1 (permalink) |
|
Contributing Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 969
|
Finally! DIN inclinometer and gauges!
well, after what has felt like forever, i finally got my project done. i have had my dash apart for a little over a year, yes you read that correctly, trying to get this project completed. with some setbacks, working insane hours every week for almost a year, some head scratching here and there, and bad midwest weather (miserable humidity in summer and bone shattering cold in winter); this is finally done with pics.
"Dash Gash" ![]() this is a picture of the dash "stock" with my stereo installed right before the project began: ![]() i initially set out to just do a DIN modded 2nd gen inclinometer under my stereo, but then it morphed into doing gauges and relocating the cig lighter and adding another one both for power outlets. a few pics first to wet your whistles! ![]() link to bigger pic ![]() link to bigger pic i'll just say that if i had known it was going to be so time consuming, money consuming, and such a PITA i would have opted never to do this; but with it all behind me now i'm very happy with the results. let me just say that i am now intimate friends with Bondo, JB Weld, and my Dremmel. here is a quick run down on how i did this, not saying it's the best way, just what i did. this most certainly can be improved on with the use of fiberglass which i tried and failed at miserably. with my dremmel, i cut out the section with the cigarette lighter, ash tray, and that worthless little cubbie hole. roughed up the edges and cleaned. then i took some gutter guard mesh i had and cut it to fit the section with a little lip to fold over the back. mixed up some JB weld and put a bead of it around the edge to lock it in. when that set, i took my tin snips and cut some holes (3) to set some PVC pipe (cut to a certain size and roughed up the outside of the pipe) in the right angle to face me, the driver. then i mixed up some more JB Weld and slathered it over the pipe and the mesh to lock those in place. once that set up, i put several layers of bondo around the pvc to futher lock it in place and also build it up to the outside edge of the bezel itself. once i built it up enough, i used a few air tools and a dremmel to shape it into a rough version of the three "pods" you see in the picture, and i mean they looked like a rough shape of a pod. then i sanded like a mad man for days, first with some 60 grit to start smoothing the rough bondo out, then up to 120 to shape, then 220 to further shape, then 320 to clean it up. i did have to add bondo here and there where i took too much down, level areas out, and just touch up where i messed up cutting around the pvc for the gauges to fit. then a couple layers of finishing putty and glaze to get rid of the pinholes in the bondo. after that was all done and the edges were blended into the plastic of the bezel, i roughed up the rest of the bezel with a scotch brite pad and cleaned with some body prep solvent i bought at autozone. once cleaned, i sprayed it down with a couple light coats of a product called "Bulldog" adhesion promoter, let sit for about 10 minutes and then put 3 coats of paint on top. the paint i chose has a texture to it and a little (not a lot) of sparkle to it. it's one of those Fusion paints that is for plastic. it's called Krylon Fusion "textured shimmer", it's mostly black with a little sparkle in it. i chose this for a few reasons, 1) so it would stick to what i was painting, 2) the sparkle would pick up some of the "oak" color of my interior and wouldn't look so different like a flat black would, and 3) the texture would cover up any little imperfections of my sanding and blending from bondo to plastic; believe me it isn't perfect. after a day of paint drying, i used a satin polyurethane to seal and protect the paint since it would be getting some use in the car. i also did this same paint on the shifter bezel, and next year when it warms up, i will probably continue this on my '99 center console section with the cupholders, but not actually inside the cupholders themselves; just for some continuity. the gauges are Autometer Sport Comp electric gauges. Volts, Trans Temp, and Oil Pressure. oil pressure was easy, just popped it in next to the stock sender and ran the wire through the firewall. trans temp was a little more involved. i installed a B&M transmission cooler up front and while i was at it i bought a new SEN-04-3 sender from Dakota digital and one of their SEN-04-11 aluminum sender blocks. i mounted it to the frame close to the soft transmission lines and just spliced it into the soft hoses with some male 3/8" fittings on the block instead of the crush fittings for the hard line that it came with. ran the wire from the sender and a ground back along the frame and up to the driver's fender and through the firewall with the oil pressure sender wire. for volts, i took my voltmeter and found the 12v switched wire from the ignition and tapped into it, i also used this to power the other two gauges as they needed a switched 12v power source as well. ran a couple ground wires and made my own quick disconnect with some parts from radio shack. lighting, just tapped into the light from the ashtray that i no longer was using and now i have lit gauges that dim with the knob on the dash. ![]() link to bigger pic ![]() so, that's it in a nutshell. the inclinometer was the same way, chop it down and build back up with some bondo, sand and shape until it fit pretty good, then slap the faceplate on it and mod that to fit, a touch of black RTV to fill in any gaps, then make some brackets. i had to make some brackets for my cd player too so i could get as much room for the inclinometer to fit; otherwise it wouldn't have shown nearly as much with the generic cd player mounting kit i bought at best buy. i just hope my next cd player will have the same threaded holes on the sides for the brackets i made, otherwise it won't be an easy install. i would suggest chopping the bottom of the inclinometer, mounting above the stereo, and working from that end for anyone who is considering this. i feel it might fit better and you'll be able to see more of the inclino and altimeter gauges, but that's just a guess. i didn't modify the DIN hole for the cd player and inclinometer for fear it would look weird, but if you trim it a little on the top and bottom it would probably show a lot more than what mine is showing. i also bought LEDs to put in my dash and gauges. i destroyed a few of the little green bulb covers for the inclinometer and the heat/AC controls so i just opted to put LEDs in. and i know i'm weird for saying this but i wanted to keep the green look so i bought all green LEDs. i will say that the green LEDs are much more of a true green than that pale yellow/green from stock. i bought the inverted cone type for the instrument cluster and they are great, not hot spots. the little 74 LEDs used in the inclinometer, heat/AC, and misc other places did not come in the inverted cone style and i didn't want to get the bulbs with the multiple LEDs firing in all different directions for fear they would not fit since there is very little clearance in some spots. the LED bulbs are actually longer than a regular 74 bulb so a couple spots had to be modified for them to fit, eg. the lighted key ring, and i had to get creative and make my own outlet for the cig lighters since the old were hard wired in, just used a stock 74 socket and JB Welded it in there where the old bulb was. and before i forget, since i don't smoke i had no use for the ash tray and rarely the cig lighter; but i wanted to retain the lighter for a power outlet to charge my cell phone and for mp3 players etc. i added one on the drivers side and one on the pass side on the little trim pieces on the sides of the shifter bezel and radio bezel. the driver's side is not super convenient but it's there if i need a second one in a pinch. they are both lit up for easy viewing in the dark too. so, this has been a long arduous task and it's done, WHEW!! just glad the "dash gash" as i called it, is now filled with beauty! ![]() ![]() link to bigger pic this week i'll be installing my Sonoran Steel 7.1 lift kit and next week i'll have my new sport hood painted and installed. and then i can sit back and finally enjoy my 4runner since i have no plans of mods until spring. besides, i'm going back to school so i need to devote my time to studying, if i spend as much time studying as i do on my 4runner i should ace my classes ![]() ![]() thanks for reading, hope i inspired someone to improve on their dash as well. misc other pics and angles of the dash, enjoy! patrick ![]() ![]() ![]() link to bigger pic another big pic bezel center view
__________________
The PATYWGN: 1998 4Runner Desert Dune Pearl. PATYWGN show-off thread PATYWGN on Cardomain Pattycakes77 on Myspace! let me be your friend... please? Sport Hood FAQ Last edited by pattycakes77 : 12-01-2007 at 11:45 AM. Reason: spelling and grammar errors fixed, added links |
|
|
|
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
|
|
#2 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 4,580
|
Very nice idea! I like it, all that hard work is sweet!
__________________
96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet. |
|
|
|
|
|
#3 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
|
Wow! That looks really good! I just got a FMU and was thinking about doing a custom dash similar to that. Now I am definitely going to do it!
__________________
Tess- 1998 4Runner 4WD SR5: 147k, Evergreen Pearl Metallic, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, Hella 500's, Deckplate, ISR, WabFab discos, 5.25'' Infinity Reference rears, Baja amp powering a 10'' Infinity Reference sub, Sylvania Silverstars, JB L.E.D. Taillights 1996 4Runner 2WD SR5: stock, dented, almost dead, 195k- Brother's Tess www.invisiblechildren.com |
|
|
|
|
|
#4 (permalink) |
|
Contributing Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: GSU/ATL/SD
Posts: 1,091
|
i think that you should reproduce and sell! or offer to do the same for others who ship their units in....
oh and PLEASE tell me where you got that steering wheel cover, looks extremely flush and i'm in desperate need of one
__________________
Weston 97 SR5: Profile 883/LC with OME/PC shocks ∙ 2" body lift ∙ ARB bull bar ∙ Safari Snorkel ∙ KC/IPF aux lighting ∙
35" Goodyear Wangler MT/Rs ∙ Vortex Cherrybomb ∙ couple other things Toytec 3rd gen Catalog Ask about current deals and special savings! Last edited by MillerPKA : 11-28-2007 at 07:19 PM. |
|
|
|
|
|
#5 (permalink) | |
|
Contributing Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 969
|
Quote:
ha!as for the wheel cover, it's a "Wheelskins" cover, i got it on ebay a couple years ago and i love it. it's just kinda getting grimy now from all the chemicals i use at work so i'll have to replace soon, but it's held up great and looks good too! and thanks for the the nice comments so far ![]()
__________________
The PATYWGN: 1998 4Runner Desert Dune Pearl. PATYWGN show-off thread PATYWGN on Cardomain Pattycakes77 on Myspace! let me be your friend... please? Sport Hood FAQ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#6 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 88
|
That looks incredible!!
Do you have any pics of it at night... you have me curious about the LEDs in the dash at night.
__________________
97 4runner 2.7L Auto 2WD Radiant Red, Hypersilver Tundra wheels, Tundra brake upgrade, Cooper ATRs ---In the garage--- 88 BMW E30 M3- stroker motor-- garage queen 93 NX2000-road race car-- 2250lbs@300whp/tq--kidney killing suspension and a few dents |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 36
|
I agree that it looks amazing. Nice work!
__________________
'02 4runner SR5 4wd - Sunfire Red Pearl |
|
|
|
|
|
#8 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 153
|
Yeah, that looks so damn good. Nice job! Take it someplace and have them make a mold of it so you can make us all some for $$
__________________
'98 4-runner, 5-speed, 3.4, e-locker & leather. Deckplate, Toytec 3" OME 881/891, Locker mod & 285/75/R16 Mud Kings. |
|
|
|
|
|
#9 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,543
|
Man that looks awesome..
__________________
Check out my 2008 Urban 4Runner on CarDomain!! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3108855 http://www.myspace.com/bmplayar Hella 500's FOR SALE, PM me! |
|
|
|
|
|
#10 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chico Republic, NOR*CAL
Posts: 1,527
|
awesome mod.
__________________
-Andrew 94 4Runner 3.0 Auto. I got mods |
|
|
|
|
|
#11 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
|
That looks fantastic nothing too cheesy... i'd love that in my truck...
__________________
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1147271/1 My 1989 Toyota 4runner |
|
|
|
|
|
#12 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 513
|
super svelt! good work!
__________________
Wherever, Whenever, However...Tread Lightly! |
|
|
|
|
|
#13 (permalink) |
|
Sponsoring Vendor
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 1,470
|
That is some first class work. Looks Great!!!!
__________________
Phil Toyota & TRD Parts Wholesale www.FJCruiserOffroad.com www.trdparts4u.com www.toyotapartsales.com Authorized ARB/OldManEmu Dealer Authorized OASIS Air Deflators Dealer |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cleveland,Tn
Posts: 367
|
That is one of the coolest mods I've ever seen,congrats that looks really really good,I just wish my 88' DLX had a tach!
![]()
__________________
"The Black Death" (DD)1988 4Runner 22RE 5Spd,StreetRvHead,261c Crawler cam,hi-output alternator31x10.50 Dueler Revos,Optima Red Top. SAW 25mm Torsion Bars,4Crawler BJ spacers,Tuff country 3" add-a-leaves,Bilstein shocks all over,4.88 gears. "The Silver Death"1987 4Runner SR5,22RE 5spd,SAS,Dual Transfer cases,4.88s and detroits front and rear,All pro Tripple-X transfer case mount with drive train E-brake,trail gear rock sliders,3"suspension,3"body.35x12.50 Maxxis Big Horn M/Ts |
|
|
|
|
|
#15 (permalink) |
|
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,324
|
Dude, that is sweeeeeet!! Great job! It looks really nice!!
__________________
'89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R |
|
|
|
|
|
#16 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 513
|
oh, i had a question...how visible are the gauges from the angle you put them in? after having it in for awhile, what would you change besides swapping the inclinometer and the cd player?
__________________
Wherever, Whenever, However...Tread Lightly! |
|
|
|
|
|
#17 (permalink) |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Beaumont,CA
Posts: 81
|
That looks great.. Good job..
__________________
JV #770 -- HemetJeepClub.com, RingRanchRockers, CA4WDC, CORVA, Blue Ribbon Coalition, Tread Lightly.. |
|
|
|
|
|
#18 (permalink) |
|
Contributing Member
|
i love what you've done with it! very nice, i just hope someone does not come along one day just kick those plugs out of the side that you moved!
__________________
-Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 193,000kms l 3.4L V6 264,000kms to be rebuilt then installed! l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Drop in filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l TRD shift knob l Lv. 3 First Aid Kit l White Gauges & Temp Controls l LED conversion l 80/100W Hella H4 l Hella Black Magic l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l TOYOTA TOUR 2008 トヨタ|NEVER QUIT
|
|
|
|