http://www.jegs.com/

http://www.free-catalogs.biz/jegs_catalog.htm free catalog

http://www.summitracing.com/

 

I just received the Lo-Tek dual pod A-pillar cover color matched to the Oak interior. They predrilled two holes in the cover and provide 2 sheet metal screws with color keyed head caps. I would have preferred that they not drill the holes and if I had it to do over again I would specify that provide the screws but not drill the holes.

I located an Internet retailer www.egauges.com that sells the Z-Series gauges at a pretty good price. Apparently, Summit and Jegs no longer carry that line in their regular inventory. I am going to call egauges today and order the Autometer transmission temperature gauge PN 2640 (temp range 100 - 250F) along with a #2286 Transmission Gauge Hookup T Connector. I will have to get barbed hose connectors in place of the compression fit connectors because I will install the temperature sensor in the rubber hose outlet line going to the TRD cooler, splicing into the rubber hose line, because I cannot find fittings for the 10mm OE steel cooler line. However, I will also have to install a dedicated chassis ground wire from the block. Normally, the T-connector block is plumbed directly into the steel cooler line or on the radiator inlet fitting and is therefore grounded, but not in this installation.

I was curious about the Carbon Fiber Autometer gauges but I guess no one has used them and I decided that the Z-Series gauges are more compatible and I only have to buy the one gauge.

Footnote:
With regard to transmission temperature, you do not want the temperature to rise above 200F so a scale range from 100 - 250F is fine. I would prefer using VDO gauges but I did not like what they had to offer and the trans temp gauge scale went to 400F. I also liked the Cobalt line of Autometer gauges but I am not using blue bulbs in my dash. If I were going to change to any other color for dash lighting, my choice would be red because that is the most easily viewed color on the eyes for night vision. Look at the cockpit lights in commercial aircraft and most of it is red. The lights in my truck and A-pillar cover gauges are red and I love them. Pontiac also used red in their gauges.

 

autometer C2 is what i gots.... pretty pricey.. but damn good lookin!

 

White face?
Blue back lighting?

I just ordered the Z-Series gauge and some VDO dimmer rings from www.egauges.com. I was very impressed with their service. Give them a try when you need something.

 

cool ill checkem out

 

Here's a pic of my Autometer "Phantom" boost and voltmeter in a dual A-pillar pod(notice the relocation of the grab bar):

http://groups.msn.com/2000SR5ToyotaT...oto&PhotoID=85

They match the indiglo gauges I have very well once I added a blue LED bulb to them. Once I receive the Speedhut reverse indiglos, I'll probably switch to the Speedhut reverse indiglo boost and voltmeter(coming in April)to match. Plus they can add the "TRD" to the gauges.

http://www.speedhut.com/el_detail_ga...ber=372&bhcp=1

http://www.speedhut.com/gauge_list.asp

 

You are a very creative guy. Your ride is very swank.

I never knew about SpeedHut's custom gauges and I think that is really slick. I have an NR white gauge face in my Chevy truck w/ Phantom gauges in the A-piller cover, but I don' t want to go that route here. I might toy with the idea of doing red bulb covers but want to keep a close relationship in appearance between the A-pillar gauges and the cluster gauges. I love the idea that SpeedHut will imprint the TRD logo on your gauges. As for the grab handle, you do know that there is a Toyota grab handle that can be installed in pre-taped holes in the same location as the 2nd grab handle on the passenger side? With all due respect, I cannot say I like the way the one you installed looks, at least from the picture you took. Incidentally, how well located, angle wise, are the gauges in the A-pillar cover. I think someone said that the angle is wrong. I have not test fitted the cover yet so I cannot tell. However, the ones in my other cars worked out rather well.

BTW, I think the air/fuel ratio monitoring gauge is a pretty cool gauge and I wish I had someplace nice to mount one, as a third gauge.

 

Mods:

The pre-drilled holes for the other grab bar(for RH drive passenger side) was too far back and didn't work for what I needed. I wasn't going to re-mount the grab bar, but found out I needed to since my truck is lifted and it helps my 'lil ass get into the truck. It actually looks factory in person. The pod has the gauges sit alittle different than the TRD(Autometer)pod. But after a short time I got used to it. They are still very viewable. As soon as the voltmeter is available from Speedhut, I'll change both of mine out. Speedhut told me that they are about to release a whole line of new custom gauges.

 

From your pictures it appears that the Lo-Tek pods sit further up on the A-pillar than the Autometer TRD pod? That doesn't matter to me as long as the viewing angle still presents the gauges clearly to the driver. Have you seen the VDO Dimmer Rings? (PN 240-005) They are black hard rubber and can be used as visors or hoods and when turned around can be used to improve the mounting position (angle) of a 2-1/16" gauge. You might not like them with the brushed metal trim rings on your SpeedHut gauges but I use them with all of my gauges because I like the way they increase the appearance of mass on the gauges and look more custom. They're not that expensive and come in packs of two. I think it would be cool if we could get Lo-Tek to make an A-pillar pod cover for the RIGHT side to match the left side cover. I know it is out of the sight line of the driver but it would be a good location for gauges like the trans temp and voltmeter that you want. I just cannot figure out a nice place to mount more gauges unless you start carving up the center dash (Mr. Gadget) or spot them in the dash the way some guys (AFP520) have. I suppose they could be mounted face up in the cup holders of the late model 4R's but then you lose the cup holders --- BFD. I think I will contact Lo-Tek and see if they have anything.

 

ugh.. i hate lotek.. fiberglass your own a pillar with 2 1/16" holes.. would look much better

 

I wish I knew how to do that kind of work. Isn't that the way those fabulous speaker enclosures are made? Lo-Tek will not make a right side A-pillar cover. I wish one of you guys could make something. The more I think about the more I think mounting the gauges in the console cup holders is a cool idea.

 

you dont really need to fiberglass to put the gauges in the cup holders then... ever thought about tweed?

 

You are right, the cup holder thing is simple. I was talking about mirroring the left side A-pillar cover for the right side. I'm just yaking here cuz I know it is not doable. I'm okay with what I have and doubt I will be installing any more gauges. ALTHOUGH, I would like a fuel/air ratio gauge and a fuel pressure gauge. I could install the tranny temp and fuel pressure gauge in the console. Nahhhh.

 

buy a dual gauge pod and just slap it on the dash... i was thinkin bout it... but not now.. i got my boost and a/f... next comes EGT (pyrometer)

 

No good flat spot on the dash for a gauge pod in the 3rd Gens, or I would have done that instead of the pillar mount.

 

Does anyone know if there's a difference between the gauges used 4Runner and Tacomas.

I own a 1998 S/C 98 and was wondering if the White faced boost gauge for the Tacoma would work.

Are the pillar mounts interchangeable or vehicle specific?

Thanks!

 

The gauge will work as I use to have the TRD white face gauge at one time. But, the pods ARE vehicle specific. A Taco one won't fit on a Runner. They are a different shape.

Paul

 

Up until a certain year, the A pillar pods on the 4Runner and Tacoma where the same. I do not know which year they redid the Toco A pilar trim.

Gadget

 

that would be 2001... 2000 & older have the same pillar... 2001 & newer have a different type

 

I beg to differ. I have a 2000 and they are different. I think you have to go back a few years if they ever were the same. The Taco A-pillars are more "round" versus the 4 Runners.