2" gauges in console

[jdw]

I have a VDO voltmeter that I plan on installing in the console where the dummy switches sit. I already have the center piece out and the first problem I see is with the bar that holds the emergency flasher switch. There doesn't seem to be enough clearance to put a 2" hole and still be able to screw down the switch. Has anyone put in 2" gauges? I don't mind being the first one, but some previous experience would be great. I also have concerns about the angle of the gauge and the top of the stereo. The dash above the radio looks like it's at a slight angle relative to the stereo. Could there be a clearance problem there?

Any hints are most welcome!

[mikedudley17]

u can cut the lil plastic bar, thats what i did. but i also put in 2 guages and moved the emergency switch to the far right. but im sure you can still dremel it and cut it.

[jdw]

u can cut the lil plastic bar, thats what i did. but i also put in 2 guages and moved the emergency switch to the far right. but im sure you can still dremel it and cut it.

That's an interesting idea, Mike. If I move the switch over, I'll have at least the rightmost screw stud for the switch. Even if the other one gets obliterated. I was thinking of picking up either a oil pressure or vacuum gauge.

[thehunterooo]

mike how long did it take you to put those in?

[mikedudley17]

not very long, minus hooking up the guages, half hour-hour???

[thehunterooo]

nice, i wanted to mold a 3 gauge pod in the pillar soon, just dont know how to hook up anything lol, still have my 5 inch tach on my dash that doesnt do anything(anyone know how to hook it up). But, why do you have a boost gauge besides it looking awesome lol? Might do this too, but to put the 3 guages in the middle and put the hazard swtich in the cubby hole under the radio.

[mikedudley17]

I was gonna boost the aveo and while my buddy was doing the mechanical work of turboing my car, I did the little **** I knew how to. We had a weekend to prep it for HIN. Long story short, fail.

[thehunterooo]

lol too bad, looks good though

[jdw]

u can cut the lil plastic bar, thats what i did. but i also put in 2 guages and moved the emergency switch to the far right. but im sure you can still dremel it and cut it.

That's an interesting idea, Mike. If I move the switch over, I'll have at least the rightmost screw stud for the switch. Even if the other one gets obliterated. I was thinking of picking up either a oil pressure or vacuum gauge.

Well, I got the first one in today. I used the center position, moving the emergency switch to the far right. It went in pretty smooth. The hole saw slipped a little and scratched the dash in a spot, but it's not bad. My next project is either a vacuum gauge or an oil pressure gauge. I'm leaning towards the vacuum gauge because of ease of install, but I think the oil pressure would be more useful. I did Here's a photo (powered on to show it's actually working):

[attachment=0:2w1509xl]0610091230a.jpg[/attachment:2w1509xl]

I learned something interesting about the aveo today. They use the negative side of the illumination circuit to dim the lights. I'm glad I used a separate ground for the gauge light. I tapped off the radio harness for all of the necessary wires.

[thehunterooo]

nice, i need to do this for sure