Came Up With A Gauge Pod Idea!

[staples187]

Okay, so after hours upon hours of surfing the internet trying to figure different ways to mount gauges in the speed 3, I finally came up with a decent conclusion. When Autoexe first launched their gauge pod people told me they had to paint it themselves and not only that it didn't seem to match the interior and line up correctly. I came across two things: 1; A Mazda 3 OEM DVD DIN Dash Kit Dash Kit (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1057120/62825612-untitled88.JPG). I also came across a DIN 3 Gauge 52mm Bezel DIN Bezel (http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/ProductImages/GS_RadioFace.jpg). I mean it works and all but I really wish I could find a bezel that faced straight rather then to the left. If anyone has any ideas or pointers fill me in. I did order both of them, but the dash kit is coming from Japan so it's going to take a couple weeks to receive it. Once I look at it along with the bezel and see how it matches up I'll take some photos and let everyone know.

[EngulfinFlames]

The DVD DIN is IMO (for lack of a better word) Ugly. and the gauge pods are IMO (for lack of a better word) ugly. I mounted my gauge in the vent, looks clean.
But, everyone has their own opinion.

[staples187]

The DVD DIN is IMO (for lack of a better word) Ugly. and the gauge pods are IMO (for lack of a better word) ugly. I mounted my gauge in the vent, looks clean.
But, everyone has their own opinion.

I would, but I'm going to eventually need more then one gauge if I decide to go bigger turbo and build the bottom end (wideband). i think it's the cleanest possible for that style setup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWyPio6xZ10 It's not very clear, but you get a general idea of what the setup looks like. I just can't figure out which bezel that is.

[EngulfinFlames]

well yea, up top above the vents it looks nice. but in the pic with the yellow dash right in the middle. not so nice.

[hoindawall]

you can find a straight 3 gauge bezel at 42draftdesigns.com

[staples187]

well yea, up top above the vents it looks nice. but in the pic with the yellow dash right in the middle. not so nice.

No that's the bezel I was talking about i was going to use... to show what it looks like. I would have the gauges uptop.

[staples187]

I wonder how well this one would work. Can't tell if the color would match up or not, and if it would work in the DIN spot. Click Here (http://www.42draftdesigns.com/categories/products/tgp_mk4.htm)

[EngulfinFlames]

yea. i wasnt talking about the color or anything, just the placement of the gauges

[User Name]

Why not try combining the Dash Kit (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1057120/62825612-untitled88.JPG) with one of the panels from track dog racing http://www.trackdogracing.com/website/gauges/panels.htm specifically the first one for 99+ Miatas. The two products should work together easily enough and angle the gauges towards the driver.

[meha11]

The angled din mount wont work cos it leaves gaps, plastic ones stick out and look crap. I bought all the din mounts i could find and only one would work but still required trimming.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Carbon-Fiber-DIN-Panel-for-3-Standard-2-Gauges_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ40017QQihZ005QQi temZ150183228574QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1 638Q2em118Q2el1247

The 2 effects shown are stickers that come with it, the mount is steel.

The only issue is glare, it gets rather bad in bright light, i am waithing for some anti glare spray to come in the mail to see if it helps.

good luck with your install.

[meha11]

oh yeah, you'll need two din mount panels, one for the front and one for the back, then when you install the gauges, the 2 din panels clamp to the dash kit. This was the only way i could think of doing it.

[User Name]

That's a damn shame about having gaps, I really thought it's be an almost perfect solution to getting gauges in this car without building a custom pod. How big or noticeable were the gaps out of curiosity?

[aliencx7]

Just get the autoexe pod

[staples187]

Just get the autoexe pod

Not only do you have to paint the pod yourself, it doesn't look stock by any means. I'm not spending 230-250 bucks for a Michael's craft home project. At least with the DVD Dash Kit it looks somewhat OEM, which could end up working, but there would be a lot of custom fabricating to get there which is what I'm debating on.

[meha11]

gaps are somewhere between 1/8 and 1/4" if i remember correctly (shown in dark below). Notice my black paint doesn’t match up perfect, from what i have read on the other forum, the guys doing the F/G work found a paint for their pods which is supposed to match the stock interior-Info is somewhere in here.

http://www.mazda 3forums.com/index.php?topic=83549.0 (delete the gap after mazda)

[staples187]

Interesting thread you posted. It's a wonder I missed this because I'm on 3 forums all the damn time. Still reading...

[Grilla]

I would, but I'm going to eventually need more then one gauge if I decide to go bigger turbo and build the bottom end (wideband). i think it's the cleanest possible for that style setup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWyPio6xZ10 It's not very clear, but you get a general idea of what the setup looks like. I just can't figure out which bezel that is.

That's my video (cheers)

Staples, were you the one who contacted me through Youtube? How did your install go?

[staples187]

Yeah I haven't had time to try to install it yet. I ordered the bezels and the kit, but am waiting for the chance to get enough time to actually do it. Work has been hectic and this is probably going to be an all day install.

[EVLTSTR]

So where can I order that dvd dash kit form?

[Grilla]

thespeedline.com

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'm trying to make sure I understand correct, about the OP's idea.

You're going to order the dash piece that usually holds the Navi option, then put the gauges in that enclosure? That's actually a really hot idea! Subtle, hidden when you don't want to use them or if you get pulled over and want to look innocent hehe. You should probably also wire up a switch that would activate when you close the enclosure, so the gauge's backlights turn off.

[staples187]

I'm trying to make sure I understand correct, about the OP's idea.

You're going to order the dash piece that usually holds the Navi option, then put the gauges in that enclosure? That's actually a really hot idea! Subtle, hidden when you don't want to use them or if you get pulled over and want to look innocent hehe. You should probably also wire up a switch that would activate when you close the enclosure, so the gauge's backlights turn off.

Well the dash kit doesn't close and open. It's just a DIN piece that always is there. Kind of like the gauges on the 350Z being in the middle.

[Silver Ecstasy]

Well the dash kit doesn't close and open. It's just a DIN piece that always is there. Kind of like the gauges on the 350Z being in the middle.

Oh I see. We arn't talking about the aftermarket center dash piece that gives you 3 bezel gauges, exactly like the Z right? I've seen plenty of those.

[mrlilguy157]

dont do it....

go with something else. thats too much of an attention getter in my opinion. stay simple and clean.