How to insert 60mm gauges in center console vents

AtenzaSpeed

Member
:
Mazdaspeed6
Difficulty = (5)
Tools = (included in guide)
Cost = (About $10 for weather strip)
“O” Factor = (5)
By Atenzaspeed
MAZDA 6/MAZDASPEED 6 VENT MOD

HOW TO INSTALL 60MM GAUGE IN VENTS GUIDE

THINGS YOU NEED:
• Metro/3/4 x 5/16 in. x 10 ft. adhesive backed weather stripping From Autozone
• Sharp Razor Blade
• Crazy Glue
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Small Flat Head Screwdriver
• Ratchet w/ 10mm socket + extension
• Electrical Tape

CENTER CONSOLE REMOVAL
ventmodA.jpg


1st Removing Center Console
2nd Start removing cup holder and shifter center pieces. They should just come right off with a little tug.
3rd Remove glove compartment, make sure to unhook it.
4th Once you remove glove compartment, use ratchet with extension and 10mm socket to removed bolt.
5th After removing bolt in glove compartment, using Phillips screwdriver remove 2 crews under center console right below A/C knobs.
6th Place a towel on shifter to avoid getting console scratched, once both screws are out pull on bottom half of console and it should start coming out. At this time you should start disconnecting cables attached to console. You should be able to rest console on towel to accomplish this.
7th Pull out console and set on table to continue work.


VENT REMOVAL
ventmodb.jpg

ventmodc.jpg


1st Turn Center Console over, and remove 4 screws that hold vent to the console.
2nd Set vent assembly on cloth to work on.
3rd Using small flat head screwdriver pry up on back end of assembly, make sure to lift on both sides, once you do back end should come right off.
4th After removing back end of Vent Assembly, begin to prying front end loose using the small flathead. Aim for the bump on pic 4.1, continue around the vent until front end drops right off like shown on picture 4.2. In the end you should have three pieces front, middle and end of vent assembly.
5th Once you remove the desired vent make sure to wipe off excess grease.
6th After cleaning vent from grease, install middle end of assembly by screwing back the 4 screws you removed in step 1.



MAKING GAUGE MOUNT/TRIM + GAUGE INSTALLED IN VENT
ventmodd.jpg


1st Remove rubber weather strip from bag.
2nd With a sharp blade cut a strip of about 9 inches (make sure to cut straight and clean, the more straight and clean cut the better it will look)
3rd Start to insert strip in vent hole making sure that it lines up with the console plate. Strip should fit snug pushing on each end to close its self. If it bulks up cut a small piece (clean straight cut) till if fits perfect.
4th Once you fit the vent hole with the strip. Crazy glue the ends, this will prevent the rubber from expanding and shrinking leaving you with a gap.
5th Try placing gauge in vent hole with strip once glue dries, if vent rotates easily you will want to add electrical or some kind of rubber tape around gauge to prevent gauge from rotating its self and being easily pulled out. About 2 or 3 times around with tape should be enough. And don’t worry gauges will still come off if you need to removed them.
6th There you have it a finish look at 60mm gauges installed in vent holes. Easy and cheap, also you don’t have to ruin your vents by cutting into them.

ventmode.jpg





By AtenzaSpeed
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the writeup. I have a question. How much does the loss of the center vents hurt the HVAC's effectiveness? Does it seem like the blower motor is struggling to push air through only two vents?
 
No not really. It really doesnt sound any different. Well if you dont max out the AC it sounds normal. Havent had any issues with it...
 
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