Gauge Cluster Surround/Gauge Mount: Zero Decibel Motorsports

[Mechie3]

While looking for a way to mount gauges I decided to make an entire surround for the OEM gauge cluster that also had room for four gauges. This way my gauges are all mounted uniformly and look like they were intended to be there.

It is bare aluminum, but can be polished, painted, or powdercoated (by the end user) to give more contrast if desired. Flush mount pem studs hold it in place so you don't see hardware if it's painted (unpainted you can see the difference in color of the back of the stud). Comes with the studs pressed in.

CAD rendering is below. Gauges on left are prosport premium, top right is regular prosport, bottom right is an AEM guage. Outer bezel of the AEM gauge is 2.36" and is about the maximum. Prosport are 2.27" and have a little more clearance. Anything bigger than 2.36" will likely have interference with the gauge above it unless that one is smaller. Gauges are 2.44" center to center so you can measure your gauges if you have questions about whether they'll fit or not.

Pricing:
5 People: $55
10 People: $40
15 People: $35
20+ People: $30

1: Dodgy Tim: Cutouts
2: Joseph: Cutouts
3: Wirenut: plain
4: SnyderJD: Cutouts
5: BlWalker: Plain
6: Fastzrex: Cutouts

Pricing is the same for one with qty-4, 52mm cutouts or for a panel with no cutouts.

[FFRSpec72]

Is this designed to fit over the stock FFR plastic dash, looks like some cutting would be required ?

[Mechie3]

I mounts right onto the dash. You'd have to drill holes for mounting and cut out four 52mm holes for gauges to pass through. Its more a decorative piece than anything.

[07FIREBLADE]

Why do you always tempt me...

[Canadian818]

Looks good, now if only it was carbon fibre and cut out for an AIM dash, lol

[SoCalK61000]

Or carbon and not cut out at all

[wirenut]

Sign me up. Again.

[Mechie3]

Took pics of the paper mockup this morning. The little winged Zero logo can always be removed. That's there because I'm putting it on mine but I get not everyone would want that.





I could look at waterjetting carbon fiber blanks. I assume by no cutout people mean no cutout for the gauge cluster AND no cutout for the 52mm gauges?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Craig, That looks good, but, you have got more important things to do.
Congrats,
Bob

[Mechie3]

I slept at home last night with a screaming 2 year old. Lol. Took that pic on my way to the hospital after dropping daughter at daycare.

[THE FURNACE]

Carbon fiber would be a nice option. Cut out for gauge cluster, but blank on 52 mm gauges (supply a paper template)? I would advertise your logo. Would your logo cut out okay on carbon fiber?

[Canadian818]

Carbon fiber would be a nice option. Cut out for gauge cluster, but blank on 52 mm gauges (supply a paper template)? I would advertise your logo. Would your logo cut out okay on carbon fiber?

I would buy exactly that. The template for the gauges is a good idea. I would just ask for the cutout centre section so I can make a matching mount for an AIM dash. Also, maybe think about matching door card inserts.

[brian b 36]

sign me up for one no holes for round gauges thanks brian

[DodgyTim]

Any reason one of these won't fit a right hand drive dash?

[FFRSpec72]

Any reason one of these won't fit a right hand drive dash?

Holes would be on the wrong side, you would need to flip the car around and drive backwards

[SnyderJD]

ill take one.

[DodgyTim]

Holes would be on the wrong side, you would need to flip the car around and drive backwards

So you've seen my car? 10-backwards-cars[1].jpg

I'll take one in alloy with the gauge holes

[Mechie3]

Any reason one of these won't fit a right hand drive dash?

Depending on how accurately FFR made the LHD vs the RHD dashes you might need to trim it or more of the dash might show through. We already know FFR handmakes all their molds so there's plenty of room for variability.

I need to make a change to the template and then I'll quote it with no holes. Been a bit busy lately. New baby was in Nicu for a couple days, then home, now back in Ped's for really high biliruben counts. Haven't been on much lately.

[DodgyTim]

Depending on how accurately FFR made the LHD vs the RHD dashes you might need to trim it or more of the dash might show through. We already know FFR handmakes all their molds so there's plenty of room for variability.

I need to make a change to the template and then I'll quote it with no holes. Been a bit busy lately. New baby was in Nicu for a couple days, then home, now back in Ped's for really high biliruben counts. Haven't been on much lately.

Wish you well with the bub
Both my sons were in the Nicu for 100+ days each, I know how stressful that can be

[Mechie3]

First was in NICU for 36 days. This one was there for a day, then out, then back for a day, then home for two, then into the ped's for 2. He's home now and good. Biliruben is an easy fix. Turned out to be an ABO incompatability (wife created antibodies against his blood type during the birth when blood mixed, antibodies from my wife were in the baby breaking down red blood cells).

I made the change I mentioned. Not sure I like it. In theory I liked having the radii on the small electrical panel and the cluster surround match, but in practice I think it makes the cluster surround look too square. Thoughts?

[longislandwrx]

glad everyone's good.

looks real good!

I still feel the small panel needs a little bump up to match the dash curve.

LIizgzo.png

also my stupid thought... would it be better to make it with 4 centering holes rather than cutouts? then people could just drill as needed through the trim and into the dash, or add indicator lights or switches.

[icky]

I want one.

[Mechie3]

More than likely I'd make it blank but provide a printable template to center the holes. That way if you didn't want anything there you wouldn't end up with four pilot holes.

[Blwalker105]

Sign me up Craig, and I vote for the top one.

[ben1272]

glad everyone's good.

looks real good!

I still feel the small panel needs a little bump up to match the dash curve.

LIizgzo.png

also my stupid thought... would it be better to make it with 4 centering holes rather than cutouts? then people could just drill as needed through the trim and into the dash, or add indicator lights or switches.

The tiny radii dont look like a good match to me, of course everything is relative and most all of your creations look pretty darn good! I like the switch panel swooped up to match the instrument surround.

-Ben

Here is another twist on your theme:


instrument surround option.JPG

[Canadian818]

glad everyone's good.

looks real good!

I still feel the small panel needs a little bump up to match the dash curve.

LIizgzo.png

also my stupid thought... would it be better to make it with 4 centering holes rather than cutouts? then people could just drill as needed through the trim and into the dash, or add indicator lights or switches.

I really like the bottom one

[Lorne's818SR]

Bottom one Please

[Mechie3]

glad everyone's good.

looks real good!

I still feel the small panel needs a little bump up to match the dash curve.

LIizgzo.png

I need to update the electrical panel piece. With where I mounted mine, I'm not sure the uptick on the left edge would go that far towards center. Honstly can't remember. It's been a super quick 6 weeks since the baby was born.

I sent an email to the shop asking if I need to create new part numbers for blank vs cutout versions. Once I hear back I'll be asking for official "I'm in" votes to start the group buy.

Thanks everyone.

[Innkeepr]

Craig, really like the layout - I am not going to use the factory WRX gauge cluster and was looking for a good alternative using Speedhut instruments.
What would it take to create a piece to replace the factory cluster and use a separate Speedo & Tach unit ?
I dont have access to all the fun CAD stuff, Something for you to kick around in your spare time.

Thanks,
"E"

[mistasherm]

Craig
Are you planning to offer these pieces as a pair (gauge cluster and electrical panel) or separately? Great work - really like the electrical panel. Glad all is well with the kiddos - we have four at home, never a dull moment.
Ty

[Mechie3]

Innkeeper: Do you want a panel blank that sits down inside the cutout where the gauges are, or are you asking for a cluster surround that is fully solid?

Mistasherm: I'm working with Iwire to create an electrical panel. I have several hours of wiring into mine because of the switches and functions I chose. I wire will have a much easier solution.

[Innkeepr]

Innkeeper: Do you want a panel blank that sits down inside the cutout where the gauges are, or are you asking for a cluster surround that is fully solid?

Yes, a panel that will replace the factory WRX gauge pod. Using a 4 inch Tach & Speedo, I think with the correct spacing I can place the AFR gauge in there also ( like this = OoO ) add your surround for the other 4 gauges.

[fastzrex]

Love the panel layouts. I prefer the top panel design. Please conact me when you are ready for payment!

I need to update the electrical panel piece. With where I mounted mine, I'm not sure the uptick on the left edge would go that far towards center. Honstly can't remember. It's been a super quick 6 weeks since the baby was born.

I sent an email to the shop asking if I need to create new part numbers for blank vs cutout versions. Once I hear back I'll be asking for official "I'm in" votes to start the group buy.

Thanks everyone.

[Mechie3]

Yes, a panel that will replace the factory WRX gauge pod. Using a 4 inch Tach & Speedo, I think with the correct spacing I can place the AFR gauge in there also ( like this = OoO ) add your surround for the other 4 gauges.

I would just attach a piece of material behind the opening and make cuts where you need them. There's no need to make a piece that matches the cutout perfectly because the excess material will be hidden by the dash itself. After it's installed layout where you want the gauges and make some cuts.

[Innkeepr]

Thanks Craig, I dont have a dash to mock up right now, just trying to figure stuff out. With 1 in college and one starting in another year - I am hoarding parts at an alarming rate ! Stripped the donor, bought an ej207, and still have my MK II in pieces as I added a heater, new seats, fresh air vents, and second roll bar. Thankful for a wife that puts up with my hobby.

Best wishes,
"E"

[Mechie3]

I got quotes back for a blank version (missing the four gauge cutouts). I'll post updates shortly.

Innkeepr. Chris on facebook has done exactly what you're looking to do. Posted pics a few days ago. Don't remember if it was his personal page or on the 818 builders group page. If you can't find it I'll see if I can share the pics here.

[Mechie3]

Not posting updates yet. I was reviewing pricing and the blank version was quoted 37% higher than the version with four cutouts. I sent an email asking why. As soon as I get it I'll update pricing (hopefully the blank version goes down and the cutout version doesn't go up). Once pricing is up I'll be taking names for who is in and whether you want a blank version (center cutout + logo only) or a cutout version (center cutout + logo + 4-52mm gauge cutouts).

[Mechie3]

Pricing updated. If you're interested let me know if you want the version with the cutouts or without the cutouts. Pricing is the same for both.

Thanks.

[Mechie3]

If anyone wants these, please post as I'm not using the original "I'll take one" posts since pricing was changed by the shop. Want to make sure people still want them at the new price (think it went up by $5? Don't remember).

Thanks,
Craig

[Joseph]

I want the one with the cut outs. Tell me how to send the money, PayPal? I am Joseph on the forum.