mazdaspeedwest

wondering if anybody has found any guage pods that fit the pillars on a 1st gen.

thanks

V12~SC

Well since I`m new and this is my first post I thought I might throw this idea your way even though it`s a 323.

I had the same issue. They don`t make pillar pods for the 86-89 323. Wanted pillar gauges and knew that one of the models from various years would fit but didn`t want to to spend the time and money gambling. And I never came across a topic where somebody found one that fit nicely.

Being into muscle cars for almost 2 decades and just starting to enjoy the pocket rockets, I ended up using one of my Buick resources. Turbo Regals are very popular and owning 2 T-types myself, I know off hand the great amount of stuff available for them.

1981-87 Cutlass / Regal center consoles are all the same. So Kirban (a hardcore Turbo Regal lover & great parts supplier) came up with the idea to use that open square section in the GM G-Body console for a dual gauge pod holder. Looks & works great! They just came out with a new design that mounts on the RF corner of the power moonroof, very cool.

Anyways, I used that console pod on my 323 dash. Fit beautiful. It is the same width as the clock area. It`s too long in the rear, so you have to trim it to fit the depth of the dash surface. And if you take your time you can have it fit into the clock area. (basicly the outer edge of the pod will be at the dashpad, and then taper into the center area extending farther back) In my opinion it is a very universal piece that can be mounted several different ways.

Only thing is if you have a clock in yours, you would have to eliminate it and get a factory block-off plate. Many didn`t have clocks, and those plates are easy to find. And you can always put a clock somewhere else or use the one on your radio.

Pod Shot 1

I think it is an excellect location for 2 gauges and turned out great. No destruction to anything and the wires are all hidden because they run out of the pod into the plate. And when you lock the plate into place it holds it in tight. So there is no drilling into your dash and it never moves or slides anywhere.

Here is the picture from the on-line catalog:

Pod Shot 2

Best part about it is the price....... only $25.

I`ve seen dual gauge pillar pods for the cars sell as high as $75!!! Give me a break. For a piece of plactic? LOL....... what a rip-off.

You can find this and other useful items at www.KirbanPerformance.com ..... awesome Turbo Buick parts supplier.

Final note on the pillar pods........ The ideal way would be if somebody worked at a performance supplier where they have most piller pods in stock. Then he or she could keep trying different ones untill they came across one that matched up well. But untill then.............

mazdaspeedwest

while thats a great idea and all, my protege dash is very different and it would not fit.



i have toyed with the idea of door mounted guages...the electronic ones....even thought about cutting out the main dash peice and mounting them in the bottm flat part part directly infront of the cluster. They'd be angled and tubbed for viewing....if, and thats a BIG IF, i can fit them in, that would be the best spot...good visibility and most of all, VERY stealth. Another idea is to forgo the ashtray and pocket w/cupholders and make a custom panel that holds the guages...but i'd rather have them in the cluster.....all i need is a dash peice from a scrap yard....

thanks for your input!

V12~SC

Oh well............. forgot how different the dash was.

Maybe you or somebody else can use it in a different way.

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