DIY - Defi 60mm Boost Gauge Install in AC Vent
 

After perusing all options on the threads here, I decided to take a stab at it myself. My goals were as follows:

1) Minimal modifications to the car.
2) Easily reversible.
3) Should not block any other gauges.
4) Should not look tacked on.
5) Easy and quick to read.
6) Should retain the AC air flow.

The left vent gauge come off very easily. Use a pry tool carefully and pull out with your fingers.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5e939b6e.jpg

Vent:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps757e982b.jpg

There are four pieces that constitute the vent. They are held together by locking tabs which separate very easily.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7dbdc261.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8949c892.jpg

Take the part with the vent flaps (third one from the left in the picture above). The actual flaps are simply slotted into holes in the side and act as a pivot. Pull them out. There are two parts.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps496f771e.jpg

For the next step I used automotive weather seal (thick rubber) and I cut up a grippy rubber mat that I had. The type that you put on the car fender when you work on the engine. Stick this on the sides as shown.


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps884ddea4.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps64531d1e.jpg

Insert the gauge. It will be quite snug so you may have to push hard. Mine was quite firmly held with no play.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse71ec6d6.jpg

You can vary the length of the weatherstrip to adjust for air flow.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb0fcb940.jpg

Test fit by reassembling the parts. At the same time, drill a small hole where I have, to run the wires through. The location of the hole sits outside the vent tube in the car so the wires will not be pulled in. Seal the hole around the wires. I used some Dynamat.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0d02fd95.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps77200cf6.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb2e078ea.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps84075828.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps30825a0b.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...20Gauge/15.jpg

You can also rotate the gauge in the vent like the stock one as long as you left some play in the wires.

Sexy. Just like other mod for oil coolant and water temp. What size guage did you use? Any special tools to mount it?

looks awesome! good idea!

This might be a stupid question but I assume that the vent is now useless? And since it is no longer used did you do anything to prevent the air from going through? Because by the looks of things it seems that dust may still go through the cracks and I'm a little paranoid about varying dust/fine dirt stuck in crevices of my car....

EDIT: Other than that awesome job!

Thanks. 60mm. Tools: Scissors. Double stick tape. Brain. :)

Thanks.

Thanks. Not sure what you are asking. Read the goals that I had. Vent is not useless. Works fine.

AH! Thank for pointing it out, skimmed through that :bonk:. Everything makes sense now.

Awesome!

That was my first option then I was thinking about Gauge pods - but that just isn't right if you live in fogy / wet country... :(

BUT - its the best option for people wanting to mount single pod cheap and with the really good visibility! Great DIY! And great idea about leaving some air channels!

Can the heater part effect the gauge, since the vent is still in use?

Thanks doggy. Coming from you especially....compared to some of the things that you have done. lol.

When you say effect, do you mean functionally? If so, not in my case. Of course time will tell.

Wow this is great good work!


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fitting a 62mm greddy da will be possible?


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:clap:

That's sick... Now only if I had enough money for the turbo

thanks for posting this

That's my question as well. I have been eyeing the 62mm D/A gauge and this would work perfect. It seems like it would work just need a little less weather stripping stuff around the edges. I may pop the vent out this afternoon and take some measurements. Didn't know it would be so easy to do...

Who says I have a turbo? ;)

Yes the 62mm will work as well. Its only i mm bigger all around.

Im sure these gauges work just fine in cars when they sit in the desert sun all day, the heater never blows air that hot..

One last ?, the Greddy DA has a depth of 45mm, how deep was the Defi you installed?

The whole gauge is 52.2mm. The front bezel that you see is 15.5mm, which means that the portion behind it is 36.7mm. You have a difference from your gauge of 8.3mm. I think that you will be fine. You may have to position the holes for the wires differently. Worst case you can break off the honeycomb that you see in my pic (fourth piece in the fourth picture)

Wow nice job. I want an A/F gauge and now I know where to install it!

Do you think an 52MM gauge would fit without gap in there?

Huh?

nice work!

Looks bad a**!

Yes. You will have to manage the gap. You may have to play with the size of the weather stripping. 60mm was perfect with no movement.

Did this one the other day, 52mm will work but it was not easy to get it to sit right.
http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps88500b78.jpg

Hang tight for two or three weeks. I may have a solution to center it perfectly.

interested on this...

Where do all the wires go? Down the vent? How did you find power back there etc...

He drilled a hole in the vent, the wires just end up in the open area in the dash above the footwell. You'd have to find power/ignition/ground from somewhere like the fuse box, radio, etc.

Great DIY! I may have to steal this one from you, lol!

Thanks. Feel free. I may have an easier & more elegant solution soon.

Looking forward to it!

mmmmmmmmmmm supra

nice job!

I need to buy some Boost.

lol................