How to:Gauge in vent

[IrateSpeed6]

It was pretty simple... first you have to take out the vent (there are instructions floating around somewhere, but it involves a coathanger). Take the three pieces of the vent apart, and set the actual vent part in a box somewhere in case you want it later.

I ran the wires underneath the guage cluster and through the side of the hvac venting, and sealed the hole up with some silicone. You need a 2-5/8" guage I believe (its the bigger of the two). Set the guage against the front vent bezzel of the vent from the rear. Pack the sides tight with silicone adhesive. Ensure that the guage is level with the front vent bezzel; I usually use some duct tape to keep it uniform around the edge.

Just wire it up and reinstall the guage/vent.

[edit] couldn't find the instructions... basically, swivel the vent around until you locate the three clips that hold the entire vent housing into the dash panel. Bend a metal coat hanger like in the picture... insert the hanger into the vent housing, lodge it behind on of the clips, and gently (but forcefully :confused: ) pull towards you until it comes out. You can thank "TwoPointFour" for the picture.
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=7368

[lastyear4gt]

Just did this myself. In case anyone tries this, here is some things I learned tonight:

1. I used GOOP plumbing adhesive because it bods to plastic and metal well.

2. Make sure you use a FLEXIBLE silicon, because there is a possibility you may get the adhesive on the outside of the hvac ring and gauge, and this allows you to peel it off after it has dried.

3. Use only a LITTLE silicon in the ring where the gauge trim ring will sit first. Allow it to dry until it becomes tacky enough to offer some support so you can even the gauge out on the outside.

4. MAKE SURE TO HAVE SOMETHING TO SIT THE TRIM RING INTO THAT WILL ALLOW THE GAUGE TO BE SUSPENDED.

5. When the initial adhesion has taken place and dried for a few hours, you can then proceed to fill in the inside of the ring for added security.

Just thought I would lend some hints!

[drumking1721]

pics would help

[lastyear4gt]

sure Ill post some up tomorrow when the adhesive has set.

[00GT1]

a more time consuming alternative which is the route i took is to make a mold off of the vent and lay a fibre glass ring on the inside, this allows easy removal and access to the wiring and in my opinion, i much nicer finish

[lastyear4gt]

I like that you went through the time and effort to do that, however I dont think it would have looked any different had you just mounted it to the original vent ring. In my opinion, I like the way I did it better because the gauge doesn't stick out, but sits flush with the dash, but to each his own. I do like your pillars however, those are some nice work!

Ill post picks up tonight of the gauge.

[slowbird]

I'd like to do this one day.

Pics and more specific Step by Step instructions would be great....I'm unsure exactly what is going on in some of those explanations.

[lastyear4gt]

I am having a few issues to work out, but so far it looks awesome. Ill give you some full instructions and pics when I am done with them, just bare with me!

[slowbird]

Awesome....take your time.

We appreciate it.

[lastyear4gt]

Im going to start my own thread. Check it out.