I'm thinking about just buying VDO's boost guage for $40 and installing it into one of my vents. I have a mini woodshop and all the tools needed to fabricate a nice mounting plate but I need some good ideas to make it look clean. Anyone have pics of their set-ups?

Thanks

 

Someone did a PVC piping gauge pod that replaces the vent with a hole cut out in the middle for the gauge. There are other ways of doing it. Try a search. Maybe "custom gauge pod"

 

Here is what it will look like.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/1.jpg

Things you will need:
2 ¾” OUTER diameter piece of PVC pipe
Some sort of masking tape
2 ¼” drill bit
2” drill bit
Bondo
Sand paper
Utility knife
Spray paint primer
You choice of spray paint color


1. First take the piece of PVC pipe, cut to the width of the vent, and then cut in half.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/2.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/3.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/4.jpg

2. Then tape both ends closed, and use sand paper to scratch inside of pipe. This allows the Bondo to adhere better with the PVC.
3. Fill with Bondo, and allow to cure.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/5.jpg

4. Once dried, use LARGER drill bit FIRST. DO NOT DRILL ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Only drill until depth you would like the gauge to sit at on lowest point (aka top and bottom), also drill whatever angle you would like your gauge to sit at.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/6.jpg

5. Then use smaller drill bit to drill all the way through. If your bit is not deep enough, finish pilot hole with a regular drill bit, then drill from the back with hole bit.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/7.jpg

6. Use utility knife to remove left over PVC ring.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/8.jpg

7. Then sand until your gauge fits snugly, and sand to a smooth finish.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/bioshot50/9.jpg

8. Spray with primer until smooth. (Primer is thicker than regular paint, it will take less coats to give a smoother finish)
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...oshot50/10.jpg

9. Then paint with color of choice, and install.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...oshot50/11.jpg

The pod should fit snugly on it’s own, if not use a small piece of sticky foam tape from the BACK to secure to vent housing.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...oshot50/12.jpg
You're done!!



More info to come on the FMIC DIY.