So I'm preparing to install a pillar pod. I thought that before I tackle this that I would ask if anyone had any suggestions on what to beware of, or how to-s on removal of the a pillar, and even where is the best area to go through the firewall, etc.. Any an all input is appreciated. I'd be happy to post pics when I'm done if anyone is interested.

(99.5 a4 quattro avant)

 

make sure your pillar doesnt have an airbag!

 

Yeah man i'd be very careful about putting a pillar-mounted gauge pod in these things. If that airbag goes off while you're doin the install you'd be f*cked. For that matter, if you managed to get through the install and it went off in an accident, you'd be double f*cked.

Why did you opt for a gauge pod instead of a vent-mount?

 

it shouldn't have and air bag underthere. i have a 99.5 theres no airbag in mine. i was going to put mine there i wanted a pillar pod pretty bad only problem is none of them matched the tan fabric that my pillar is wrapped in =[ so i went with a column pod, which i have to paint to match but thats besides the point. i'd like to know how it went when your done.

 

Owners manual for the car says two front airbags (steering wheel and passenger dash) and two side airbags (backrest padding of front seats)... Is there any other, or better way to check to make sure?

 

there would be 'srs' badgeses where an airbag is. only 01-up has the pillar bags in the a4, 00-up in the s4. (unrelated)

 

easiest way to tell is if the word AIRBAG is embossed in the fabric..

 

Ok, no airbag logo... good deal! I don't enjoy the idea of losing an eye to being stupid! So now that I know my car won't blow up on me when I take it off, does the a-pillar just pop off?

 

There are 3 clips on the back side. For the drivers side pillar, grab the top half and pull towards the passenger seat. Hard. They're a pain to get out. Pull on it like a freight train. Once the top part starts coming out, the rest is much easier. I ran my wiring through the ECU box.

You can always get the generic pillar pod and recover the pillar. That's what I did. Just be sure to find the material beforehand.