My Gauges...Prior To Installation

[jmciver]

Many people seem to ask about various gauge setups for their F/I cars so I thought I would share mine. Real estate is pretty tight on my dash and center console so I chose to go the A/C vent route as my install location.

The gauges are Defi BF Amber, specifically boost and oil pressure. The goal for this design was to maintain full use of the temperature control knob and still allow air into the cabin. The basic template was a stock E46 center vent assembly. This ensured a perfect fit into the car and allowed the shop to work on the piece without needing the car.

The pics below are prior to install. The vents turned out better than expected and the silver mesh matches the aluminum trim I have in my car. I will post install pics as soon as I get them. The pictures really don't do the gauges justice though....

[Oshin02]

Very nice concept and craftsmanship, I like the fact that u are still keeping the AC vents some what functional, as well as locating the gauges there. Good luck with the whole install on the rest of your FI set-up.

-Oshin P.

[Maestroxl]

Very nice setup. Should be on sale in a store!

MXL

[jmciver]

Very nice concept and craftsmanship, I like the fact that u are still keeping the AC vents some what functional, as well as locating the gauges there. Good luck with the whole install on the rest of your FI set-up.

-Oshin P.
Thanks. I thought the shop did a nce job. And actually, this is one of the final stages of my F/I install, the S/C is already installed :D . All that is left is for me to figure out how I want to install to install the A/F meter (inside the car anyway).

[douglas_ngo]

Looks very nice. Do you mind telling me where you got it from and how much? I would like to get one myself. Thanks

[aggieE46]

Nice setup.

[Lemonsqr]

Looks very nice. Do you mind telling me where you got it from and how much? I would like to get one myself. Thanks

:werd: That does look really nice. Was this a custom job or is it a prototype for mass production? I am willing to bet that for the right price, there would be many fanatics (including me:) ) that would be interested. Please let us know.

[jmciver]

:werd: That does look really nice. Was this a custom job or is it a prototype for mass production? I am willing to bet that for the right price, there would be many fanatics (including me:) ) that would be interested. Please let us know.
This was a custom job. If I told you how much it cost to make purely based on their hourly rate, your computer would probably explode ;) . I have done some good business with their shop so the owner gave me a very good price, but that one is not for the faint of heart either (although I think it was worth it for what I wanted to do with the car :craig: ). I pick up the car tomorrow and the gauges, along with a few other items, will be installed. I will take some final pics then.

Out of curiosity, what do you guys think a bezel like that is worth (not including the cost of the gauges)?

[Lemonsqr]

I'm thinking for a custom job like that, around $300 but no more than $500. Close?:eeps:

[jmciver]

I'm thinking for a custom job like that, around $300 but no more than $500. Close?:eeps:
The second number is close, $600. The pictures really don't do the bezel any justice. I am far from an expert fabricator with bondo, etc, but I know a lot of time went into this, especially the details. In order to keep the temperature knob in the middle still functional was one of the most challenging aspects of the bezel (more than you might think). When installed in the car they should look even better.

Of course, were he to do it again he could do it quicker since mine was the first that he did like that.

[Lemonsqr]

The second number is close, $600. The pictures really don't do the bezel any justice. I am far from an expert fabricator with bondo, etc, but I know a lot of time went into this, especially the details. In order to keep the temperature knob in the middle still functional was one of the most challenging aspects of the bezel (more than you might think). When installed in the car they should look even better.

Of course, were he to do it again he could do it quicker since mine was the first that he did like that.

:yikes: you were right, my monitor exploded when I saw the $600!:rofl:It looks good even from the picture and it is great that you have the functional temp knob. Even though it is a piece of art, I would have a hard time paying $600 although I am sure it is well worth it for you....truely custom!:thumbsup:

[Shinobi]

:yikes: Wow, that does look nice. Can't wait to see it installed and lighted.