"Functional" Vent Blower Gauge Pod install how-to for Camaros
04-15-2008, 12:04 AM
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"Functional" Vent Blower Gauge Pod install how-to for Camaros VENT-BLOWER GAUGE INSTALL
Preface:
This mod is based on an aftermarket boost gauge pod assembly for Volkswagen/Audi cars. I modified the origonal idea to create a universal gauge pod that retains the functionality of the HVAC vents. It’s made using a 2 1/16 inch AutoMeter angled trim ring.
Disclaimer:
Doing this mod is at your own risk. These instructions are for information purposes only. The use of these instructions and liability for any damages or unforseen circumstances is the responsibility of the user.
Parts Needed:
1. AutoMeter 2 1/16" angled trim ring (they come in packs of three) $10
2. Liquid Plastic Model Cement (for model airplanes....sold at WalMart and hobby stores) $5
3. 1x 5/8" outside diameter/ 1/2" inside diameter rubber grommet $1
Tools: Dremel with cutting wheel and sanding disc attachments.
Modification:
1. Remove the HVAC vent that surrounds the headlight switch.
2. Remove the vertical fins from the vent assembly.
3. Position the AutoMeter trim ring on top of the vent to mark where the ring needs to be notched. I used a pencil to mark the trim ring.
4. Notch the trim ring with a cutting wheel attachment on a Dremel tool. The center notches of the ring will need to be deeper than the outer notches. This will allow the ring to fit in horizontal vent fins taking into account the curvature of the vent itself. Start by making a short notch in each marked position, then slowly increase the depth of the center notches to ensure an even and tight fit. There are no exact dimensions to follow. Just work slowly until the ring fits into the vent as desired.
5. After completing the notching process, fit the modified AutoMeter trim ring over the vent. I measured that the ring should be centered with about 3/8” spacing on either side of the vent edges. Clamp the ring tightly to the vent with clamps and glue with liquid plastic model cement. It’s used to assemble model cars and airplanes. Itested other glues, but this seemed to work best. Epoxy didn’t give a strong bond; Superglue is also not advised as the fumes will craze the vent and the ring white after a few days (been there, done that.) Liquid plastic model cement literally melts the plastic edges in the ring where it contacts the vent fins and fuses them into one solid piece of plastic. It also dries clear.
6. This is what the comleted assembly should look like after the glue dries.
7. Using wire cutters, snip the vent slats that are inside the AutoMeter trim ring.
8. Using a Dremel and a sanding wheel (or sandpaper, file, etc), smooth the remaining edges of the vent fins inside the trim ring. The vent slats will need to be angled towards the outside of the vent to ensure that the gauge will fit into the vent properly.
9. Drill a hole into the side of the vent assembly to allow for running the desired gauge wiring. I drilled a 5/8” hole and then installed a rubber grommet to prevent the wiring from being chaffed. I got the grommet from Home Depot. The pic shows the grommet installed as well as another identical grommet still in the original packaging for illustration purposes.
10. Install your desired gauge. I have my H2O gauge in this location.
11. Wire the gauge and snap the vent panel back into position. That’s it……admire your handiwork!
Hope this is of use to someone in the future
Input appreciated.
Preface:
This mod is based on an aftermarket boost gauge pod assembly for Volkswagen/Audi cars. I modified the origonal idea to create a universal gauge pod that retains the functionality of the HVAC vents. It’s made using a 2 1/16 inch AutoMeter angled trim ring.
Disclaimer:
Doing this mod is at your own risk. These instructions are for information purposes only. The use of these instructions and liability for any damages or unforseen circumstances is the responsibility of the user.
Parts Needed:
1. AutoMeter 2 1/16" angled trim ring (they come in packs of three) $10
2. Liquid Plastic Model Cement (for model airplanes....sold at WalMart and hobby stores) $5
3. 1x 5/8" outside diameter/ 1/2" inside diameter rubber grommet $1
Tools: Dremel with cutting wheel and sanding disc attachments.
Modification:
1. Remove the HVAC vent that surrounds the headlight switch.
2. Remove the vertical fins from the vent assembly.
3. Position the AutoMeter trim ring on top of the vent to mark where the ring needs to be notched. I used a pencil to mark the trim ring.
4. Notch the trim ring with a cutting wheel attachment on a Dremel tool. The center notches of the ring will need to be deeper than the outer notches. This will allow the ring to fit in horizontal vent fins taking into account the curvature of the vent itself. Start by making a short notch in each marked position, then slowly increase the depth of the center notches to ensure an even and tight fit. There are no exact dimensions to follow. Just work slowly until the ring fits into the vent as desired.
5. After completing the notching process, fit the modified AutoMeter trim ring over the vent. I measured that the ring should be centered with about 3/8” spacing on either side of the vent edges. Clamp the ring tightly to the vent with clamps and glue with liquid plastic model cement. It’s used to assemble model cars and airplanes. Itested other glues, but this seemed to work best. Epoxy didn’t give a strong bond; Superglue is also not advised as the fumes will craze the vent and the ring white after a few days (been there, done that.) Liquid plastic model cement literally melts the plastic edges in the ring where it contacts the vent fins and fuses them into one solid piece of plastic. It also dries clear.
6. This is what the comleted assembly should look like after the glue dries.
7. Using wire cutters, snip the vent slats that are inside the AutoMeter trim ring.
8. Using a Dremel and a sanding wheel (or sandpaper, file, etc), smooth the remaining edges of the vent fins inside the trim ring. The vent slats will need to be angled towards the outside of the vent to ensure that the gauge will fit into the vent properly.
9. Drill a hole into the side of the vent assembly to allow for running the desired gauge wiring. I drilled a 5/8” hole and then installed a rubber grommet to prevent the wiring from being chaffed. I got the grommet from Home Depot. The pic shows the grommet installed as well as another identical grommet still in the original packaging for illustration purposes.
10. Install your desired gauge. I have my H2O gauge in this location.
11. Wire the gauge and snap the vent panel back into position. That’s it……admire your handiwork!
Hope this is of use to someone in the future
Input appreciated. 
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04-15-2008, 07:18 AM
#10
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Join Date: Jun 2004
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Received 7 Likes
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Yep. When I did your car it was the "test-bed". I was able to do mine a lot faster, as I had the little details worked out. It also took me a couple months to find a replacement driver side A-pillar or I would have had residuel mounting holes from the old triple-pillar setup when I relocated the gauge to the vent.
Last edited by Schantin; 04-15-2008 at 11:28 AM.
