r0tor

iTrader: (1)

^^^^ ???

derwankel

The pictures in the first post are what the final product looks like.

derwankel

OK ... so here is where the gauge pod is at. I did show the prototype at the Dragon event and those that saw it seemed to approve

I have one last mold to make and then those will be done. I am also experimenting with two different materials for making the pods. Since they sit in direct sunlight and are black they need to be able to take the heat and they need to be UV stable. Both materials are "new" to me and so I am experimenting with them a bit before I decide on which to go with for the final product.

In addition, I'm also finishing up the hard template I will use to make the cuts in the dash. This has to be VERY precise given the compound curvature of the dash piece.

I have arranged for special pricing on AutoMeter Gauges so I should be able to offer a "bundle" if folks are interested. Of course, the pod will be available separately as well. The gauges that will be offered are either the Sport Comp II or the Nexus. You can see them here:

http://www.autometer.com

I am undecided as to whether to offer one, the other or both. Folks have told me that too many choices is not good. I am starting to listen. The Sport Comp IIs are significantly less expensive and with far fewer features. The Nexus are state-of-the-art with push-button color changing to match the red and white OEM gauges, as well as software to interface to a computer for recording historical data for tuning, etc. I am leaning towards the Nexus line only.

Last, I have been approached by vIce^gRip to put together a Group Buy here for for my puddle lamps and Rear Rotary Lamp. As I agreed to this some time ago I intend to honor that commitment, and filling those orders will take precedence. I actually need the funds to finance the gauge pod production anyway.

I can't/won't talk price here ... I am not a vendor. However, that info is available elsewhere, if you know where to look.

Since I need to finish the last mold, finish the hard template, finish experimenting with the materials, get this group buy done, order new dash pieces to start production, etc. ... it will be next month before these will be in the sales "channel".

One thing that would help would be to hear your feedback regarding the gauges.

Sorry I can't say more, but I'm somewhat restricted by the forum rules here. Like I said, I'm not a vendor here. I'm just trying to keep folks that have expressed interest in my hobby informed of my progress. Suffice it to say the pods are almost here.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Like Nike says....Just Do it

and we will find it on the "darkside"

redcivic

nexus guages are great, you can't go wrong. I think most of us can afford the price difference.

chr1s

Derwankel, can you PM me the ballpark price for just the pod? You don't allow PM's. [edit] nevermind i found the price, put me on the list for the first batch!!!!!![/edit]

I like these defi "pitstop" gauges. found them for a good price on ebay.

salituro64

Is anyone making a gauge pod that doesn't require removing the NAV? Although I use it infrequently, I don't want to remove something that cost me 2K.

L8APEX

consider me a customer now, well, once it can be purchased anyway. This is the type of solution I have been looking for. Thanks Derwankel.

dgrx8

i'm down... i've been waiting to get gauges b/c of a lack of pods out there... the renesis should defenitely be carefuly monitored at all times... i can't wait to get gauges in my 8...

Spin9k

My 2c is that the Nexus' guages look awesome-have great features, but the price for 3 is awesome a well, unfortunately. Perhaps your $ will be better than retail?? The SC2 are ok too, and w/2-6x $ factor relative to the Nexus, I think both options would be helpful to many and should be offered.

evilmiata

I hope these gauge pods come out soon, but I'm really disappointed with my Nexus gauges. I'd them about 4 months (EGT, Water temp, Oil Temp) and now they 'freeze' when the motor is started. I have to disconnect the power (the remote turn-on won't help at this point) every time I start the car (I installed tube fuses with twist-on casings so its easy to quickly pull them apart). Also, my oil temp gauge doesn't work. I can hear the stepper motor whirring away, but the needle doesn't budge and the face won't light up. I'm really pissed, since we all know they weren't cheap.
When they work they're great. The white and red match the stock colors perfectly (the blue LEDs above the cluster do cast a color shift when they're on, though) and the needles have a very accurate and smooth motion.
I'm going to try a couple of cheap LED gauges off of Ebay that can switch through seven colors, as well. They won't have the replay, warning, or peak features like the nexus, but $28 for a gauge sure beats $200.

Razz1

I prefer the Autometer gauges.

Very interested, put me on your list.

After tackling installing a 6 player CD in dash, I can handle this install.

habinero

Can someone point me to where I can see how much he is selling these for? I am a noob. Thanks.

moRotorMotor

I don't think any prices have been mentioned so far. It's not allowed, and he's not done yet.

L8APEX

two words.....dark side.

habinero

dark side? I am still confused. lol. Help!

moRotorMotor

Darke side, a.k.a RX8web. The two forums don't mingle very well.

YaRiX8

I definately interested...next group buy I am in

Is there any problem because I live outside USA (for the group buy stuff)?

gerry76

Quote.Also i'm interested to the group buy.

chr1s

Did you see the link I posted to the pitstop gauges? 150 for 3 and they're electrical with all included sender hardware. If you try them out, let me know how they work, cause right now I'm looking at the blue racer gauges, but like you said, 28 bucks for 1 gauge sure beats 200.

Paul_in_DC

I've been looking at gauges lately, and plan to get the basic three before next track season (water temp, oil temp, oil pressure). For me, the important factor for the most critical gauge (oil temp) is that it has enough detail to give accurate feedback. To achieve that, it needs to be a full sweep (270 deg) instead of a short sweep (90 deg). Also, I'd prefer electric versus mechanical, though they're more expensive.

Auto Meter has several options. The Nexus line is the best of course, but at $200+ per gauge, they're bastard expensive. I lean towards the Sport Comp II, which are $60-70 (short sweep electric) to $130 (full sweep electric) from IndyAutoParts.

Stewart Warner is another decent one. Their prices range from $45 to $70 (full sweep mechanical) from RacerPartsWholesale.

IMO, Defi are more expensive than they're worth.

Below are examples of short-sweep versus full sweep oil temp gauges...

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

Der,
May want to consider the Pro Comps by Auto Meter(liquid filled)
The night lights on the pro comps are MUCH better and they are only a few dollars more--well worth it. I use mechanical imo they give better readings. Make sure the kit has the appropiate adapters for all the fittings you have to order that separately. On either one i will give you a little hint. Just install the red lens cover on the interior light of the gauge--wire the gauge to the ash tray light(not the cigarette lighter) and then the gauges will have the dimming affect like the dash lights do. The red color matches the stock gauges prefectly.
I repeat the pro comp liquid filled auto gauge ones show the lights 3 x as well as the sport comps. Besides the liquid looks cool!
tell people that the center pod gets very hot in the sun and to use a sun shade.
one day i will get a center pod for my big ones!
olddragger

mikeschaefer

One question I have is for the group buy are we going to have to buy 3 gauges? I want to install the innovate afr gauge in one of the spots.

old dragger I wouldn't mind a mechanical boost gauge but I don't like the idea of running hot oil into my cabin :P

evilmiata

Yeah, I saw those gauges, too. here are the 7-color gauges I have in mind. I figure it will take me just as long to change the color on each gauge as it will to pull the Nexus remote out of the center console.

I should note that I didn't pay retail for my Nexus and took several months to ****** up the 3 gauges at good prices.

Not affiliated with any of these companies. Just a pissed-off Nexus consumer.

chr1s

hmmm those 7 color gauges seem pretty nice. I might just buy one now to check the quality and then determine whether I'll buy more. I can **** away 30 bucks....