Gauges April 06, 2010, 09:07:44 PM So I recently bought one of these guys because the instrumentation on the digital dash in the 83-84 models is so sparse. http://tinyurl.com/ycwlcw9But uhhh...I'm not sure where to put it! I don't want to block any of the stock instrumentation, and I don't want to have to remove anything, like the cigarette lighter panel. If worst comes to worst, that may be where it's going. I was also thinking on the left side over the vent. There's just enough room to see the gas gauge, but it covers the vent and some idiot lights.Ideas? Pics of yours? Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #1 – April 06, 2010, 10:39:58 PM Since it looks like you need a new dash pad ... why not put it on the dash above the steering wheel? Rotate the gauges so the rounded edge of the pod is on top, build a cover for the backside, or get a dash pad and cover it that way. Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #2 – April 07, 2010, 11:07:15 AM Move the cig lighter and mount the individual gauges into that area. Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #3 – April 07, 2010, 11:27:48 AM In the glove box or console, or A-pillar mounts. Those are going to be your cleanest options.The 1983-84 dashes really don't allow for a whole lot of customization. I've seen people do a lot of things with gauges, but those dashes are just not very accommodating.See here for some examples:http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/gauges.htmlI would recommend against mounting anything on your passenger side dash panel. The woodgrain panels are rare as they are, much less from an Elan. Hate to see a panel trashed for gauges that may be removed later on.BTW, you can get a dash cap to fix your cracking problem. Easy to install on your car.You have a very nice radio panel, heater panel, lighter panel, the rare upper-end door panels, the velour seats, and the woodgrain one-year-only dash panels. VERY uncommon stuff nowadays. Please treat them well and don't put screws where they don't need to be. Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #4 – April 07, 2010, 02:08:37 PM Make a custom house out of some wood/fiberglass and put it where the coin catch is (right where a floor shifter should go). Like an 60s camaro. Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #5 – April 07, 2010, 03:02:37 PM Hmmm...choices choices. I like the console idea, I'll have to see how that fits. Don't worry Eric, the dash panel is safe with me. You wouldn't mind if I take out the premium sound stuff, would ya What do you mean by the upper end door panels? Those panels aren't standard? Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #6 – April 07, 2010, 03:11:15 PM Quote from: dragon574444;317377What do you mean by the upper end door panels? Those panels aren't standard?Those are the fancy ones :D Quote Selected
Gauges Reply #7 – April 07, 2010, 03:37:00 PM Yes, what you have are the luxury style (uplevel) door panels. The Thunderbird Elan model was equivalent to a Cougar LS. Here is your interior in your Academy Blue for a 1984 Cougar LS:Here is a standard/base panel, in Academy Blue, from a 1983 Cougar GS (base):...and from a 1984 Cougar base (GS) in Charcoal:I don't blame you for removing the Premium Sound system. Sometimes it's better to run your own wires and bypass the factory stuff.Anyway, although you're limited you do have some gauge placement choices now. I do like the console idea also. Quote Selected
Topic: Gauges (Read 989 times)
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