How-To: Install A-pillar Gauge Pod w/o Using Stock Cover - SRT Forums

Corners · 04-22-2007, 09:21 AM

How to Install Dual/Triple A-pillar Gauge Pod w/o Using or Damaging Stock Cover

Like many of you, I ordered a solid piece dual gauge pod A-pillar cover. I did not want to damage the stock cover incase some day I wanted to return it back to stock. I ordered my dual A-pillar cover from modernperformce.com. Here?s how I mounted mine.

First, I completely removed the stock A-pillar cover and put the new one in place. The fit is ok, but there is a gap where the A-pillar cover meets the dash.

Also, the new cover does not have any mounting clips like the stock one, and is supposed to be drilled/glued to the stock piece with holes in the stock cover to run wires in, thus destroying the stock cover. I did not want to do this, so I decided to fabricate and glue in my own mounting pieces.

I went to my local hobby store and found some 0.040" sheets of plastic, which is the same thickness as the stock A-pillar cover's mounting clip holder. I also bought some epoxy plastic welder. If you buy a different type of glue, make sure it will stick to the plastic.

Looking at the new A-pillar cover, you'll notice the lack of tabs at the bottom. This is the reason for the gap in the dash.

Next, I placed the new pillar cover around the stock cover and marked the location of the top mounting bracket and bottom tab.

Now for the mounting bracket. To get the correct curve on the inside of the new A-pillar cover, I used silly putty to make a crude mold.

Then, I put the silly putty mold on the plastic, traced around it, and cut it out.

Then, I measured the depth of the stock piece, taking into account the thickness of the outside plastic, then glued the piece in the new A-pillar cover with 4 angles for added strength (be sure the angles won't interfere with the metal mounting clip). Be sure to rough up the plastic with some sand paper before gluing. Here's what I wound up with. I used lots of glue.

Now, for the tab, I cut little pieces of plastic to stand the new tab off away from the new A-pillar cover. The greater the standoff, the smaller the gap is in the dash. Again, rough up all pieces with sand paper before gluing. I again used lots of glue.

Lastly, I went to the dealer and bought a new metal mounting clip, pushed it on, and mounted it up. Here's what the gap in the dash looks like now.

My stock A-pillar cover remains untouched, and the new dual gauge pod A-pillar cover isn't taped together or have black mounting push pins installed in it. As for the strength of the new fabricated mounting bracket, it appears to be pretty strong, but I am careful about removing it from the car. Everything is holding up well.

175srt05 · 04-22-2007, 01:39 PM

Nice write up.

hardcore · 04-30-2007, 10:12 PM

pretty ingenious man, nice work.

perfectcircle · 04-30-2007, 10:21 PM

Wow man I need to do this bad...I also didnt want to damage my stock piece either, so I just used double sided tape. Works but I still have that gap nice job man

04bluesmithjuice · 05-02-2007, 07:53 AM

Just for future reference as well, the stock pillar is only about 20-30 dollars depending on dealership and such. I am sure Jimmy can get ones for cheap as well.

Good write up man nontheless.

westrock · 05-03-2007, 07:21 PM

Or you could go to a junk yard and grab one from ANY newer model Neon correct? Probably like $10?

Good work none the less

Pimpazzberetta · 05-09-2007, 08:52 AM

I thought about doing this with fiberglass and resin, but my gauge pod came with a free spare pillar so I didn't bother. Very good work though. Let us know how it holds up.