proflatlander15 Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 I have had quite a bit of time on my hands recently, and decided to make a cubby pod for my two Prosport gauges. I did some research on other cubby pod designs, and arrived at the configuration shown. I am putting this up because I know a lot of people like the cubby pod, but they are expensive for what you get. I did this for free with some basic tools and some scrap plastic I have laying around. It was an easy project, and took me about 4 hours total, taking my time. Enjoy! I first drew up a sketch of what I wanted this to look like. I used SolidWorks 2009 for the modelling. Like I said, I have had a lot of time on my hands recently. http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1596/0cadgaugeassembly.jpg I started with the base bracket, where the gauge bracket face would be anchored to. I used a blow torch to heat up the plastic and make the 90 degree bend, and then drilled a hole where the screw would go into. Tools used: table saw, hack saw, soldering gun with plastic cutting attachment, and drill. http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/6439/19881071.jpg Here you can see how the anchor fits in. It screws into the back of the cubby computer or whatever it's called. You can also see how I was impatient and destroyed the plastic where I bent it. No worries, it's behind the dash. http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8448/57012591.jpg Next, I started on the face plate. I started with a large piece (~8" x 5") of .125" black plastic I had laying around. Very easy to cut and work with. In the background you can see another face plate I made that I was unhappy with earlier. http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9725/84866334.jpg Next I cut out the basic contour and the two holes. I left everything slightly bigger so I could trim for better fitment later on. I drilled the holes in the center of the piece first, and located all my dimensions off them. This way I ensured there would be enough space for the two gauges. Tools used: hack saw, 2 1/8" hole saw/drill. It was a little big for the gauges but they end up fitting fine later on. http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4880/80132246.jpg Testing fitment. I trimmed using a hack saw and file. I recommend trimming the tabs on the left and right first, then the top. Finally, I brought the bottom in to spec with a table saw. I kept the clear bracket I made earlier in place to ensure proper fitment. While you are trimming, make sure to continuously open and close the door between changes to make sure there is clearance. http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6232/32201528.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 Once I got the face plate fit the way I liked, I test fitted the gauges to make sure the door still closed, and then JB Welded the two plastic pieces together (the bracket and face plate). http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4176/78974361.jpg While the JB Weld was curing, I decided to over-engineer the project as usual, and place gussets between the two pieces for strength. More JB Weld! Note: I kept the cubby pod installed for the past few steps to ensure that the pieces did not move and stayed in the correct position. The finished product is fully removable with no permanent damage to the cubby. http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1160/41204302.jpg After the JB Weld set, I removed the pod for painting. http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4590/37721321.jpg After painting. I deburred the edges and holes prior to painting. Also, I masked the front face to maintain the flat black look. http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/1290/17676172.jpg Gauges installed. Looks like my CAD drawing a little! I added a small bead of acrylic cement on the front seam to further strengthen the joint as well. http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/9725/34447847.jpg Installed in the cubby. To do this, I removed the cubby computer, and just slid the pod vertically up into the cubby. Then I reinstalled the computer and replaced the screws. There are a few small gaps, but nothing I can't deal with. Especially since this was not 'precision machined.' http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2329/26372765.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSiWRX Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 Very nice!!! <-- I love Winky, my "periwinkle" (ABP) LGT! - Allen / Usual Suspect "DumboRAT" / One of the Three Stooges '16 Outback, '16 WRX, 7th Subaru Family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 Just to prove the door closes. No grinding, rubbing, or bending! http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9119/39277899.jpg The back of the unit. You can see how everything came together here. Overall, I am very happy with the outcome of this project. It was pretty simple, and I hope other can use this to make their own cubby pods! http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7936/52886291.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catalyst Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Awesome! That looks really nice! Thinking about doing the same setup.. "This is an adventure." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted August 11, 2010 Author Share Posted August 11, 2010 Thanks guys. Catalyst it was wicked easy and is very sturdy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catalyst Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Yea, I just dont have any plastic laying around. I guess home depot here I come! "This is an adventure." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted August 11, 2010 Author Share Posted August 11, 2010 You can get a small sheet of acrylic at Home Depot for under $15. I think the thickest they carry is .093", which will work fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mclarenf3 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 If I didn't have my GPS mounted there, I'd be doing this. Great walk-through and very nice work too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted August 24, 2010 Author Share Posted August 24, 2010 Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.blackgt. Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 Is it possible to fit 2 60mm gauges within the cubby? It looks tight with 2 52mm. I could always measure, but I'm too lazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share Posted June 27, 2011 I don't know about 60mm gauges. I barely fit the 52mm ones in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnguyenbb6 Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 I just have 2 52mm gauges shoved into the cubby with the back of the cubby cut out accordingly for the wiring. 60mm probably will not work unless you find a way to mount the gauge so that the outerring sits underneath and above(through on both sides) of where the original cubby is(if that makes sense). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumsheck Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 are there any companies that sell a product like this? I don't know if I have the skills to pull this off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lieutenantcolumbo Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 are there any companies that sell a product like this? I don't know if I have the skills to pull this off Yes, there are: http://jcspods.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumsheck Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 flatlander, how do the gauges secure to the back of the face plate? I am considering this project, just not seeing that part of the process clearly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleeper8406 Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 nice work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibumsheck Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 thanks columbo, i ordered 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lieutenantcolumbo Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 flatlander, how do the gauges secure to the back of the face plate? I am considering this project, just not seeing that part of the process clearly Gauges slide in from the front, a bracket normally bolts on to the back to hold them in. thanks columbo, i ordered 1 Your welcome. JCS has pretty good instructions, you should have no problems w/ the install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted July 25, 2011 Author Share Posted July 25, 2011 ^^ What he said. When you get the gauges it will be obvious. In my last picture you see the two brass-colored brackets wrap around the back of the gauges and bolt to the backs of them. This sandwiches the face of the gauge to the faceplate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proflatlander15 Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Per poplular demand, here is an update with ROUGH dimensions of the face plate. I had to do some trimming. I recommend starting a little bigger and trimming. http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/6715/faceplatedims.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmon4200 Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Great write up. Im interested in doing this myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoojammyflip Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Nice job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunkyMonkey Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 I did the same deal in SolidWorks but took exact dimensions from someone elses JCSPOD.. in process of 3D printing now. I made it a little thicker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunkyMonkey Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 My drawing for more exact part just FYI incorrect hole dimensions. 52 mm = 2.046875 in.. for those who are 3d printing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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