Custom Single Cubby Gauge AND DIY LED Dimmer

[JeepGuy25]

Hey all! First tech thread over here. I wanted to install a boost gauge. Cubby was my first choice because Im trying to keep my interior as quiet as possible. I really like how it is stock, so decided to try to be stealth haha.

 

 

I had all the materials, so I decided to make my own gauge holder. I knew Ide have to cut up the cubby some, but I found a VERY clean complete cubby on ebay for $60 shipped. So I snagged that, and decided to "hack" away haha.

 

Pics pretty much tell the story, but Ill add info where needed. I used a 20psi Autometer Sport Comp II gauge.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130409_012_zps6913c245.jpg

 

Cut, bent, and alumawelded the corner where I scored the alum so it bent clean.

 

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130411_012_zpse12d82fa.jpg

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130411_021_zps6997e1f3.jpg

 

Decided to screw the gauge to the cubby vs. use sticky tape.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130416_008_zps1eb2d63a.jpg

 

The gauge was SUPER bright hooked straight to illumation.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130415_007_zpsb741d53d.jpg

 

I saw no need for the cubby light, so I took it apart. Looks like this. After reading the bulb sticky, it seems its the same board as in the glove box FYI.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130416_012_zpsa8821f92.jpg

 

I desoldered the stock resistor, which dropped power down too low for the gauge. And I soldered in a trim pot ($2), along with some power wires. Using the existing holes and circuit layout.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130416_017_zpsf83a6fe5.jpg

 

Did a little trimming to the light housing, since the new cubby I got came with a new light, and viola. Plug and play with the cubby light wires, and adjustable. Tho I dont plan to fiddle with it much. Its set, and taped up now. Pics of it dimmed are later (to avoid posting the same thing twice)

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130416_025_zpsf86032a3.jpg

 

Finished product ready for the car.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130416_030_zpsd1f81ff1.jpg

 

Installed. I trimmed the cubby mat to fit. Door closes fine. Easy to see.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130418_014_zpse2c3f2d1.jpg

 

Crappy pic showing just about how much space is left. Altoids is all Ive been keeping in there anyway haha.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130418_022_zpsb8f384e5.jpg

 

And a night shot. I turned it down and its pretty close to everything else in person. And if I dim the rest of the dash, its not anywhere near annoying or obnoxious. I kind of wish it switched from full bright to dimmed, but I didnt want to bother since I had the cubby ILL harness right there to use.

 

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jeepguy25/Subaru/Cubby%20Pod/WP_20130417_013_zps2735ae7b.jpg

 

My hose connection is tee'd off the recirc valve, comes through the fender grommet and into the car. No need to show that.

 

I love the gauge. It looks great. I have some concerns about how its working...or about what my car is doing haha. Ill be making an appropriate thread asking for help on that. I just wanted to post whore for a bit.

 

Quick video of it in action.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP4jQb6P7ks]2005 Legacy GT, Boost Gauge 10 - YouTube[/ame]

 

Any questions/comments? I probably made this project way more compliated haha.

 

J.