Scangauge installation

[Teezer]

I recently acquired a Scangauge II. After reviewing as many posts on Scangauge installation as I could find, I decided that it looks pretty good when installed on the little flop-down door that covers the little (spare CD?) pocket just below the factory radio/CD player in my RTS.

My concern is the wiring. I don't have another vehicle that I would use the Scangauge in, so I'd like to run the wiring under the dash and come into the back of the dash pocket with the connector. Using the center connector in the back of the Scangauge would result in a clean, no-wire-visible installation.

Of course, I'd have to drill an access hole in the back of the pocket, and that will probably necessitate removing (or at least pulling out) that section of the dash fascia.

Anyone done this (disassemble/reassemble the center column of the dash)?

[Chuck]

I originally had my Scangauge mounted in the location you are planning to install yours. I had two problems with this location, glare would make it almost useless, and its not a "natural" area for you to glance at while driving. I ended up making a couple thin metal brackets that tuck under the dome light/homelink assembly and used velcro to attach the gauge to the brackets. I did need to extend the RJ45 cable to reach, just used a simple pass through connector and a 6' cable to do this.

[larryr]

I put mine in the "not an ashtray"

I drilled a 1 inch hole in the "not an ashtray" and qty 3 1 inch holes behind it
in the dash so the wire can move when opening and closing the "not an ashtray" ( since it tips ).

the kick panel beside the accelerator comes off and I snakes the cable thru that way. Took longer to clean up the mess ( from the drilling ) than to install the scangage II.

[djeaux]

That's a nice, creative (and I assume inexpensive) solution, Chuck! It looks nice & puts the guage in perzactly the right place!

[Raplon]

Originally Posted by Chuck

I originally had my Scangauge mounted in the location you are planning to install yours. I had two problems with this location, glare would make it almost useless, and its not a "natural" area for you to glance at while driving. I ended up making a couple thin metal brackets that tuck under the dome light/homelink assembly and used velcro to attach the gauge to the brackets. I did need to extend the RJ45 cable to reach, just used a simple pass through connector and a 6' cable to do this.

There is a kit available for a similar installation. Did it inspire you or you came up with this installation on your own?

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by djeaux

That's a nice, creative (and I assume inexpensive) solution, Chuck! It looks nice & puts the guage in perzactly the right place!

Thank you sir! My thoughts exactly!

Originally Posted by Raplon

There is a kit available for a similar installation. Did it inspire you or you came up with this installation on your own?

Silly Raplon...Kits are for kids! Yeah, now that you mention it, I do remember someone posting pics of a bracket that clamped on to the mirror. I guess I was inspired by the mounting location more than the mounting method, I tend to improvise as needed to obtain the desired result.

[smroycro]

Putting the scanguage above the rear view mirror does make for a clean install and solves the glare problem.

I elected to go for a location which is not as clean, the left corner of the dash. I found this location ideal as all the wiring stays tucked behind the dash (and the installation is very easy) and I am able to glance at the guage when I want to see the numbers. Because it is in my peripheral vision, it doesn't stand out when driving (which is a good thing at night).

At first I was worried about it rattling, but that turned out not to be a problem once I plugged the wire into the back and tucked along the space between the windshield and the dash.

I enjoy having this tool available and I'm sure you will too!

[Teezer]

Chuck and larryr,

Thanks for the suggestions (and the pics), but I'm still looking for some ideas about how to remove and replace the center section.

You'd have to do that to replace the stock CD changer, right? Perhaps a link to a thread where someone has posted some pics about doing that?

[larryr]

download the mp3 install instructions from H and A as it shows how to remove the tray below the radio to install the overpriced mp3 player.

[Teezer]

Originally Posted by larryr

download the mp3 install instructions from H and A as it shows how to remove the tray below the radio to install the overpriced mp3 player.

Perfect! That's exactly what I needed. Thanks, Larry!