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Gauge install in center A/C vent area
I have gotten a few positive reviews on the SAFC and Wideband gauge install I did in my center A/C vent area. It was requested that I post a "how to" on it, so here it is. I wish I had more pictures other than the final product, but the instructions are pretty straight-forward. The end result looks factory if care is taken.
1) Cut the entire face of the A/C vent plate off except for the hazard light button switch and about a 1/4" lip around the whole thing. Make sure you do not cut out any mounting holes or brackets. If you wish to preserve other button switches, an SAFC and other gauge will not fit. However, you can still use 2 regular gauges.
2) Fiberglass over the entire face, and build up about 1/4" of fiberglass in the middle part that was cut out.
3) Perform a regular fiberglass finishing. For example, sand the fiberglass to get most of the high spots off. Then use a glazing putty (or Bondo if not available) and smooth over the fiberglass in thin layers, sanding between layers, until you have a smooth and perfect surface. Do not rush this step.
4) Trace the SAFC and Wideband gauge and cut out the holes.
5) Paint the plate. I used the same interior paint that I used on other parts of my car to assure uniformity. It was "satin black", which is in between gloss and flat.
6) Tape the SAFC and Wideband guage in the exact location / depth you want them to be mounted, and epoxy a piece of flat wood across the backs of them. DO NOT epoxy the wood to the gauges, only to the plate.
7) When the epoxy is dried, remove the SAFC and gauge and put double-stick tape on the wood you epoxied to the plate.
8) Stick the SAFC and gauge to the double-stick tape.
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