you could probably do the center hvac pod, i've seen a few audis with them. i'll look around to see if i can find pictures.

 

Anywhere you want. Be creative. Adapt a vent pod designed for an Audi A4, or something. Cut a hole in the airbag and put it in the center of your wheel.

(no, actually, don't do that.)

Anyway, try to keep in mind that gauges are only actually useful if they stay in your peripheral vision. That's why gauge pods are typically steering-column or A-pillar mounted.

 

I was actually thinking of attempting to fab something onto the left side of the cluster, in front of the cluster itself, just to the left of the clock...

 

I'm not familiar enough with the B5.5's cluster to know whether this would ever work.

Oh, and Central Jersey is a myth. Ask people who claim to be from there where it is, and they'll pretty much all tell you it starts a couple towns south of where they grew up, and ends a couple towns north. It's just a way to avoid saying "South Jersey". oke:

(I went to Monmouth University.)

 

Unfortunately, A pillar pods won't work with airbags in my B5.5......I had to opt for the "off center" steering column version. I've been toying with adapting my A/C vent just to the right of the drivers dash......

 

Unfortunately, A pillar pods won't work with airbags in my B5.5

Where do you think I have the gauge pod in my B5.5?

Deus is right that the airbag comes out from the seam (between the door frame and the A-pillar) closest to the driver, which pushes the pillar and pod towards the windshield. In fact, I'd argue that having the gauge there decreases the chance of the pillar cover becoming a projectile. Without it, the pillar cover just pops off and whacks you in the head. With it, the gauge is connected to a t-fitting and soe electrical connections ...which serve as tethers, keeping the pillar cover more-or-less in place.



How's that for logic? BTW, my dealership did the install. They had no problems with it at all.

 

I seem to recall that the airbags in the newer cars are not the problem some people say they are, because the airbag deploys from the rear of the A-pillar, thus pushing the gauge pod into the windshield. The only problem would be routing the wiring/tubing.

 

I don't play near airbags, or near where they could turn something into a projectile.

Love the A pillar look though....I love when the material is match perfect to the headliner

 

Everything is a projectile in a highway crash.

 

How about in the visor???

 

Guage would be too deep...unless you had a digital readout of some kind

 

Where might I get my hands on a cheap A-pillar pod (to cut up)?

I have an AWE/Omori Boost guage, but I'd rather sell the MK4 steering column pod, instead of hacking that up.

 

You'll never get a good settlement from the at-fault driver with that kind of attitude.

 

put it in the AC vent

 

put in cubby under radio.

 

Your DEALER installed the gauges? I couldn't even get my dealer to install parts I brought in for them except for one time, and that time they did it wrong.

 

Yes, the VW dealership from which I purchased both of my B5.5's installed my bost gauge and a-pillar column pod. Did I mention that they also flashed my ECU with GIAC software? And installed the 710N DV?

They also sell/install/service H&R and Eibach suspension components. And some limited exhaust upgrades (not so much for Passats, but Jetta and GTI). They do wheel/tire packages, too. And brake upgrades.

Honestly, I haven't been there in a while (I moved), but they had a display case with brake calipers and pads, short shifters, pedal sets, DVs, etc. and they offered all of them with on-site installation and service.

There's a very good reason that I really like this dealership and wouldn't hesitate to do business there again.

 

Do not put it in the A-Pillar the air bag will turn it in to a projectile. Having had my side air bags go off and looking at the car after, I know if mine was there it would have hit me in the face.

I modded a MK5 AWE gauge to go in my drivers left vent and I love it. Color matches and the vent sill works. I would recommend the same for you.

HTH - Randy

 

If you think the gauge would have hit you in the face, so would the pillar cover WITHOUT the gauges.

 

i saw one that looked pretty good.

 

What mount is this? The car is Non-USA whatever it is (notice the clock is 24 HR, spedometer is KM/hr and the temp. in the display is Celcius).

 

That's not a Passat is it?

 

That's not a car is it? :biglaugh:

 

Omori gauges look best on the column. Just off-set them a little to see the MFA.

 

That looks real good. Do you have any more information?

 

My Glowhift gauges are a slightly better match IMO and much less expensive but the Omoris are sweet.

 

x2, I was surprised that the best color match is on the cheapest gauges, plus you can put it on BMW or Audi color schemes too, or purple...

The A-pillar pod looks good if done right IMO... I went with it because I got a good deal on one and I'm going to do a custom headliner so the pod will get wrapped with it.

 

Originally I was going the a-pillar route but was disapointed with the fit of the pod. All I did was mount the gauges in the black C-brackets and adhere them to the column with a thin strip of black RTV. The wiring discretely hides under the column trim. After 3 years they only require a yearly dusting off.

 

Which pod did you use? I got mine from 42draft designs and it fits fine.

 

At the time nobody was making a B5.5 pod so I picked up the autometer one for the 98-00 cars. It eventually went on a another Passat. But I was happy with the final result.

 

Well that would explain it. Just so you know the ones that are made for the rounded pillars fit quite nicely. :thumbup:

 

im happy with mine.

 

Looks just like mine ^, except my boost guage is glowing blue...and I don't have an EPC light on :biglaugh: ...... might want to scan that and see if it's your crankshaft sensor....it was on mine.

:thumbup:

 

thanks but it cuz my car isnt on. just turned it to the battery so i can light it up

 

this is from...rollininstyle2004
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=238146

Really like how he installed it there. Stockish, not too ricey (imo).

 

this is what i also did with my gauges except i used Plexiglass :thumbup:

i will post a pic later if i remember

 

Yeah, the gauges in the radio panel look nice, but they're totally useless to the driver. No way in hell can you see those gauges with any clarity without taking your eyes dangerously far away from the road. There's a reason why people who actually use the gauges on their cars hate it when car companies put the gauge cluster in the center of the dash.

 

I was going to put minein the pillar so they'd be more visible but when I did I had 2 problems.
1) reduced visibility
2) distracting
so I ended up putting them in a 42Draft Designs brushed aluminum single din gauge pod.