Been working on getting my UG cleanly mounted into the dash of my '04. I could have just put it in the ash tray location, but it would have to be angled up more than I wanted (esthetically speaking). So heres what I have so far. I have an aftermarket radio going in, so the disco clock is redundant. But the central locking switch is still in the way...
(sorry for the sh tty quality pics. iPhone wont focus properly)




Why the offset to the right? Heres why


The filler plate is just a pressure fit so I can still get to the screws to secure the bezel


The UG is mounted on a pivot ball so I can adjust the viewing angle. The gap on the left allows it to angle towards the driver. It will probably just stay in the same position but I like adjustability.


Now to the other side... Heres what I did with the locking switch

Cut the part that the switch clips into from the clock and shaved the top layer off


In-progress pic of the switch carrier with the top shaved down. Smoothed it out with 80 grit so the new top will sit flush


Glued in


And in its new home
The lock switch is slightly taller than the others but I think once in the car it will be less noticeable. The clock and lock switch have slightly tighter gaps with the bezel and you can see that translated here with the lock switch sitting how it would have when it was in the factory location. I may re-do it to open up the gap on the right and tighten up the gap next to the other switches to make it look a little more "factory"

 

Looks good so far. Are you leaving enough cord to pop it off and get to the buttons on the back? I've always liked the look of the ultragauge installed in the dash, but I use the buttons on the back to often, and I thought it would be a pain to take on and off.

A touch screen ultragauge would be great. Something like this but at the ultragauge price. New Edge Insight cts Mmonitor Gauge Touch Screen 1996 OBDII Edge 83830 | eBay

 

If you can put some shims behind where the buttons reside, enough to where they are just a tad bit from touching, then you can push on the ultra gauge and it activate the buttons. It will look and act like a touch screen. Same effect if you just mount the ultra gauge with some velcro.

 

Good idea

 

Thanks, and yes there should be enough cord left to be able to pop it off.

That is a really good idea Ill be looking into that!

 

+1.

If you epoxied that textured back plate at the correct angle, then make it more solid than it currently looks, you could Velcro mount to that. Then, pressing on face of Gauge would activate buttons.

 

This is a cool idea.

 

Awesome idea!! What is the piece that is mounting the UG from behind??

 

I hate my iphone pictures too. I also have an extra dash in my closet to put a double din radio in, yours looks good! If you find a good paint that matches the stock black could you PM me what paint you used.


Thanks.

 

Not sure I would sacrifice the clock for an Ultragauge.
but nice job!

I was content to wait for Check Engine light.
If the temps rise, the AUX fan will come on and you can hear it.
Then I connect the scanner.