Yeah, hmmm.

My other idea was to make a custom bracket that positioned a gauge either side of the steering column, and then one down next to the brake fail light as teeg suggested. That way they would not cover any existing gauges (reliable or otherwise), and be as in-your-face as possible.

The advantage of this is that I would mount an LED in the rear of each gauge cup to shine onto the dashboard, illuminating it at night. The factory lighting stopped working a while ago, by the look of it. Also means I don't have to cut into the centre console, although let's face it, my car isn't going for originality awards.

Thanks for all the ideas and any advice or more pics of peoples setups are appreciated to help make a decision!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Timmeh
Sean, did you remove the ashtray and then use a holesaw to cut into the facia, or how did you get them in there?

---

I did the same thing as Kizza, minus the PVC pipe sections. I was lucky enough to find a piece of metal which had a black textured coating which is a very close match to the texture of the existing plastic surround.

Thinking similar to this (michaelj0), with one on each side, albeit in black cups and the wiring hidden.

Probably not as neat as Sean's (and others) though.

quote:

---

Originally posted by teeg

I only have an aftermarket oil pressure gauge, but I have attached this hanging from the bottom of the dash on the right hand side just next to the brake fail lights. Not sure if you would squeeze 3 in there though.

---

I put my brake fail light on top of steering column shroud, then put 2 gauges where the brake fail was. Works well, could put 3 there I think.

I bought a mk1 4dr ages ago which had the heater slide panel moved to the left about 150mm & had 2x 52mm aux gauges in the newly created area...neat too !

You don't want a radio in an Escort - fit 3 / 50mm gauges there

Cheers

ive got a tacho and a temp guage in the center console,

underneath the radio, behind the shifter, if that makes sense.

Just a thought!

If as you say "you don't trust the stock gauges in the slightest" then why not remove the original stock instrument cluster and store away, and make a new instrument cluster, one which you will trust and the gauges will sit in prime location, where they should be. I am pretty sure you can buy fibreglass blank moulds and build from there. and you don't have to cut up the console or drill holes etc.

Yeah, thanks Muzza. I have considered doing that, totally! I was going to do this when I do a full bare metal build on an Escort with all my own custom wiring.

I have decided to just stick them in the same holes that the gauges were already in on the passenger side dash, because the reality is that they are still pretty close to me, easy to see, the holes are already there, and I can easily change my mind later and move them somewhere else and put the RS trim piece over the holes.

If I can't stand it, Sean's setup is the next step I think, or a total custom dash.