Nugget
9th May 2003, 07:15 PM
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_00.jpg
The first step with AutoSpeed's Project EXA was to make a gauge pod to house a boost gauge. I'd already bought a large white-faced pressure gauge from a second hand machinery warehouse for A$20, now I needed to mount it in the car. After holding it at a number of locations around the cabin, I decided that an A-pillar mount would be the go.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_02lo.jpg
The next step was to find a piece of PVC plastic pipe close in internal diameter to the gauge's outside diameter. In fact the piece of pipe selected was just a little undersize but that doesn't matter. An offcut of PVC pipe from a hardware store will cost nearly nothing - even buying a full metre of pipe is still dirt cheap. Yes I know this isn't the boost gauge, but I cheated by doing some of these photos afterwards - now you know!
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_03lo.jpg
Cut off a generous length of pipe using a hacksaw. If you rotate the pipe frequently as you cut it you'll find it easier to get the ends of the pipe square. If they are crooked, holding the pipe vertically and rubbing it in a circular motion on rough concrete will square up the end.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_04lo.jpg
Because the pipe was a little undersize for the gauge, the end of the pipe was carefully warmed with a heat gun to soften it. Don't cook the pipe and don't make it so hot that it sags - it's about right when the pipe flexes when you poke it with a finger but still moves back into its original shape.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_05lo.jpg
When the pipe is hot and soft, it can be easily flared if a larger diameter object is pushed into it. The widened mouth can have parallel sides or a taper (as here), depending on what shape the gauge is that you're going to insert.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_06lo.jpg
When the pipe has been expanded so that the gauge is a neat push fit, use fine sandpaper to smooth the end around the gauge. Wet and dry will give the best finish. Decide then how far you want the gauge to protrude from the pillar and cut the other end of the pipe to length.
Use the heat gun to soften the end of the pipe opposite to that of the gauge. Make sure that the last 4-5 cm of the pipe is softened. You may need to temporarily insert a piece of steel pipe or something similar into the 'gauge' end so that it doesn't lose its shape.
Using protective gloves, mould the hot soft plastic of the pipe around the shape of the A-pillar. This may take several goes to get right, but re-heating the pipe will let you try again if the first attempt doesn't work. You can protect the plastic of the A-pillar with masking tape if you are concerned that the hot plastic will mark it.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_07lo.jpg http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_08lo.jpg
The gauge pod can then be spray painted and held in place with multiple self-tapping screws inserted from inside the A-pillar moulding. A hole drilled through the moulding and through one wall of the pipe can be used to carry wires and the sensing tube to the gauge. Note that if you park the car in the direct sun and you live in a climate where there are 45 degree Celsius days, the mount may droop a little if you make it too long!
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_09lo.jpg
Part One (http://www.nissanexa.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2508)
Part Three (http://www.nissanexa.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=21136#post21136)
The first step with AutoSpeed's Project EXA was to make a gauge pod to house a boost gauge. I'd already bought a large white-faced pressure gauge from a second hand machinery warehouse for A$20, now I needed to mount it in the car. After holding it at a number of locations around the cabin, I decided that an A-pillar mount would be the go.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_02lo.jpg
The next step was to find a piece of PVC plastic pipe close in internal diameter to the gauge's outside diameter. In fact the piece of pipe selected was just a little undersize but that doesn't matter. An offcut of PVC pipe from a hardware store will cost nearly nothing - even buying a full metre of pipe is still dirt cheap. Yes I know this isn't the boost gauge, but I cheated by doing some of these photos afterwards - now you know!
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_03lo.jpg
Cut off a generous length of pipe using a hacksaw. If you rotate the pipe frequently as you cut it you'll find it easier to get the ends of the pipe square. If they are crooked, holding the pipe vertically and rubbing it in a circular motion on rough concrete will square up the end.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_04lo.jpg
Because the pipe was a little undersize for the gauge, the end of the pipe was carefully warmed with a heat gun to soften it. Don't cook the pipe and don't make it so hot that it sags - it's about right when the pipe flexes when you poke it with a finger but still moves back into its original shape.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_05lo.jpg
When the pipe is hot and soft, it can be easily flared if a larger diameter object is pushed into it. The widened mouth can have parallel sides or a taper (as here), depending on what shape the gauge is that you're going to insert.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_06lo.jpg
When the pipe has been expanded so that the gauge is a neat push fit, use fine sandpaper to smooth the end around the gauge. Wet and dry will give the best finish. Decide then how far you want the gauge to protrude from the pillar and cut the other end of the pipe to length.
Use the heat gun to soften the end of the pipe opposite to that of the gauge. Make sure that the last 4-5 cm of the pipe is softened. You may need to temporarily insert a piece of steel pipe or something similar into the 'gauge' end so that it doesn't lose its shape.
Using protective gloves, mould the hot soft plastic of the pipe around the shape of the A-pillar. This may take several goes to get right, but re-heating the pipe will let you try again if the first attempt doesn't work. You can protect the plastic of the A-pillar with masking tape if you are concerned that the hot plastic will mark it.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_07lo.jpg http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_08lo.jpg
The gauge pod can then be spray painted and held in place with multiple self-tapping screws inserted from inside the A-pillar moulding. A hole drilled through the moulding and through one wall of the pipe can be used to carry wires and the sensing tube to the gauge. Note that if you park the car in the direct sun and you live in a climate where there are 45 degree Celsius days, the mount may droop a little if you make it too long!
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i0/0078_09lo.jpg
Part One (http://www.nissanexa.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2508)
Part Three (http://www.nissanexa.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=21136#post21136)