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Steering column gauge pod

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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 12:54 PM
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Default Steering column gauge pod

Does anyone make one for the Miata?
Attached Thumbnails Steering column gauge pod-gauge-pod.jpg  
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:22 PM
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Unless it was off to the side, it'd block your regular gauges. And I'm not sure how much visibility it'd have off to the side. Personally, I like the under radio panel layout the best.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:25 PM
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I know just how goofy this sounds, so feel free to riducule...

I would like to check out removing my airbag and putting two gauges in the center of the steering wheel. The only hitch is making sure whatever wiring/vacuum line goes to those gauges doesn't bind/snag/tear.

I am really beating myself up about optimal placement of gauges that I really want to be able to see.

The under radio panel would be quick and easy, but I don't want to be looking down all the time while trying to get my tune right.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:29 PM
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I'd actually like something that is right in the center so it would only block the odometer. I already have 3 that are going in under the radio so that isn't really an option any longer. It would just be nice to avoid having a pillar pod. For some reason, I really hate any pillar pod in a Miata because they all seem to give it a really cheap look and don't really fit well.

I never look at the gauges when I'm driving anyways, so I may just sell them all and go without. About the only time they get used is when I'm on the dyno.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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i think they have it for the NB. not the NA tho
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
I'd actually like something that is right in the center so it would only block the odometer. I already have 3 that are going in under the radio so that isn't really an option any longer. It would just be nice to avoid having a pillar pod. For some reason, I really hate any pillar pod in a Miata because they all seem to give it a really cheap look and don't really fit well.

I never look at the gauges when I'm driving anyways, so I may just sell them all and go without. About the only time they get used is when I'm on the dyno.
I have this one in my 99. I specifically didn't want an A Pillar Pod. I have my WB in it. Scroll down to the Miata 99-05 ePod.Auto-Tech Interiors



It is an NB specific pod. It replaces the little panel in the top of the steering column cover. Looks very good. I can take a pic installed if you like. The pod is mounted on a ball swivel, so you can move the gauge around. I have mine moved off center to show the whole speedo. I still can see the tach fine.
Attached Thumbnails Steering column gauge pod-epod_miata.jpg  
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
I'd actually like something that is right in the center so it would only block the odometer. I already have 3 that are going in under the radio so that isn't really an option any longer. It would just be nice to avoid having a pillar pod. For some reason, I really hate any pillar pod in a Miata because they all seem to give it a really cheap look and don't really fit well.
*edit* Stein beat me to it, but it's the same exact pod.
Good-Win-Racing sells a pod that replaces the plate in the top cover for 99-05:
Mazda Performance Parts: ePod Miata Gauge Pod


Or you could take the top cover and fiberglass one of these universal pods onto it:



I've done that before, it turned out well, and depeding on how you finish it, it can look pretty OEM.

However, I use one of the full pillar replacement dual pods, and I think it's clean and it fit well on the first try. I like it because it places both gauges pretty low, well as low as possible for a short pillar like on our cars.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 01:54 PM
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Might play around with the Goodwin pod and see how it works. The pictures make it look huge though.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Stein
I can take a pic installed if you like.
Could you take one showing how it looks from sitting in the drivers seat.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
Could you take one showing how it looks from sitting in the drivers seat.
Will do. Post it tonight.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 05:14 PM
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I've been kicking around the idea fiberglassing one of those pods into the speedo hood. it would be low profile, not block anything and most people would never know it isn't factory.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
Could you take one showing how it looks from sitting in the drivers seat.
Here is a view straight on and shot of the base. You can see the plate that is replaced in the steering column cover. Sorry for all of the dust. The car has been in the shop since fall, half of the winter with the door open.
Attached Thumbnails Steering column gauge pod-dsc01345.jpg   Steering column gauge pod-dsc01347.jpg  
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 09:04 PM
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Thanks for the pictures, they definitely made it easier for me to decide. I just don't think I would be happy with so much being blocked, although I like it better than using a pillar pod.

Now it's time to decide which gauge to go without, boost, oil pressure or oil temp.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
Thanks for the pictures, they definitely made it easier for me to decide. I just don't think I would be happy with so much being blocked, although I like it better than using a pillar pod.

Now it's time to decide which gauge to go without, boost, oil pressure or oil temp.
I could never go without boost and oil pressure, if you have to choose one to get rid of that is.
Old Mar 10, 2009 | 09:51 PM
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GARAGE VARY and go to other. I doubt you can understand that **** but its made. garage vary probably sells em in america under another name
Old Mar 11, 2009 | 09:19 AM
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On my Mazdaspeed Protege, I just took one of these (Autometer PN 2121):



And screwed it to the column cover like so:

Old Apr 23, 2009 | 04:41 PM
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Need more pics/samples, I need to mount two more gauges: water temp and WBO2. I already have the A-pillar two-pod with boost and oil temp.
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 04:52 PM
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Replace the stock water temp gauge w/ the aftermarket one. WBO2, dunno. I am mounting 2 gauges in my 94 this weekend, and still haven't decided where to go.
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 11:36 PM
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by leatherface24
Needs more anti-glare coating. I hadn't thought of it, but I do have a few polarized screen protector sheets for my phone. I think I will sacrifice some for my gauges before I put them in now.



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