How To Build A Fiberglass Gauge Pod
For those who have a Focus with that useless coin try or any other kind of
...car that has a good spot of a gauge pod, here is a how to for
you....
Well, Lets see how well I can explain this.....
1) I
started out getting stock Focus gauge surround from a junk yard $25 (so if I
messed up I still had the one in my ...car) and a universal gauge pod $10. Pick
up a fiberglass repair kit @ $10 (comes with resin, hardener, fiber mat, and
instructions) And a couple of cheap 1/2 inch brushes. And a small container of
Bondo body filler.
2) Cut out the coin tray from the gauge surround and
then trim the universal gauge pod to fit the coin tray area in the angle I
wanted to get (this way the gauge faced straight at me). Superglue the pod in
place and let it dry.
3) Cut a couple of pieces of fiber mat for the
entire area (overlap the edges about 1/2 inch). In a well ventilated area, mix
the resin and hardener. Take a brush and coat the whole area to fiberglass. Lay
the first fiber mat in place and brush resin on it (don't worry about using too
much) while brushing you can form the fiberglass to the contours you want. Use
the brush to form the angles and contours. Once you get the first layer on apply
the second on the same way and let cure over night.
*the first part should
look like this.....
4) Once cured, sand fiberglass with 120 grit to get rid of any really high
spots and also sand the gauge surround when the fiberglass meets (when sanding
you might want to wear a particle dust mask). Also I used a dremel tool with a
sanding disk on it to feather out the edges where there was too much fiberglass
overhanging and the hole where the gauge will go. When cutting the hole, be
careful not to cut too big. Keep test fitting the gauge while cutting. Then mix
more resin and coat entire area with resin only, use a nice thick coat and let
cure for 3-4 hours. The warmer the temperature the faster it will
cure.
5) Sand the cured fiberglass as smooth as you can get it with out
sanding any holes in it.
6) Apply a thin coat of body filler and let cure
for 2-3 hours.
*should look something like this....
7) Sand body filler to get the desired contours you are looking for, and
repeat body filler if needed.
8) Once contoured the way you want it, then
use 400 grit to smooth even better and then 600 or 800 to get really smooth and
get rid of any deep sanding marks. Test fit gauge again and make sure it fits
right.
9) Prime the surface with a sandable primer and sand with at least
1000 grit to get as smooth as glass.
10) Once smooth, paint the piece and
let dry, install gauge into surround and then install surround.
I have
never worked with fiberglass until this and I am very happy with how it came
out...
I hope this helps, I didn't get any starting pictures, I am sorry. If you have questions feel free to ask.
How-To courtesy of TF member mustfcs