A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Discussion on body issues/mods, appearance, interior/trim, and detailing (i.e. how to keep your car looking showroom new, or a reasonable facsimile thereof...).
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GTObert
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A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

After scouring the net for a gauge pod for my car I have been unable to find a suitable part. I tried getting a custom piece from Ortiz customs; let's just say I was less than impressed. The solution seems pretty clear to me: I'm going to have to make one myself.

With this in mind, I've contacted a laser design company and a 3D printing company. I think 3D printing the part will give me the best finished product with a precise fit.

Would anyone else be interested in obtaining one of these pieces? The design cost would be less if split with a couple other people, but the printing itself would most likely be the same. Let me know if you have an interest in this.
2011 9C1
2005 GTO
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GTObert
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

Or if you would be interested in purchasing an A-pillar let me know. Or would people prefer a center mount gauge where the center speaker is? I personally like the A-pillar better.
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Gerome
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by Gerome »

I would like to see what you come up with for a design .
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GTObert
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

Well, after looking into the cost of creating a design, I need to gauge interest before committing the money to it. If I'm only going to make one or two it probably wont be worth it. If I can get maybe ten people interested then we could be in business. My aim will be to create a factory quality piece, and I'm picky so it will be guaranteed nice.
2011 9C1
2005 GTO
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GTObert
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

Here's an image of what was sent to me by Ortiz customs after trying to color match the original.
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2011 9C1
2005 GTO
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GTObert
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

They originally sent me this. They never told me they only realm offer black. After their final paint job the piece is pretty much unusable.
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smwalker
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by smwalker »

Did you tell them your caprice had a Gold-lamé interior?

I have been pretty impressed with SEM products for painting interior pieces. Short of the color is the design of the Ortis piece solid?

http://www.semproducts.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Steve Walker
Azusa, CA
'11 PPV 9C3 Huron White
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GTObert
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by GTObert »

Yeah I'm not really sure what they were thinking. The black one looks better in the picture than it does in person too. The texture is not very close to the original. One interesting thing I've learned is that the G8 and the Caprice A-pillar is the same part, just different colors. This means you could replace both pieces with a black part.

I still think having a CAD model made and then 3D print or vacuum mold a new part.
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CrashTestDummy
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by CrashTestDummy »

"Airbag"? That signage usually indicates there's an airbag behind that panel.

So in the event of a collision, you're spraying gauge parts across the interior of the car? :shock:
Gene Beaird,
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9C1fanatic
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Re: A-Pillar Gauge Pod

Post by 9C1fanatic »

The OEM Caprice A pillar trim has a specially designed clip with a tether that is "supposed" to allow the trim to become disengaged from the A pillar in the event of side air bag deployment but still keep the trim attached to the car so it does not become a projectile. Hopefully this gauge pod would also. I'm currently looking into this right now. A friend of mine found one for his Camaro and thinks they offer one for the 2014 SS. I have yet to confirm but if they did I would think it would fit our cars.
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