Gauge Install...where in the Interior

[Doakster]

Tried searching....didn't come up with much.

Can people post some picks of where they are installing gauges on the interior. My thought is to remove the ashtray from the center console and cut out the area above and install a sheet of plastic with two gauges. I know you can remove the radio, but would like to keep it in the stock location.

It's also handy to have 12v power and 12v lighting power from the cigarette lighter right there too.

Any pics/ideas are appreciated.

[TurboJ]

Search google or VwVortex for 'Votex center console'
I have one of those and it's the perfect OEM solution to fit gauges without removing the radio from its original setting (although I did that as well to fit 3 more gauges...)

[flapjack]

i'm trying to do what this kid did. it's on the vortex somewhere.:

[Farmermike]

if you want a different look i got one of these off ebay.


 cheap and simple didnt even need to be glued on, just slots in over the existing pillar cover.

[Doakster]

Search google or VwVortex for 'Votex center console'
I have one of those and it's the perfect OEM solution to fit gauges without removing the radio from its original setting (although I did that as well to fit 3 more gauges...)

Wow looks like the votex console is perfect....and very rare. Is yours the complete console that wraps around the shifter as well. It looks like these guys sell one but it just goes over the shock console with some modifications. http://www.swgmotorsport.com/asps/ShowDetails.asp?id=10



Do you have an pics of your set up?

[TurboJ]

Stock on left, Votex-equipped on right.
I believe this is an original Votex part, but it's still fitted to a modified OE console. Maybe they were all made like that, or at least the ones where you bought the Votex upgrade after you bought the car?
Anyway, I also have the original Votex 3x2" gauge pod (shows on the picture) that sets the gauge faces exactly the right way, meeting the view angle of the driver. This thing wasn't exactly cheap, but there aren't any real alternatives if you want to keep your 12V plug and a place to fit a DIN sized radio.

[g-spec]

I know you said stock looking, but I find this location very useful. It is very easy to glance at and doesnt take your eyes away from the road. It is also in a MK3.



posted wrong pic at first.

[TurboJ]

I assume we're talking about a mk2 here?
The pillar pod shown above would be nice, but on the mk2 the pillar is so thin that it calls for a very special pod, one which costs about the same as a used Votex console (you need a  mk2 specific pillar pod).
I bought a pillar pod at first, but as it's a universal one, it doesn't suit the mk2 pillar.

[Vincent Waldon]

I assume we're talking about a mk2 here?

I was wondering the same thing... OP: you'd probably get more meaningful responses if you clarify what chassis you're talking about. 

[Doakster]

I assume we're talking about a mk2 here?

I was wondering the same thing... OP: you'd probably get more meaningful responses if you clarify what chassis you're talking about. 

Sorry fellas....MK2

Vincent....where did you end up getting your votex...what did it run for? So far I have had no luck finding one online. Do you know what model car they came with stock by chance?

[TurboJ]

I think you mean where I got mine

There are usually some on ebay.de but I got mine through local Finnish VW forum classifieds.
The Votex gauge pod came through ebay.de (German eBay)
The Votex center console and the Votex gauge pod cost about 110 eur together.
That's about the price you have to pay for these original items in faultless condition.

AFAIK, there's no model that came with it stock, but it was a factory option.

[Doakster]

I think you mean where I got mine

There are usually some on ebay.de but I got mine through local Finnish VW forum classifieds.
The Votex gauge pod came through ebay.de (German eBay)
The Votex center console and the Votex gauge pod cost about 110 eur together.
That's about the price you have to pay for these original items in faultless condition.

AFAIK, there's no model that came with it stock, but it was a factory option.

well shoot, guess that means it's going to be a struggle to find one in the states.

[Vincent Waldon]

42Draft Designs and New South both make various 3-hole DIN cut-outs... with a bit of dremeling you can pretty easily modify a MK2 center console to take the radio down one slot and mount the gauges above, like the Votex console.

Here's a Canadian supplier just to give you the idea of what's available... about 1/2 way down the page:

http://www.concept1.ca/engine%20gauges.htm

[Vincent Waldon]

Since we're on the subject, I dredged up a (crappy out-of-focus) picture of my *favorite* way to install gauges in an MK2:



They are a little bit spendy but have an insanely high "significant other approval rating" as being non-geeky, and are definitely the easiest and cleanest gauges you'll ever install.

www.duostyling.com

[Doakster]

Since we're on the subject, I dredged up a (crappy out-of-focus) picture of my *favorite* way to install gauges in an MK2:



They are a little bit spendy but have an insanely high "significant other approval rating" as being non-geeky, and are definitely the easiest and cleanest gauges you'll ever install.

www.duostyling.com

Too bad they don't make boost or EGT gauges. Where did you end up installing your radio, I'm seeing it installed in the regular location in the pic, if so what did you end up putting in your middle section of the votex?