I decided to add 4 gauges to my 2006 B-series. oil pressure, fuel pressure, vacuum and voltage.

I bought some spare parts (2 drivers side a-pillars), and I went to a local junk-yard to see what I could do in terms of replacing the lower center dash insert. From the factory this came with an ashtray, and the "airbag deactivation switch" for the passenger side. I don't ever have passengers, and I could care less if this feature works or not. (I'm actually considering removing the airbag all together- but that's a different story.) I also don't need an ashtray (don't smoke). I brought home some similar panels from junk trucks.

I took a pod from another car, did some cutting and modifying and taped it on a factory a-pillar


trying to get a good alignment




once I was happy with the aim, I glued them down temporarily


----------

next, I wanted to replace my ashtray and airbag switch with gauges. I needed to modify the circuit so the RCM wouldn't disable the airbag system with the switch removed.
Here is the center portion for under the dash. I was replacing the airbag switch, so I needed to reverse engineer the way the RCM interprets the switch, and feed it a signal it was happy with. After looking at the tech schematic and taking some measurements, I went with 2 1000 ohm resistors. I wired them into the hard-shell so I could fool the RCM into thinking the switch was still there.






----------

I then started the fiberglass process. First felt to give it shape, then fiberglass for strength..

Lots of sanding and body work here....








more sanding and cutting




----------

Next, after it was pretty smooth, I started with Bondo filler, and then I moved to the super smooth dolphin glaze filler....











----------

Next I took a brake to set up my sending units. I used a simple 90 degree street elbow to attach into the block and set it up so I could run both the factory oil pressure switch, and a 1/8ntp pressure transducer.







next, I had to modify the fuel rail so I could get fuel pressure. I grabbed some of the end-caps from similar 4.0L fuel rails at my local junk yard. These are some sort of brass/bronze material with a plating. I used my tig welder to braze a nut on the end so I could read fuel pressure at the fuel rail. I replaced the factory shrader fitting.





my first few attempts were really bad!


I ended up taking a slightly different route...



I tested the fitting at 110 PSI in a bucket of water- I originally had a small pinhole leak, but I fixed it. I then installed the vacuum sensor (sorry no picture)

I then went back to doing the body stuff. I used a 2K urethane based activated primer. Several coats, sanding between each.










----------

Then I used a SEM texture spray on the a-pillar, and a dupont vinyl matching OEM finish paint.








----------

I painted the center lower dash piece with chromabase OEM exterial metallic (dark shadow grey) and then USC "glamour" urethane clear....
The small hole on the pod was so I could access the screw hole (you can't really see it when installed) I put a pvc pipe there as a guide when I'm screwing it down.








Had to cut a hole and use a grommet to route the wires. (I have so many wires coming in now)


Final results. I think the white LEDs match my re-designed LED cluster that I did in 2014. Everything is white with red needles.

__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.

That turned out awesome!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

A-pillar & lower center dash Gaugepod build & install

Another great project out of you.

Looks amazing, great job

__________________
Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Thank you- I have some extra a-pillars I did not need for older trucks if anyone wants to give this a shot. I have no need for them and I am getting rid of them cheap.

Drivers side A-pillars (for custom gauge pods)

__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.

I have a few of these A-pillars sitting in my basement if anyone wants to learn how to do this for cheap costs of parts. See here: Drivers side A-pillars (for custom gauge pods)

__________________
Looking for a professional retrofitter to add HIDs or LEDs to your Ranger? PM me if your looking to have work done, and have cash to spend.