ActionJack

I currently have a 2 5/8 Autometer guage that fits perfectly in my vent on my dash but need to use a 2 1/16 and need to know if there is a way to make the 2 1/16 fit in the same vent of my Firebird/Trans Am?

Has anyone installed a 2 1/16 in their vent in their Firebird?

If so, need details on installing it to look like it was done at the factory.

ActionJack

ttt

Shane

You can make it fit, but you have to sacrifice the vent deflector to do it. I pulled out the moveable piece, and removed the up/down deflectors - this leaves a ring with one bar going across the front center. I cut this just enough to allow the vent to slide down inside and stop where the gauge housing flares at the front. Then, I put a band clamp on the backside to keep the gauge from sliding back out.
Seems to work fine, and mine have been in for 2+ years now... Makes the gauge look like it's "floating" in the vent opening.

I don't have any great pics, but here's a few shots:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...82692857lCfMTO
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...88597585jroVFD

Note - I'm sure there's another way to do it, but this is how I had to...

Good luck...

ActionJack

Thanks! I will refer to this when I start to setup mine.

One question though. How did you get the band clamp on the guage and inserted? Was it because you took the whole vent 'ring' out?

Shane

Yes, insert it into the 'ring' first, then slide on the clamp over the back of the gauge. Then connect the wires & slide it back in the vent hole.

Bad30th

iTrader: (13)

I have the Trans temp and Boost AutoMeter Cobalt 2 1/16" gauges. I took a tip from someone else on this board and dremeled little rings to surround the gauges out of the black plastic found in CD cases, starting by making a cardboard template out of thin cardboard like a shoebox is made of.

A little dab of silicone keeps the trim rings in place against the ring in the vent.

Cheers,
Bad30th

ActionJack

I think I am gonna like how the 2 1/16 looks. Thanks for the Pics and some instruction.