Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

Black gauges in Formula a/c vent

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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 07:42 PM
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Default Black gauges in Formula a/c vent

I have done searches, and I know that the Formula/Trans Am a/c vents are ideal for placing gauges. I also read that the 2 5/8" gauges are a perfect fit, and that smaller gauges will fit with a bezel.
I want to put a fuel pressure gauge in one of my a/c vents. But I have one other requirement; it must be almost invisible when the car is turned off. The reason is that my car is a sleeper and looks completely stock. I have my existing 3 AutoMeter Autolite gauges placed in my glove box, so I can shut the glove box and no one knows that I have any gauges at all. But the a/c vents are in full view, and the Autolites have bright white faces, so the matching Autolite gauge will stick out like a sore thumb.
What I would like to find is a gauge that will go completely black when it is powered down. I also want a quality gauge, with an upper limit of $200 or so.
Does anyone know of such a gauge?
Thanks in advance.
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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Bump for the weekend crowd.
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 08:44 PM
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prolly have to go digital. i dunno check out what autometer has. I wonder if u could put one in the cup holder lol. That would be nice and hidden.
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 08:52 PM
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I actually saw a trans am with gauges like that. Apprently the person put a thin film of tint over the gauge lenses, two ways you can go though,lighter the tint means that it wont be quite so hidden but you can see it in the day, or you can get a dark tint but you need bright or adjustable lights so you can still see it during the day...maybe not the best opition but close
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 08:58 PM
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Thanks for the inputs, guys.
I checked with AutoMeter, but I didn't think to look at digital. Would you have a specific gauge or even brand in mind? Digital would be O.K., not great but O.K.
I found one by NMResearch, but it only sells for $50. Just seems like the quality would not be there, IDK.
Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 09:01 PM
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i wonder if you could place the gauge back a bit and trim the vent to fit over top of the gauge. Not sure what the vents are like exactly though
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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Thanks for all the ideas. I bought the AutoMeter Sport-Comp Digital 6363. Looks like a quality unit. Now to figure out how to mount it, its a 2 1/16 gauge going into a 2 5/8 hole. Search again, search again, here we go.
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 11:55 PM
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I'm running the same gauge it's a really nice quality unit. To get it to fit in the ac vent openings you can make a bezel for it out of ABS textured plastic that kinda resembles the plastic in the car.
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:39 AM
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Excellent news. Where do I find this "ABS textured plastic that kinda resembles the plastic in the car."? I'm new to the whole modding the interior of the car thing.
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 02:34 AM
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hell you can prolly find some at home depot or lowes
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
Thanks for all the ideas. I bought the AutoMeter Sport-Comp Digital 6363. Looks like a quality unit. Now to figure out how to mount it, its a 2 1/16 gauge going into a 2 5/8 hole. Search again, search again, here we go.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-products-showcase/829500-2-1-16-2-5-8-gauge-adapter.html
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 05:23 PM
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LOL.
Yeah, I saw those and started a thread to see if anyone had used them. They are expensive, but I am sure they are quality units. I plan to place an order for one Monday, but I'm not sure the GP is going to make.
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
Excellent news. Where do I find this "ABS textured plastic that kinda resembles the plastic in the car."? I'm new to the whole modding the interior of the car thing.
I found a store in town that sold plastics and bought a sheet of it.
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