Its designed for a flat horizontal dash in a Defender but I used the Dremel to trim a wedge off the plastic housing to match the angle of the D3 dash, then had to do a little bit of fettling on the aluminium mount base. It's been a bit of a breakthrough as I wanted to do this for a few years now but sort of got put off by the nay-sayers and couldn't find any examples of gauge pods in D3s to go-by on the web-i-verse.
... so yes you have to commit to drilling into the dash top for the 2 mounting screws and also for the cable penetration.
But if you pull out the 'H' trim its all laid bare and using a torch and having a feel around in there you can work out that there is really good access.
One thing I discovered is that because my dash top is old, sun / heat damaged and drying out a crack started from one of the mount screws, but its luckily not very visible.
This photo shows the marking out.
Click image to enlarge
You can see the new bend that I had to do at the front (car front) of the aluminium base, due to the removal of a wedge of plastic from the upper housing, the angle of the dangle required that the base becomes shorter, fore & aft. If you have a bench vise its should become obvious how to do it.
The main reason for the pod was I wanted an analogue clock, and then the other reason was for volts and oil pressure, both critical signals in my mind. And they had to be analogue as well, and in the plane of vision when driving.
So I'm really happy with this result as our car is a keeper and we have started using it more and more for overland trips in West Australia towing our off-road camper trailer.
This photos shows where it sits on the dash, and also captures a headshot of my assistant in the Garmin screen
Click image to enlarge
I was really chuffed with the result and she hopped up, took one look, and all she said was 'Ruff'..
MUD UK also do a longer pod in the same style. They both come with a blank face so it gives you the option of having any combination of gauge, display or switches.
Ideally I want to install the Redarc 52mm gauges due to their extra functionality with dual range gauges with multiple instrument inputs but I had these VDO gauges on hand so they can do for starters.
Otherwise, the next step is to install the oil pressure sensor. Once again this problem hasn't been conveniently solved so I am working up a solution that I will be happy with.
But mainly, this is an example of how a gauge pod looks on a D3 dash. Hopefully that helps someone make up their mind.
Last edited by enndublya on 31st Jan 2022 5:10 am. Edited 1 time in total
31st Jan 2022 12:19 am
Naki Blake
Member Since: 31 Dec 2021
Location: Taranaki
Posts: 312
Looks great, as if the gauges have always been there.
In terms of the sun damaged dash, I picked up on Ebay a dash mat. Australian made, Shevron is the brand, sent over to New Zealand in a couple of days. AU$77. Fits perfectly, I too have a couple of big sun cracks on my dash.
Cheers
Moving forward with the selection of the pressure sensor. Initially I was keen to use the Redarc range of gauges as they had some very useful extra features built in. However the oil pressure gauge range is a bit high at zero to 130 PSI with 12 oclock being approx 65 PSI, whereas I expect the TDV6 normal running pressure to be less than that. So I would prefer a gauge with a lower range so I will go with the zero to 5 Bar ( 72.5 PSI ) VDO gauge for now.
I also decided to use a VDO sensor with the idiot light switch built in as this solves a number of issues with cobbling up adaptors or small manifolds to fit a sensor plus the original switch.
The original oil pressure switch is rated at 0.3 bar (falling) but the closest I could get with VDO was 0.4 bar however I see this as a benefit as I will get an earlier warning if oil pressure problems develop.
So that means a VDO 360-081-030-049 would do the job:
0 to 5 Bar
Thread 1/8 - 27 NPTF
Warning Contact 0.40 Bar +/- 0.10 Bar.
But when it arrives I will test the switch function and see where it actually operates compared to the stated setpoint and tolerances.
I also ordered a short extension fitting to screw into the 1/4 NPT port in the head and to convert to the 1/8 NPTF thread of the VDO Sensor/Switch.
Hopefully it will be long enough to allow the body of the sensor/switch to clear the alloy webbing as the port is sort of recessed.
I specifically wanted a steel fitting as I am a bit wary of brass or aluminium fittings with regards to vibration fatigue while supporting the sensor which is relatively speaking a lot heavier than the original switch.
5th Feb 2022 3:26 am
garrycol
Member Since: 06 Dec 2010
Location: Canberra
Posts: 1130
Naki Blake wrote:
Looks great, as if the gauges have always been there.
Sorry dont agree - looks awful - looks like what it is, a cheap add on and not really needed.
"Sorry dont agree - looks awful - looks like what it is, a cheap add on and not really needed."
Wow, just had a deja vu moment from that defunct AULRO forum a few years back.
But anyway, I reckon its fine, certainly needed where I tavel in remote WA and in fact thinking maybe should have got the bigger pod and put a boost gauge in.
Gone full 'Ricer'.
5th Feb 2022 7:52 am
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
Could you have not just plugged an IID in and mounted a phone or iPad somewhere?
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
But, all things considered, its not a practical solution for me to add another phone & mount when I have an android tablet for navigating and the phone is already being used for music and phone stuff.
Anyway, for my preferences nothing beats a set of analogue gauges for essential signals that are just hardwired and always there when you fire up the car.
And, most importantly, an analogue clock.
Last edited by enndublya on 5th Feb 2022 12:00 pm. Edited 1 time in total
5th Feb 2022 8:31 am
pwheeldon
Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1505
I really wouldn't give a damn what other people think, it's your car you do want you want or need to do to it. If its not to your taste, scroll past, there's no need to be rude! I was taught that if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing!Discovery 4 GS 2009 Auto Stornoway Grey
Discovery 3 s 2005 Auto Bonatti Grey Gone
Discovery 3 SE 2005 Manual Zambezi Silver Gone
Range Rover Sport HSE 2006 Black
Aston Martin DB7 VV
But moving forward, as these cars get older and the engines wear out there will be more and more mods done on them to monitor and preserve them and extend their usefulness.
I'm making an effort to share what i'm doing as I know it's a quirky problem and I know that others will find it helpful.
5th Feb 2022 12:04 pm
garrycol
Member Since: 06 Dec 2010
Location: Canberra
Posts: 1130
Well Princess if you dont expect critical comment, dont post on a public forum.
Look Garry, what you and your mates thought was acceptable back on AULRO just really isn't wanted or welcomed elsewhere.
Ever wondered why it's now tumbleweeds on that forum?
Yes, you can express disagreement but your comment earlier was just nasty.
Or, better still just dont make a comment.
Stop digging buddy.
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