TheSamba.com :: View topic - Intalling VDO gauges into Dual Gauge Pod in ashtray spot

Sun Jun 15, 2025 5:02 pm

I didn't see much anywhere on how people using and installing the dual gauge dash pod. Now I know why!! What a PITA!!

I installed a VDO oil temp and oil pressure gauges into this pod for the dash. I'm not gonna get into the wiring, but I will post in another subject on issues with the sandwich adapter. Anyway, this pod for the ashtray spot, isn't the easiest thing to secure in place!! Mine came with 2 threaded bolts posts, 2 big washers, and 2 wing nuts. The first problem is how to get underneath it to tighten the wingnuts. Well, I had to pull my head unit and the mounting sleeve to be able to get my hands in the right position to tighten the wingnuts.

2nd issue, there is 2 layers of metal under the dash surface. the posts aren't long enough to reach the 2nd layer of metal, and even if so, there's other metal bracing that prohibits turning the wingnuts. Geezus!! I went to the hardware store and got regular nuts for the posts. Then I carefully slid one wash with nut attached BETWEEN the 2 metal layers. I then with one hand, wiggled the second wash onto the other post (the upper left one) with nut also in hand, and managed to get both on again BETWEEN the 2 layers on that side. All this going through the opening where the stereo goes. I then hand tightened the nuts and best I could and there it is. WOW.

Then all that followed by reinstalling the stereo mounting sleeve and the stereo head unit. But now I don't have that top access to help move wires out of the way as I siide the head unit back into position. PITA!! I removed the glove box, heater/ vent tube, and was able to get my right hand back there far enough to help guide the wires out of the way in the rear of the stereo. Praying I don't accidently detach any connections on the back of the stereo. Not much room with all those wires. UGH. But......I managed to get the headunit back in place finally and tested the gauges and stereo funtionalithy with a good drive. Now to post about the sandwich adapter. Hope this helps anyone decide if its worth the trouble!!

Sun Jun 15, 2025 5:56 pm

I put my two gages in pod cans on the top of the dash in the left corner of the dash top. I still have the ash tray for storage of change, and other things. A much better location too as for visibility as it is in straight line of sight, an added plus over the ash tray.

Sun Jun 15, 2025 5:59 pm

Nice job. When I did mine last year had same struggle with how to attach it. Ended up usingVHB tape. Worked well enough. I printed mine with stanard PLA and it has since warped a little.

Still think its a great location fo gauges.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:25 am

I've installed a couple of these without having to modify the hardware, and it took less than 5 minutes. You also shouldn't have to remove the head unit.

Adjust the left wing nut so it's just tight enough to clamp in place when you slide it in and get the washer in the right spot. It will take a couple tries to tighten / loosen, and putting it in and pulling it out to find the right tension. Then remove the glove box and reach up in there to tighten the right side wing nut.

The wing nuts don't have to be crazy tight to hold it in place either. Just lightly snug. The pod isn't going to move around anywhere. Cranking them too tight risks distorting or breaking the plastic since it's not very thick.

Overall, I think it's the best gauge mounting solution I've ever seen for a Vanagon. Easy to see location, and looks factory to me.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:07 am

My version snaps into place. ;-) And I have a version for padded and also metal dashboards. (yes they are different).

www.uniwerksdesign.com

Cheers
Chris

Tue Jun 17, 2025 10:39 pm

Easy install from the gauge mounting to the wiring, it’s a non issue and straightforward if you have some basic tools.