'05+ Gauge Install Questions

[Windveil Blues]

Hey fellow S197 owners,

I am installing an A-pillar with two EQUUS gauges, and I need some help getting through the firewall. Have any of you done gauges yet? Is there a place on the firewall under the driver's side foot area that I can use? I do NOT want to drill through the plastic in the interior OR the firewall unless absolutely necessary.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jim

 

[beejay31000]

i believe on all cars there is holes in the firewall where existing wires go through. you can run it through those gromets. there should be several places to choose from

 

[Windveil Blues]

Update!

OK, life at work was pretty gravytrainy today so I had some time to do some serious surfing. I stumbled upon an all S197 forum, who just happened to have the whole Ford Service Manual posted in .pdf format!! This thing is unreal! So I just ordered an SOS A-pillar that is an exact replica of my whole factory piece, only with the gauge "bullets." NO drilling... no hassle... no nothing. Furthermore, it took me about 15 seconds to remove the stock piece with my fingers. That fully exposed a fairly large open area that I could see the firewall and the carpet! I am going to run the loom and wires through that big grommet just left and below the clutch pedal. Plus my billeted grilles should arrive tomorrow, too. Come on UPS!

Jim

Hey fellow S197 owners,

I am installing an A-pillar with two EQUUS gauges, and I need some help getting through the firewall. Have any of you done gauges yet? Is there a place on the firewall under the driver's side foot area that I can use? I do NOT want to drill through the plastic in the interior OR the firewall unless absolutely necessary.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jim

 

[beejay31000]

wow, sounds like a fun instal

 

[Windveil Blues]

OK, I have TWO FedEX shipments coming...

This one appears to be my billeted grilles... 10.1 lbs...
Feb 8, 2008 7:46 AM
On FedEx vehicle for delivery
EARTH CITY, MO 7:04 AM At local FedEx facility EARTH CITY, MO

Feb 7, 2008 7:22 PM
Departed FedEx location CHAMPAIGN, IL 7:05 PM
Arrived at FedEx location CHAMPAIGN, IL 5:29 AM
Departed FedEx location LEWISBERRY, PA

Feb 6, 2008 11:59 PM
Arrived at FedEx location LEWISBERRY, PA 9:09 PM
Picked up LEWISBERRY, PA

And this one is the pod... 3lbs... delivery scheduled on the 12th...
Feb 8, 2008 4:51 AM
Arrived at FedEx location ORLANDO, FL

Feb 7, 2008 9:37 PM
Left origin WEST PALM BEACH, FL 6:18 PM
Arrived at FedEx location WEST PALM BEACH, FL 5:41 PM
Package data transmitted to FedEx WELLINGTON, FL 5:40 PM
Picked up WEST PALM BEACH, FL

Well shisa... I really wanted to do my gauges tonight... the weather is supposed to be nice here tomorrow.

Much modded Mustang Luv,

Jim

 

[beejay31000]

good luck with the install

 

[Windveil Blues]

Thanks, Beej... the A-pillar got here today, but I ordered an oil filter "sandwich," and that should be here tomorrow or thursday. I also ordered new Stage 8 locking header bolts and some new header gaskets, because I am hoping my 'noise' is an exhaust leak.

If you wanna see the sandwich, and I think you do, go here:
http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=37

Very cool, and hassle free installs for anything oil related... turbo, blower, gauges, whatever.

Jim

PS The grilles look phenomenal!! I'll post some pics tonight.

 

[beejay31000]

wow, that sandwitch is a cool peice. i might have to get me one of those. i was also thinking about getting one of those filter relocators.

 

[beejay31000]

post pics on the grill, i wanna see how it turned out

 

[Windveil Blues]

Yeah it is... and the prices are great!! Their shipping is cheap and fast, too. I ordered mine yesterday and it'll be here tomorrow. Pics of that will be posted too when I install it.

Jim

wow, that sandwitch is a cool peice. i might have to get me one of those. i was also thinking about getting one of those filter relocators.

 

[beejay31000]

yeah....i really think i might get one. we'll ahve to see how much money i get for my old parts...that will be how much more i can spend on new stuff

 

[blackstallion06]

Jim I will be calling you when I get back in port to get a quick lessong on installs lol. Doing 3 guages. NOS, OIL PRES, WATER TEMP

 

[Windveil Blues]

Cool, Phill... good to hear from you, too. How's the Nimitz treating you?

Jim

Jim I will be calling you when I get back in port to get a quick lessong on installs lol. Doing 3 guages. NOS, OIL PRES, WATER TEMP

 

[beejay31000]

i got two open spots for gauges...gotta plug them somehow...just cant decide what to do. not a lot of money and so much shit i want to do. then i got the wife wanting to go on vacation.....too many options!!!lol

 

[beejay31000]

1000 posts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Windveil Blues]

I hear ya, Beej... and congrats on 1k...

Jim

 

[beejay31000]

thanks

 

[Windveil Blues]

Gauge Install UPDATE

OK, I have another question for you brainiacs out there... I have the gauges installed in the A-pillar (looks effing KILLER!!), except for power. Where, on my '06, can I connect the power so that the gauges will only power up and run when the car is running? Pics will be posted when I get the damn thing done.

Any help will be appreciated... you can call me if so inclined, at 636-797-2298... that would be phenomenal...

Thanks,

Jim

 

[beejay31000]

find an accessory wire. either under your steering wheel or by your radio. i think they are usually yellow, but check online and see what it says about your car

 

[Windveil Blues]

I think I belong to every Mustang forum on the Internet now... LOL. I have looked and asked everywhere I can find. I've called Ford, stereo shops, etc. The last damn thing I have to hook up is the power, too. Here's some pics of the install, though... just for grins.

Speed of Sound A-Pillar... fits like factory.

Shot of the "sandwich" adapter. Note power wire just sitting there. Oil
filter now a mere centimeter for massive anti-sway bar, but it went in
without the use of a hammer.

Closer shot of "sandwich" showing sender unit.

Upside down shot of the driver's side block where the new water temp
sender unit resides.

Through the firewall very cleanly

Jim

find an accessory wire. either under your steering wheel or by your radio. i think they are usually yellow, but check online and see what it says about your car