Gauge Pod

[Haltech]

Both of those thoughts crossed my mind too. I didn't want to disable my airbag and I didn't want to risk getting gauges slammed into my face. The gauges coming off either side of the instrument cluster (I was thinking the right side) would be really cool looking but it the more complex shape of the cluster would make it more difficult to make a pod for.
I contacted Lotek to see if I can get a pod that's better made. Hopefully they'll work with me.

They will need a piece of whatever it is, youre going to attach the pod to.. So if its a pillar, they need a pillar, they destroy that pillar and you dont get it back.

Ive been looking at the airbag setup.. It looks as if it blows off downward, not up toward the drivers face and not straight out. Im willing to risk the pillar pod... Its the only logical place for the gauges, esp for running the wires.

I can also swing by this stereo shop i know that does custom glass work.. they may be able to make me a custom pod for the location we were talking about.

 

[Champloo]

I've got their center dash panel gauge pod so I'll probably stick with that. They already make the pillar pod for the Mazda3 and that should work for the speed3.
Good luck getting that custom pod made. That would look awesome!

 

[benzo]

I have a MS3 a-pillar pod for sale. $25 shipped!!!

 

[Haltech]

I have a MS3 a-pillar pod for sale. $25 shipped!!!

Does it attach to the existing pillar or replacement? Whats wrong with it that is making you sell it? Ill take it if its perfect.

 

[Falconx84]

Ive been looking at the airbag setup.. It looks as if it blows off downward, not up toward the drivers face and not straight out. Im willing to risk the pillar pod... Its the only logical place for the gauges, esp for running the wires.

I can also swing by this stereo shop i know that does custom glass work.. they may be able to make me a custom pod for the location we were talking about.

I def like the old-school a pillar mount, but the whole idea of a gauge implant doesn't sound appealing .... does anyone know if in fact the airbag fires downward w/o enough force to throw the gauges?

Also, i'm not an engineer, but I'm sure someone can make one designed to break-away or to tether the gauges or something of that nature

 

[Haltech]

I took the pillar off and also talked to the tech at mazda... The pillar blows at downward angle, than straight out.. The bag is very small deployed. Im doing the pillar pod, i have no choice and im really not concerned.. the wires alone will keep that pillar in place.

 

[blacksheepms3]

any chance of a close up daytime picture?

Maestro.
That pic is of a different brand to the link i posted. Where would one find it?

lol. those are like another dash cluster for people who couldnt see beyond the steering wheel. it looks nice! it's stealthy.

 

[blacksheepms3]

here's my pod. tailored fit for this location of the dash. it wont be so flushed if placed any other location cause it follows the contour of this specific spot. I had to modify it by dremeling it and burning it so the back part would bend, then dremel the wrinkles and sand and paint it flat black to match the dash. it looks like it belong there and the bezel ring and the light matches. I had to buy a brighter red bulb.

 

[blacksheepms3]

here's some daytime pics.

 

[guy_incognito]

pictures aren't working for me

 

[clos561]

thats a nice spot..did u make the pod? where did u buy it if you didnt.

 

[blacksheepms3]

thats a nice spot..did u make the pod? where did u buy it if you didnt.

I bought it from autozone. it's one of those universal pod. I just customized it.

 

[meha11]

got my parts in now.

I gave myself a couple of options by buying two pods. 1st one was the triple pod that sticks over the dash and 2nd was the additional radio piece. I think i am gona use option 2 with a DIN adapter.
A first impression is that the quality is way up there, it looks just like the factory peice. If i am not happy when its done i will use both these parts with some resin/bondo (whatever its called) to bond them together and try to make one seamless dash pod painted cosmic blue. This is not preferred as i think it is to "Boy racer" but it is still an option.

some porno for the lads.

 

[MS3ICA]

looks clean on the dash like that, my freind did just like that with out the inclosed pod, i did mine on the sterring collum its perect too it only covers the seatbelt light, lights up red at night just like yours we got the same meter

 

[Abaddon]

I gave myself a couple of options by buying two pods. 1st one was the triple pod that sticks over the dash and 2nd was the additional radio piece. I think i am gona use option 2 with a DIN adapter.
A first impression is that the quality is way up there, it looks just like the factory peice. If i am not happy when its done i will use both these parts with some resin/bondo (whatever its called) to bond them together and try to make one seamless dash pod painted cosmic blue. This is not preferred as i think it is to "Boy racer" but it is still an option.

some porno for the lads.

Must show us pictures when this is done... I think I'm going to copy you.

How much was the radio adapter???

 

[meha11]

$119.00

 

[redspeed]

I gave myself a couple of options by buying two pods. 1st one was the triple pod that sticks over the dash and 2nd was the additional radio piece. I think i am gona use option 2 with a DIN adapter.
A first impression is that the quality is way up there, it looks just like the factory peice. If i am not happy when its done i will use both these parts with some resin/bondo (whatever its called) to bond them together and try to make one seamless dash pod painted cosmic blue. This is not preferred as i think it is to "Boy racer" but it is still an option.

some porno for the lads.

Is this the same gauge pod as lotek?

http://www.gaugepods.com/mazda3.html

 

[meha11]

Same style but not exact, the one i have doesnt have the 2 round dots at the front corners.


Bit like bud light and miller lite- almost no difference at all.

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Same style but not exact, the one i have doesnt have the 2 round dots at the front corners.


Bit like bud light and miller lite- almost no difference at all.

where did you get the non lotek one ?

 

[meha11]

http://www.thespeedline.com/

Then search this:- Mazda3 TRIPLE Center Gauge Pod
and search this:- Mazda3 DVD Dash Kit

I dont know why but for some reason i cant paste the exact link for you.

I heard the tripple pod is not great. Dont know anythig about the dvd pod but you can buy an adapter to fit 3 gauges in it.

When i do this my self i will buy both so i can make up my mind while looking at them. If you use the tripple you have to butcher your factory dash peice, but if you buy the dvd also you can butcher that and keep the original.