GI: New Mazda 3 Gauge pod

[ForceFed]

I really like the offset one, thats the one I would go for. And just a single pod. Thats just my vote, though.

The offset idea is a cool one..However....I am looking for what the "Masses" will want.
Making a molded item can eat up some time and does cost a lot of money to do as well.

So thats why I am looking to see what the most "Wanted" version will be.

I have to be able to justify the Intitial Expense to get these produced by knowing the Want is there for the item.

 

[Haltech]

Ill tell you a pod you should design... a real trick 3 gauge pod behind the nav unit. A lot of us have Nav too..

 

[mckraut]

I'm all for the single gauge offset pod.

 

[ForceFed]

I'm all for the single gauge offset pod.

It really is unlikely that the pod would be of the offset nature....Once again....I would have to go with the Majority here....and the traditional Center mount will always win out.


BTW....I have my local Test car....So I do not need a local car any longer.

 

[Sierra117]

The offset idea is a cool one..However....I am looking for what the "Masses" will want.
Making a molded item can eat up some time and does cost a lot of money to do as well.

So thats why I am looking to see what the most "Wanted" version will be.

I have to be able to justify the Intitial Expense to get these produced by knowing the Want is there for the item.

Oh, I totally understand. I work in wholesale, so I have the whole "what I want to sell and what people want are two different things" understanding. I was just saying, I'd personally prefere an offset. However, what ever style comes out I will most likely pick one up. Like I said, much better than the hole poked in rubber set up I have now.

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

How about a multipiece design?
1) A base unit that takes the place of the current top piece. This would have an opening in the top for an adapter plate.
2) The pod itself. This would attach to the adapter plate.
3) Adapter plate. These would come in two varieties. A piece that would take a single pod in a center mounted location and a piece that would take two pods for a dual mount. If the customer wanted one offset pod, they could put the pod to either side (selecting the side themself) and put a blank panel in the extra space.

This would allow maximum flexibility. If a customer ordered the center mount kit and decided later that they should have gone offset, they can buy the other adapter plate and a blank, or if someone ordered a single kit and decided to add a second one, they could just order another pod and the appropriate adapter. I'm sure some of the more creative members would find something to do with the blank insert, too.

...or you could just sell it as a kit with two pods, the blank, and both adapters and let the customer decide what to do with all his options.

I keep thinking of more stuff for this...

You could use the same adapters and pods for multiple cars, which would require a different base to adapt the system to different cars, which would minimize the cost of multiple toolings for the setup.

 

[mckraut]

It really is unlikely that the pod would be of the offset nature....Once again....I would have to go with the Majority here....and the traditional Center mount will always win out.


BTW....I have my local Test car....So I do not need a local car any longer.

How will you know what the majority wants unless we offer our opinion? That's all I'm doing.

 

[ForceFed]

How will you know what the majority wants unless we offer our opinion? That's all I'm doing.

Thats exactly what I want...You did nothing wrong...sorry If you thought I was coming down on your opinion.

And for the Multipiece...that would require quite a bit of Custom engineering to get it to look nice and function properly....Not a bad idea...but not one I want to tackle personally.

Lets keep it coming though...(thumb)

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

If a multi-piece is out of the question, I would go with a single, offset left. I know, offset isn't going to happen, but you asked for opinions.
Your poll should have more options if you really want to know what "the masses" think.

1) Dual.
2) Single centered.
3) a) Single offset left.
....b) Single offset right.

 

[Rany]

actually I think that offset to the right would be best. there is no spedo #'s there and the only thing it would bock on the right side is maybe some of the odo. if you center or offset left your gonna block the lower speed #'s up to about 40ish.

 

[07SilverSpeed6]

I am all for a single with offset to the right as well.

 

[ForceFed]

actually I think that offset to the right would be best. there is no spedo #'s there and the only thing it would bock on the right side is maybe some of the odo. if you center or offset left your gonna block the lower speed #'s up to about 40ish.

I know some of you like the offset design...But there are two problems that may play into this which would drive the cost to an Unbelievably high level.

Depending on how the column pod is from the factory.....Having a mold made for an offset might require doing it for an "Injection" mold process...Now we are talking $10K+ for the mold vs 25% of that do do a single centered version that would not require an injection mold.

You guys have to realize that some items will cost more to make because of their inherent design and what can be done with different types of forming.
There are losts of different methods, but once the item gets into to some odd shapes that cannot be created using a more simple mold..You get into the world of injection molding....And trust me..you guys would have no interest in the price of items needing to be made that way.

This is one of the main reasons that the offset would not be done..It will likely be cost prohibitive...Unles you are willing to pay $300+ a pod and find 40 buyers to do so just so that I would break even producing them.

There in lies the major problem....10 of you might love the idea of the offset....but do you love it if it costs you $300+?
Now..Will 50 people love it for that price?

And as far as blocking the Gauges...It will be very minimal...and can always be looked over if you decide that the numbers from 0-40 are that important to see.

Typically....Most drivers don't stare at the speedo when taking off, but will glance down after getting "Up to speed".

I know around here...35 means 40 for cruising speed...and the only time I go slower is in a school zone or residential if I am lucky.
Either way..you will be going slow enough to peek over the pod if its in your line of sight to the gauge cluster so you can see your speedo.

I hope this all makes sense and helps with the explanation of why there are the options there are.

Most of the time companies don't ask you what you want at all...THey make something...and most of the time we buy it.
I am simply giving that option to try to gauge what would be the better seller out of these two designs.

I hope this clears a few things up.
Keep putting your ideas and opinions out there though..I love to hear them.

Thanks
Matt K
ForceFed Fabrications

 

[xandrake]

I'm in Cincinnati if you need measurements as well.

 

[Munnugles]

off set to the right would be the best... i had it on my VW GTI 1.8t and i loved it passionatly... left or middle wouldnt bother me too much and i would be able to live with it... and if its for a cheap price too and we really need a guage pod... like seriously...

 

[Sierra117]

What about not an actual full off set, but just a smidge off to the right, like an off center? If its gonna drive the price up way high and be super expensive for everyone, I can live just fine with a center pod. I don't really watch my speedo at all.

 

[ForceFed]

I'm not seeing a lot of input here people...If the interest isn't there..I will focus on other projects.

I need to hear from YOU on this. (hi)

 

[staples187]

I think this would be an excellent project. There aren't many places to mount a boost gauge in our car and the steering wheel column off on the side would be a great idea since it won't cover up the speedometer like the others do.

 

[Munnugles]

i would definetly want one and if you came out with it i would buy it asap... where ever it goes... off set to the right would be the best just because all it blocks is the odometer thing... but regardless of the spot on the column i would get it just because... well... there really arent any options... ive had a boost guage sitting around for about 3months now still looking for a GOOD spot that i wont regret and i know the coulmn is a good spot since i had on on my gti 1.8t...

 

[Mazda3Owner13]

Any progress on getting these made?
I'm very interested.