Pod Installation mazda3/mazdaspeed3

[iBoost]

k, so i got the 3 gauge dash pod from PG (the one that goes right over the center vents). it looks good, but it looks like i'm gonna have to go in and cut my existing plastic over where the new pod goes, otherwise the gauges wont fit. (sad2)
has anyone done this yet? how do you take off the stock pieces?
thanks!

 

[vlrussian]

take out the plastic fake wood look poop it out and then there is screws unscre it and ur all good

 

[iBoost]

take out the plastic fake wood look poop it out and then there is screws unscre it and ur all good

poop it out? lol (lol)

 

[ill_eagle94]

I don't like the idea of pooping anything but... well, poop.

 

[iBoost]

I don't like the idea of pooping anything but... well, poop.

well that makes 2 of us. well back to the topic.. has anyone done this yet with a PG dash pod??

 

[cornflaykes]

The guage pod is actually made by Lotek and on their site they tell you you have to cut the oem piece for the install.

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

PG even uses the same picture on their site as Lotek...

Easiest way to remove the trim around the radio display is to use a plastic panel removal tool or a small puddy knife with tape or surran wrap around the edge so you do not scratch anything then gently pry up on the driverside piece first and over to the passenger side the slide the piece to the drivers side the nyou can get to the vent screws and then pry up and towards the back of the car and your done.



-Benji-

 

[ill_eagle94]

So there is plenty of room in the dash to safely drill through for wires and stuff and to cut it for the gauges to fit?

 

[iBoost]

The guage pod is actually made by Lotek and on their site they tell you you have to cut the oem piece for the install.

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

PG even uses the same picture on their site as Lotek...

Easiest way to remove the trim around the radio display is to use a plastic panel removal tool or a small puddy knife with tape or surran wrap around the edge so you do not scratch anything then gently pry up on the driverside piece first and over to the passenger side the slide the piece to the drivers side the nyou can get to the vent screws and then pry up and towards the back of the car and your done.



-Benji-

would please post the pictures of how to do it? just the picture with arrows pointing to where i need to pry it out on the OEM dash... i'm a noobie so, and i dont want to mess anything up..
thanks!

 

[Mspeed3]

theres a how to thread that i used for mine. REDMS3GT wrote it!

 

[Powerslave]

that pod should look sweet once you get it installed!

 

[iBoost]

that pod should look sweet once you get it installed!

yeah. i got all the gauges and the pod now. just need someone to help me on the installation part (yes)

 

[Powerslave]

get nig3 to help you he is an expert at all that stuff

 

[meha11]

So there is plenty of room in the dash to safely drill through for wires and stuff and to cut it for the gauges to fit?

No one should ever drill throug the dash without removing it first, this comment is for anyone reading this thread. Remove the dash peice first as described above.

Once it is out there is loads of room.


EDIT: All i have is a movie clip that i made for someone, here is a little peice of it to show whats under there.

 

[iBoost]

EDIT: All i have is a movie clip that i made for someone, here is a little peice of it to show whats under there.

do you have a video of how to pop the dash piece out? i dont wanna brake anything p.s. is that a custom made dash pod? looks super clean..

 

[meha11]

This should help with dash removal.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123657347

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123657206

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123670580&highlight=gauge+pod
see post 8.


http://www.mazda 3 forums.com/index.php?topic=31367.0
Delete gaps either side of 3 to make link work.

 

[iBoost]

This should help with dash removal.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123657347

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123657206

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123670580&highlight=gauge+pod
see post 8.


http://www.mazda 3 forums.com/index.php?topic=31367.0
Delete gaps either side of 3 to make link work.

thanks a million. really helped me out with this. (yes)

 

[meha11]

No worries. If you get into trouble with the install and if your zip code is anything to go by you should only be 20 mins from me. PM if you need help (not this weekend though sorry)

Mike.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I wanted to see if I could get this straight.

The only people who make that center dash piece is Lo-Tek and it screws ontop of the factory center piece? Or it replaces the factory center piece completely and bolts up?

 

[meha11]

there are 2 different types. 1 replaces the dash piece but it is not originally designed for gauges so you will need to use a din adapter (bottom of page 2 on link), speedline make this. the other type sticks over the dash hiding a hole you must cut in the factory piece. Both Lotek and speedline make this (page 1 on link).

http://stores.ebay.com/thespeedline..._W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ9754123QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I cant comment on the lotek pod but it looks very similar to the speedline one, speedline are in Taiwan and I would be reluctant to deal with them again due to communication difficulties, their English skills can become bad all of a sudden when its convenient.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I would probably rather replace the entire piece rather than cut the OEM piece. But then again, if people have had bad experiences, then no reason to get it.

The lotek bolts ontop of the stock piece?