This is into a classic pre MY98 dash, I'd replaced the double DIN jap stereo with a single DIN unit, so had a spare DIN slot, an ideal place to put some gauges. You can see what I had to work with below

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/Flockeddashpassenger.jpg

Looking around at other installs and searching this site, the only gauges I'd seen in the centre console were the Lamco ones and the Defi DIN unit, all using smaller gauges. So imagine my surprise when Ebay threw up a 52mm triple gauge DIN holder. So I bought one and filled it with some Autometer gauges from Gaugeplace.com

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/Gauges1.jpg

Should be a doddle to fit. Yeah right...! No wonder I hadn't seen many of these - these DIN holders seem to be 10mm taller than usual! Which means no way will it and the stereo fit in the double DIN hole. Plus there aren't any fixing holes with the plate, just a spring clip arrangement which meant the gauge holder could slide in and out of (and up and down) the cage at will.

So this is how I did it - firstly I wanted the gauges at the top, reasons being the cup holder covers the gaps at the top of the gauge holder, its the best position to view for the driver, also it means the stereo underneath will top it sliding down!

So I mounted the stereo in the lower DIN position noting the holes used, then measured how far down the stereo had to be moved to get a snug fit for the gauges. The result was drilling holes in the cage 12mm lower than the std DIN fitment holes.

Also the gauges are angled in the holder to point to the driver - great idea but this means the lefthand gauge is too wide for the cage, so a slot had to be cut so the the gauge can stick outside of the cage. At last the gauges were in but overall they were much wider than the stereo so I expected more issues with the facia cover.

Lowering the stereo 12mm meant the ashtray had to go, but I wanted to keep the ciggy lighter / phone charger socket. The mouldings had to go but the 12V socket easily dismantles, so I rebuilt it into the now chopped down blanking plate that was originally below the stereo.

After wiring it all up it fitted OK, I didn't have to cut the facia cover, but it does slightly cover the right hand gauge.

Voila!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/Gauges2.jpg

Now my cockpit is complete

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/Gauges3.jpg

I have:

AFR meter and Knoclink in A pillar pod
Boost gauge on steering column
PFC commander on centre vent
Oil temp, Oil pressure and Fuel pressure in centre console

The orange wires in the footwell are temporarily there until I decide either white or amber for the gauge backlight at night - unplugging makes it white, connected is amber.

Hope this helps anyone considering doing the same :)

This is what i am/was going to do to my 93wrx since it has the double din space.
who sold the DIN plate as i've seen one from here Automotive Dials Gauges pods t-piece (http://www.autodials.co.uk/) for £10

Thats the one, I went throught their Ebay shop

TBH, I don't think these look right.
They don't give a "factory fitted" look, with part of the gauge surround stuck behind the dash trim. I too had this problem, so opted for a custom job.
I'll post a pic later.

TBH I'm a function over form man myself, as long as its neat and serves its purpose. The fact that I can't see a bit of the silver surround doesn't make me lose sleep in all fairness.

Its moved on a bit, I now have an AVCR in there too. Funnily enough I purposely chose the black version because IMO the silver/blue one wouldn't lbend in and TBH wouldn't look right ;)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/P1010021.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Jaymawrx/Subaru/P1010019.jpg

Would be good to see other peoples solutions :)

My post was'nt a dig mate.
I love to see subtle mods done.
It's just the route I was going to go down, but things just didn't sit anf fit right.

Great looking drive tho

Are your gauges in the same position Jap Import?
wouldn't mind seeing your custom job
cheers

Are your gauges in the same position Jap Import?
wouldn't mind seeing your custom job
cheers

No, they're lower, they take up a single DIN and the lower pocket area.
I was concerned about them being viewable in this position, so I put a slight angle on the pod and got a set of clearer gauges.
I'll post a pic asap.

piccy would be appreciated cheers.

piccy would be appreciated cheers.

http://i31.tinypic.com/10xbw90.jpg

Removed the pocket and relocated the ashtray.
Put the boost gauge at the highest point for vision.
Put an angle on the pod for clearer vision too.

http://i29.tinypic.com/mjbn1w.jpg

very nice what did you make the holder out of?
Did you angle each gauge or the complete holder?

cheers

The whole pod has a slight draw on it, from top to bottom, and is made from GRP (Fibreglass).
The picture does'nt show, but the silver gauge cowls match the headunit a treat.