FAQ: 3D printed car parts – short answers
What is the difference between 52 mm and 60 mm gauges?
52 mm (exactly 52.39 mm = 2-1/16 inch) is the most common size for aftermarket gauges like boost or oil temperature. 60 mm gauges are easier to read, but often have only a 60 mm bezel on a 52 mm housing – they then fit a 52 mm pod as long as the bezel can rest on the front.
Which material for a gauge pod on the dashboard?
ASA (or ABS). After one hour in the sun a dashboard averages about 69 °C, with peaks up to 89 °C. ASA only softens at around 108 °C and is UV resistant. PETG is only fine in shaded spots like the air vent or centre console; PLA is unsuitable in a car.
Guide: PETG or ASA in a car? Choosing filament by mounting location
Can I mount a gauge pod on the A-pillar?
Only if the car has no curtain or A-pillar airbag – true for many classic and youngtimer cars. In newer cars the curtain airbag deploys along the A-pillar; a pod there can become a projectile. We therefore only offer A-pillar pods for models and years without that airbag.
What if the gauge does not fit the printed pod?
Print the tolerance test ring first: three rings with +0.2, +0.4 and +0.6 mm. The ring the gauge enters without force but without play shows the right allowance. ASA shrinks more than PETG, so always test in the material you print the pod in.
Where can I fit extra gauges in a Renault Clio II phase 2 without drilling?
In two places. In a Clio II phase 2 (2001–2005) a dual pod replaces the tray in front of the clock/temperature display and holds two 52 mm gauges tilted 45° toward the driver. For a single gauge, a pod replaces the grille of the driver-side centre air vent (phase 2, 2001–2006). Both clip in like the original, nothing is drilled or glued. For phase 1 (up to 2001), including the RS 172 phase 1, there is no fitting solution yet.
Guide: Renault Clio II phase 2: extra gauges without drilling – tray or centre vent
Where can I fit an extra gauge in a Nissan 350Z without drilling?
In the ashtray slot of the centre console. A pod plugs in there with a foot with crush ribs, carries one 52 mm gauge above the console and tilts it 30, 45 or 60° toward the driver. The cable runs down through the stand into the slot. This applies to the 350Z (Z33) with the pre-facelift console 2003–2005, coupé and roadster; the facelift console from 2006 has not been checked.
Guide: Nissan 350Z (Z33): extra gauge in the ashtray slot, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW Polo 9N without drilling?
In the ashtray of the centre console. A panel plugs into the slot with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush side by side; the cables run through the plug into the slot. It is designed for the Polo 9N (2001–2005), including GTI and Cup Edition; the fit in the 9N3 (facelift 2005–2009) is not confirmed.
Guide: VW Polo 9N / 9N3: two extra gauges in place of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW T2 Bay without drilling the dashboard?
In the ashtray slot under the radio. A panel plugs in there with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush, on the air-cooled flat four typically oil temperature and oil pressure. Nothing is drilled, and the original ashtray is kept. It is designed for the T2a (1968–1972); the T2b is probably the same but not confirmed.
Guide: VW T2 Bay (1968–1979): oil temperature and oil pressure in place of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW Beetle without drilling the dashboard?
In the ashtray slot of the dashboard. A panel plugs in there with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush – on the air-cooled flat four typically oil temperature and oil pressure. It is designed for the Type 1 Beetle with the dashboard from 8/1968 to 1979; the fit in the 1303 with the curved dashboard is not confirmed.
Guide: VW Beetle from 1968: oil temp and oil pressure gauges instead of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a Volvo 240 without drilling?
In the front ashtray of the centre console. A panel plugs into the slot with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush – on a 240 Turbo, for example, boost and oil temperature. It is designed for the Volvo 240 and 260 (242, 244, 245) with the centre console from 1981 to 1993; the 1975–1980 console has not been checked.
Guide: Volvo 240 / 260: two extra gauges instead of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit an extra gauge in a VW Golf 3 without drilling?
In a free accessory switch slot below the heater and fan controls. A pod plugs in there in place of the blank cap with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds one 52 mm gauge flush – for example oil temperature on a VR6 or boost on a TDI. It fits the Golf 3 (1H, 1991–1997) including GTI, VR6, TDI, Variant and Vento; on the Cabrio (1E) it is not confirmed.
Guide: VW Golf 3 / Vento: an extra gauge in the accessory switch slot, no drilling
Where can I fit an extra gauge in a VW Polo 6R without drilling?
In the switch strip below the centre vent, in place of a blank cap. A pod plugs in there with a foot with crush ribs and holds one 52 mm gauge flush – on the GTI usually boost. Because the pod is 60 mm wide and covers both neighbouring positions, it only fits where three blank caps sit side by side. You need to check that on your Polo; which trim has it is not sourced.
Guide: VW Polo 6R / 6C: an extra gauge in a blank switch position, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW T4 without drilling?
In the ashtray low in the middle of the dashboard. A panel replaces only the front of the ashtray drawer, holds two 52 mm gauges flush and clips on with hooks like the original panel. It fits T4 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan with the facelift dashboard (03/1996–2003), not the early dashboard up to 1995.
What can I fit into an empty single-DIN or double-DIN radio slot?
Three things, all without drilling, using a panel that clamps into the DIN cage with crush ribs: 52 mm gauges, Contura-style rocker switches or a storage pocket. In a single-DIN slot (50 mm tall) 52 mm gauges sit in cups in front of the panel, because they are taller than the slot. In a double-DIN slot (100 mm tall) three gauges fit flush in the face.
Guide: Empty single or double DIN slot: gauges, switches or storage?
Where can I mount a 52 mm gauge without drilling?
The easiest place is the cupholder: the pod drops in without tools and carries heavy gauges too. A round air vent gives a flush, factory-style fit. For a gauge right in view, use the steering column shroud or the top of the dashboard (stuck on with VHB tape); in motorsport, the roll cage. Off limits: the underside of the steering column (knee airbag), the passenger airbag cover and the head-strike zone.
Guide: Gauge pod without drilling: cupholder, vent, steering column, dashboard or cage?
How do I get the files?
Right after payment the download appears on the confirmation page and the link is sent by email. It is valid for 7 days.
Which file formats are included?
STL and 3MF (with print profile) in every version, STEP in the editable version. Plus a PDF guide and a tolerance test ring.
May I sell the printed parts?
The files are licensed for personal use. Commercial printing and resale only by agreement.
Is there a right of withdrawal?
For digital content the right of withdrawal expires if you expressly agree before purchase that the download is provided immediately. See the cancellation policy for details.
Do I get updates?
Yes. When we improve a model, your download link delivers the new version.