Guides: gauge pods, materials and installation in cars

• 52 mm or 60 mm: which gauge size fits the pod?

  52 mm is the standard size for aftermarket gauges (52.39 mm). Many 60 mm gauges only have a larger bezel on a 52 mm housing.

• PETG or ASA in a car? Choosing filament by mounting location

  ASA for anything in the sun, PETG for shaded locations, never PLA. With measured dashboard temperatures and print tips.

• Gauge pods and airbags: where can a gauge go?

  A-pillar pods only in cars without a curtain airbag, never in a deployment zone. We check airbag positions for every model and year.

• Gauge does not fit the pod? Getting tolerances right

  Too tight or too loose: the tolerance test ring finds the right bore for your material and printer in 15 minutes.

• Renault Clio II phase 2: extra gauges without drilling – tray or centre vent

  Two ways without drilling in the Clio II phase 2, RS 172 and RS 182: a dual pod in place of the tray or one gauge in the centre vent. What fits, what is untested.

• Nissan 350Z (Z33): extra gauge in the ashtray slot, no drilling

  One 52 mm gauge in a 350Z with the pre-facelift console (2003–2005): the pod plugs into the ashtray slot, tilt 30/45/60°, the cable disappears into the slot.

• VW Polo 9N / 9N3: two extra gauges in place of the ashtray, no drilling

  Two 52 mm gauges in a Polo 9N, GTI and Cup Edition included: the panel plugs into the centre console ashtray slot. What fits and what is still untested.

• VW T2 Bay (1968–1979): oil temperature and oil pressure in place of the ashtray, no drilling

  Two 52 mm gauges in a VW bus T2 Bay Window, Westfalia included: the panel plugs into the ashtray slot under the radio, and the original stays untouched.

• VW Beetle from 1968: oil temp and oil pressure gauges instead of the ashtray, no drilling

  Two 52 mm gauges in a Beetle with the dashboard from 8/1968: a panel plugs into the ashtray slot and the original stays intact. What fits, what is open.

• Volvo 240 / 260: two extra gauges instead of the ashtray, no drilling

  Boost, oil temp or oil pressure in a 1981+ Volvo 240/260: a panel plugs into the front ashtray of the centre console. Fit, limits and open points.

• VW Golf 3 / Vento: an extra gauge in the accessory switch slot, no drilling

  One 52 mm gauge in a Golf 3, GTI, VR6, TDI or Vento: a pod replaces a blank cap below the heater controls. Fit, retention and open points.

• VW Polo 6R / 6C: an extra gauge in a blank switch position, no drilling

  One 52 mm gauge in a Polo 6R/6C, including the GTI: a pod replaces a blank cap below the centre vent. When it fits and what to check first.

• VW T4 from 1996: extra gauges in the ashtray panel

  Boost and EGT in a T4 TDI without drilling: a panel replaces the ashtray front, the original drawer stays. Fit, airbag and limits.

• Empty single or double DIN slot: gauges, switches or storage?

  What fits a free radio slot: 52 mm gauges, Contura rocker switches or a storage pocket. With ISO 7736 dimensions and the limits.

• Gauge pod without drilling: cupholder, vent, steering column, dashboard or cage?

  Which location suits a 52 mm gauge, what to measure first, and where the knee airbag, passenger airbag and head-strike zone set limits.