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

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.

Car: Nissan 350Z (Z33), pre-facelift console 2003–2005, coupé and roadster
Not checked: facelift console from 2006
Gauge: 1 × 52 mm; tilt 30, 45 or 60°
Mounting: U-shaped foot with crush ribs in the slot (36 × 92 mm), nothing drilled or glued
Material: ASA recommended, ABS or PETG possible; no supports
Fit: not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model

How the pod sits

The 350Z with the pre-facelift console has a slot of 36 × 92 mm, 47 mm deep, in the ashtray. It is too narrow for a 52 mm gauge but ideal as a mount: a U-shaped foot with crush ribs clamps in the slot, the base plate rests on top, and the gauge sits on a stand above it.

Tilt 30, 45 or 60° toward the driver. The flatter the tilt, the more the gauge faces upward.
The cable runs through the hollow stand and base plate down into the slot.
Nothing is drilled or glued; the original insert fits back afterwards.

Render of the gauge pod for the Nissan 350Z ashtray slot with a 52 mm gauge on the plug-in foot — Render: Magmacode

Which 350Zs fit

Fits: 350Z (Z33) with the pre-facelift centre console, 2003–2005, coupé and roadster, including Track, Performance and 35th Anniversary.
Not checked: facelift console from 2006.

What is tested and what isn’t

To be clear: our pod has not yet been tested in a car. The slot dimensions come from a freely published replacement box (dat boi, Printables 1340390, CC0) that was tested in the car; we only took over the dimensions. That the long side of the slot runs in the direction of travel is an assumption.

If the foot is too tight, file the crush ribs a little. If it is too loose, add felt tape to the foot. The gauge bore is 52.79 mm (nominal + 0.4 mm); the tolerance test ring shows whether your printer hits it.

Safety and clearance

The pod sits in the lower centre console, outside the airbag zones. It must not get in the way of the gear lever, handbrake or cupholder. Check this in every gear and with the handbrake pulled before you drive.

Printing

The centre console does not get as hot as the top of the dashboard. ASA is still recommended; ABS or PETG work too, PLA does not (more in PETG or ASA in a car). The part prints with the front face on the bed and the foot lying on it too; no supports are needed. The default variant weighs 85 g and takes just over 6 hours.

Fitting the gauge pod in the 350Z ashtray slot

Print the fit test set or tolerance test ring in the final material and test-fit the gauge.
Print the pod (ASA, 0.2 mm, 4 walls, 20 % infill, front face on the bed, no supports).
Remove the ashtray lid and insert and keep them.
Feed the cable from the top through the stand and base plate into the slot, fit the gauge, tighten the set screw hand-tight.
Press the pod into the slot with the gauge facing the driver, then check in every gear and with the handbrake pulled that nothing touches.

FAQ

Does the pod fit the 350Z roadster?

Yes, as long as it has the pre-facelift centre console (2003–2005). Coupé and roadster share the same ashtray slot. Track, Performance and 35th Anniversary are covered too.

Does it fit a 2006+ 350Z (facelift)?

That has not been checked. The console was revised with the facelift. If you drive a facelift car, measure the slot first (target: 36 × 92 mm, 47 mm deep) or print the fit test set.

Why does the gauge sit above the console and not in the slot?

At 36 mm the slot is too narrow for a 52 mm gauge. Only the foot goes into the slot; the gauge sits above it on a stand.

What about the ashtray lid?

It stays out and you can keep it. You can go back to stock at any time because nothing is drilled or glued.

Can I still use the cupholder?

We have not checked that in a car yet. Depending on the tilt the gauge sticks up more or less above the console. Before printing, mock it up with a piece of card at the right height to check that cups, gear lever and handbrake stay clear.