Volvo 240 / 260: two extra 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.
- Car
- Volvo 240 / 260 (242 coupé, 244 saloon, 245 estate; DL, GL, GLT, Turbo), centre console 1981–1993
- Not checked
- centre console 1975–1980
- Gauges
- 2 × 52 mm flush, variants for 45, 50 and 55 mm gauge depth
- Mounting
- hollow plug with crush ribs in the ashtray slot (approx. 90 mm wide, 26 mm tall)
- Uncertain
- slot width only narrowed down to 90–96 mm – felt tape or a file may be needed
- Fit
- not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model
How the panel sits
The front ashtray in the centre console pulls out. A hollow plug with crush ribs goes into its slot, and in front of it sits the panel with two 52 mm gauges flush side by side. Crush ribs hold the gauges without screws, and the cables run through the plug into the slot.
The slot is only 26 mm tall, so the panel sits in front of the console and protrudes by the depth of the gauges. Pick the variant by gauge depth (45, 50 or 55 mm).
Which Volvos fit
- Designed for: Volvo 240 and 260 – 242 coupé, 244 saloon, 245 estate, including DL, GL, GLT and Turbo – with the centre console from 1981 to 1993.
- Not checked: the centre console of 1975–1980 cars.
What is tested and what isn’t
Our panel has not yet been tested in a 240. The dimensions come from a freely published replacement ashtray (AnthonyHardy2, Printables 647471, CC BY 4.0): the ashtray is about 90 × 26 mm but holds with friction tabs that reach about 96 mm wide. That is why we only know the slot width to within 90 to 96 mm. Only the dimensions were taken over. If the plug is too loose, add felt tape to its sides; if it is too tight, file the crush ribs. The tolerance test ring shows whether your printer hits the 52.79 mm gauge bore.
Safety
The ashtray sits in the centre console, clear of the airbag zones. From model year 1990 the cars have a driver airbag and a knee bolster on the driver’s side; neither is near the panel. The panel must not obstruct the gear lever or heater controls – check in every gear. Always use a fused power supply.
Printing
The panel prints face down on the bed, so the visible side comes out smooth and no supports are needed. In the centre console PETG is enough, ASA or ABS also work, PLA does not (PETG or ASA in a car). It weighs 111 g and takes about 11 hours.
Fitting the gauge panel in a Volvo 240
- Print the tolerance test ring or fit test set in the final material and test-fit a gauge.
- Print the panel in PETG or ASA (face down on the bed, no supports).
- Pull out the front ashtray and keep it.
- Route the cables through the grooves into the plug and on into the slot, press the gauges in from the front.
- Push the panel straight into the slot until it sits against the console; check the gear lever and heater controls in every gear.
FAQ
Does the panel fit the 245 estate?
Yes, it is designed for the 242, 244 and 245 with the centre console from 1981. What matters is the console, not the body style. On cars before 1981 the console has not been checked.
What happens to the original ashtray?
It is only pulled out and kept. Nothing is drilled or glued; to go back, pull the panel out and slide the ashtray back in.
Which gauges make sense?
On the 240 Turbo usually boost and oil temperature, on naturally aspirated engines more often oil pressure and a voltmeter. Any gauge with a 52 mm body fits, as long as its depth matches the chosen variant. Fit sender and wiring following the gauge maker's instructions.
The plug is too loose or too tight – what now?
We only know the slot width to within 90 to 96 mm. Too loose: stick felt tape on the sides of the plug. Too tight: file the crush ribs a little.
Why does the panel stick out from the console?
The slot is only 26 mm tall, so a 52 mm gauge does not fit inside. Only the plug sits in the slot; the panel with the gauges sits in front of it and protrudes by the gauge depth.
Updated: 1 November 2026
