Today, I replaced that annoying burned out instrument panel illumination bulb. If any of you have done that, then you know that you must essentially field strip the front end of the cabin to get at the instrument panel. By the time I got to the bulb, I had a pocketful of about 20 #25 TORX screws and the glove box, speaker grills, and vent ducts strewn over my cargo area, not to mention the upper fascia carefully stowed on my front porch, taking great care not to damage the attached passenger air bag. I hope not to do that too often in the future, but I would be able to go much more quickly the next time.

So, with that experience behind me, I began to think more seriously about installing my VDO boost gauge and pod. As I was test postioning (dry fitting) the pod on the A-Pillar trim, I noticed just how close to the upper fascia it would be. Imagining it permanently affixed with industrial epoxy as suggested on Bay 13, I asked myself just how I would remove the upper fascia the next time a bulb burned out.

First thought: Pop the A-Pillar trim away from the A-Pillar. Only trouble is that the pod has the vacuum tubing and electrical wiring running to it through the trim piece. If I can leave enough slack, it may work.

Second thought: Use removable screws to affix the pod to the trim. That is a good option, if I can make it look classy and not crack all that plastic with too much torque.

Has anybody crossed this bridge yet and have any good ideas?
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Dave in Virginia

Dave,

Noticed that when I installed my gauge pod the instructions indicating the bit size for the holes to be drilled into the A pillar plastic were most likely wrong. I ended up with slightly larger holes than were necessary for the plastic pop rivets that are to anchor the pod in conjunction with the 2x tape. Industrial adhesive seemed a bit harsh considering it's location. Once in, it has worked without fail, but I'm not sold on the look. I've heard that ipd may have a better setup, but have not confirmed. Nonetheless, undersize your drill bit when you do install it. You can always increase the size if too small.

Gavin - '98 V70 T5M

Gavin,

Thanks for the reply and the tip. I was beginning to wonder if anybody would respond.

My kit came with those plastic rivets, but I want the option of removing the pod to get the fascia off in the future. So I bought two sheet metal screws with the heads painted black. I will select my drill bit carefully and use the screws to GENTLY secure the pod to the A-pillar. Also, I have removed the 2-sided tape from the pod for a cleaner fit; no need for the tape when I have the screws.

My pod came from IPD, and I check their site often. Haven't seen anything about a better pod "setup" .... unless what I have IS the new "setup". I would have to see yours to know for sure.

Thanks again
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Dave in Virginia

Dave,

That being said, I'm fairly certain you have the same pod as I do. What other mods have you done? Not likely we'll bump into each other at 7-11 anytime soon. I'm in Portland, OR.

Gavin - Silver '98 V70 T5M ipd springs, struts, strut brace, sways, wing, side markers, tint, new door ding.