I got my gauges and plan on trying to install them this weekend. The 2 pod a-pillar trim piece I got fits nice but there are no places for the clips on the back like with the factory piece. Does anyone have any secrets as to how to mount of the new trim piece and still have it look good? The 4 little push retainers it came with don't look like they will hold much.

 

on my first gen i thought the 4 push retainers wouldn't work but they have actually held nicely... no sag since i put it in.

 

if i understand your question right, you are supposed to put the 2 pod pillar over the top of ur existing a-pillar. i did the exact same thing. i took down my old one and tried to install it but i soon found out that it wasent supposed to work like that. lol you just hold the new one up there and drill through both of the pillars at the same time. Then push in the 4 retainers and it holds it up there.

 

The gauge holder was designed to be mounted over the top of the factory pillar cover. You hold the gauge pillar over the factory cover where you want it and drill the holes through the two and after you install the gauges simply push the small trim clips through the holes of the gauge holder into the factory pillar cover , it will hold, I have not had any problems with mine, try to put a clip in each corner of the cover.

 

I was kind of thinking I could avoid cutting/butchering the original a-pillar trim piece and just install the new one. Has anyone done this? I was going to put the original in storage incase I ever needed it down the road.

If I were to attach it to the original piece it looks like I would have to cut out most of it to make room for the speaker, two gauges, and tubing.

 

First, why did you buy the two gage pod? That's what I done first, and it wasn't long until I got the three and another gage.
Do you have the pod with the little speaker on it? Either way, take the old one off, fit the new one into place, and then drill a hole near the top and screw it to the post. Save the factory pod in case you sell your truck and want to keep the gages.

You can see a pic of mine in my photo gallery.

Oh, I forgot....I got my paint at English Auto Paint, and it's almost a perfect match.

 

No way around "butchering" your original. Holes need to be cut to feed the wires through the stock trim piece. I can't imagine why you would need to remove the pod in the future???

 

I was kind of thinking.......save the original incase I decide to sell the truck down the road but want to keep the gauge set up.

As for the 2 vs. 3pod.......I went with two because I only really wanted the boost and fp gauges. My truck is pretty much stock and I didn't want to risk voiding the warranty by adding the pyrometer right now. The fp gauge is the critical one....the boost gauge is just for fun.

 

go to the salvage yard and get you another one to cut up (color donsnt matter). and keep yours intact

 

Tried installing it today without attaching to the existing trim piece but it just wasn't right. Broke down and hacked up the old trim piece and now it fits in great....definately worth doing it that way.

The salvage yard idea was a good one......I just read it a little late.

 

No worries ... do you really think you'd go to all the bother to remove it? Charge the guy an extra 100 bucks for the gauges!