Extra Gauge Location

[l008com]

Eventually I want to get a trans temp gauge since I tow a lot. I'd like to get a nice round analog gauge rather than a digital readout (but we'll see). But I'm curious about one specific part of this, which is where's a good spot to put the gauge? I'd like something that's "plausibly oem-looking". So not just bolted to the dash in some random spot. A pillar mounts can look good, but I don't enjoy the reduced visibility. And I don't necessarily want the gauge in my face all the time when I only really want to look at it when it's towing. I'm 4x4 so that spot is in use. I have thought of removing the rear wiper and controls. If I did that, I could use that spot but it's actually pretty small for a gauge, and I may never actually bother to do that particular mod.

 

[Blckshdw]

where's a good spot to put the gauge?

This is really a subjective question. Roadie's favorite comparison was always "people asking what should I look for in a girlfriend/wife" You've already ruled out a number of locations, and seemingly the most popular ones, so now it really comes down to what would be tolerable to you?

For me, I have a ScanSauge II that I use to display Transmission and Coolant temp, as well as instant and trip average MPGs. Like you, I don't need to see it all the time, so I keep it in the little coin tray just below the radio stack. A quick glance down, and can get a reference. Obviously that's not gonna work if using a round analog gauge.

Another option would be to get a dash mount for your Android smart phone (assuming you have one), download Torque Pro, and then you can put a round analog gauge for transmission fluid temp (among other things) This way you only have to use it when you want to, no permanent installation of anything, so you sorta have your OEM look

Maybe, depending on what you already have in your overhead console, you could add a small gauge up there where the Homelink/memo modules would be, or where the sunroof button might go. Viewing angle might require some creativity to make it easier to see.

That's all I got off the top of my head.

 

[reedtchsrv]

+1 on the ScanGauge. Mine is mounted on top of my steering column. I bought mine to monitor tranny temp while towing.

 

[Matt]

I use Torque on my phone and have it mounted to the dash to the right of the gauge pod.

 

[Capote]

Eventually I want to get a trans temp gauge since I tow a lot. I'd like to get a nice round analog gauge rather than a digital readout (but we'll see). But I'm curious about one specific part of this, which is where's a good spot to put the gauge? I'd like something that's "plausibly oem-looking". So not just bolted to the dash in some random spot. A pillar mounts can look good, but I don't enjoy the reduced visibility. And I don't necessarily want the gauge in my face all the time when I only really want to look at it when it's towing. I'm 4x4 so that spot is in use. I have thought of removing the rear wiper and controls. If I did that, I could use that spot but it's actually pretty small for a gauge, and I may never actually bother to do that particular mod.

Since you want things to look OEM, you're only options really are a Scangauge, the Torque App or Dash Command OBDII apps. Everything else requires a gauge pillar, pods on the dash or ceiling, removing the TB logo cap (4X4 switch in your case)/wiper controls, or modifying a vent to mount a gauge like some TBSS guys do.

 

[l008com]

Anyone have pics of a single gauge A pillar pod from inside a trailblazer? I'd really prefer a traditional analog gauge, so I guess it's A pillar or remove the rear wiper.

 

[Capote]

Anyone have pics of a single gauge A pillar pod from inside a trailblazer? I'd really prefer a traditional analog gauge, so I guess it's A pillar or remove the rear wiper.

I've only ever seen 3 pod pillar's available, unless someone molded their own to have one gauge. A gauge will fit in the rear wiper slot, you'd just have to dremel it out little by little and test fit in-between so you have a snug fit.

http://www.gaugepods.com/chevy_t.html