Custom Pod (2006 Civic) D.I.Y

[Torredo]

I got sick of waiting for someone to actually
make anything for this car so i went out and
bought the Honda dash trim for where im going to
make a custom pod install. I also took a spare
Pod-form from my other car and cut 1 pod section
out from it, then ill be trimming it up size to fit the Honda
dash-trim. After thats done its to the workbench to start
fabricating/fitting.

here is the very beggining....
Honda dash trim and pre-cut pod from eclipse.


Tools/parts needed:
- Honda dash skirt (28.00 CDN)
- Masking tape
- Sand paper (80g, 100g, 200g & 400g
- Primer (Filler/scratch type)
- Grey paint to match
- Protective eye goggles
- Dremel with reinforced cutting disc & carbide bit

**Now depending how far you go to make it custom....
- Fiberglass resin w/hardner & cloth
- Fiberglass strand body filler
(Follow instructions given on product).

Step one:
Youll need to cut a 2" hole in the dash skirt (below)


Step two:
Cutting away at the pod (purchased for any pillar-type 30.00 CDN)
and making to the best/closest fit to this point (Below),
the guage should now properly fit into the opening for both the
dash skirt and pod (more work with a carbid tip may be needed
to get this right).



...more to come as i make it!

[8thgenuser]

Looking good so far Torredo!

[Torredo]

thanks buddie!!

i also forgot too mention that the Blue Ractive Air/Fuel ratio meter in the images will not be used, ive ordered a white face/silver ring Boost meter
as i plan on Turbocharging this bitch sometime real soon.

[06NighthawkSi]

Looking real good! Could use this later if i decide on my Air Ride!

[atruhondagrl]

Hmmm... very interesting. Can't wait to see the final product. Looking good.

[crazyj]

If I were to put in aftermarket guages it would be right there where you put it :) Nice work so far...

[Torredo]

Step three:

Make sure that the meter ,custom cut pod and honda-dash-trim
all fit proper to your statisfaction, once this is done, with all the
pieces together (shown below) using electrical tape secure them
into position for further bonding.



I used CA glue for the first stage, then ill back it off with straps or
something to secure it to the dash trim, then ill start the bodywork
hopefully tommorow as its to dark here to do it and i dont have a
garage.

[BLU BY U]

same idea i had. looks good so far. i will be putting in two red digital gauges. should look close to stock.

can't wait to see the final product.

[aznchzexr]

looks good man! i was gonna do that/fiberglass in the middle of my dash..but i just ordered autometer pedalstol mounts

cant wait to see the final product!

[Torredo]

Step four:

Now that the pod is trimmed to fit, I used an old black T-shirt
to make strips to bond the dash-trim to the pod with CA glue.
I didnt mention it before however, I have to caution its use
as it will permanently bond your skin within a nanosecond, this
shit is worse then crazy glue and is in liquid form, it also will
start to smoke after it starts to dry.



Now its to the fiberglass resin and cloth to start the actual cosmetics
of this project. Youll need extra time and care in this next part as this
will result in your overall finished product.

[Torredo]

seeing as the CA glue did its job better than i anticipated
i went ahead using filler instead....

Step Five:

After sanding down the area to be applied with filler, here it is with
the first coat (keep in mind it is the first coat so its a little rough).

[Torredo]

Step Six:

After the first coat of filler, youll need to sand it down
keeping in mind to watch all the lines youlll want in the pod/dash
trim, this may take a few lighter coats of filler and sanding to get
it all right. Then after the innitial shape has taken place and the
lines all look decent, youll need to use glazing putty for those small
pin holes or creases you couldnt get at with filler. This to will take
some sanding with 200g sandpaper but be gentle on it as it will
go through the putty quick, all you want here is to blend everything
in. Then the first coat of filler primer is needed, this will show even more
flaws in which you can work out afterwards with the glaze putty.

[Team Midnight]

Torredo
where in canada are you?

[Torredo]

Step seven:

After all blemishes are taken care of, now is time to make sure
the surface is clean of debris, and the flat black portion of the
dash trim is properly masked off. Then paint with your choice of
color. In my case i tried to keep it somewhat stock as possible.


British Columbia btw....

[Skyline4life]

Originally Posted by 06NighthawkSi

Looking real good! Could use this later if i decide on my Air Ride!

and it has begun...Again.

[atruhondagrl]

Ooooooo. I like it. Great job. Now put it in the car!!!

[Torredo]

i will install this pod in my honda once the guage arrives tommorow the one
seen is from my last car and wont be used. i ordered an autometer
boost guage with a black face/chrome ring

[06CivEXJon]

What does the guage indicate? air/fuel ratio mixture?

[Torredo]

the recent one is for Boost/Turbo, and the one thats comin tommorow is turbo aswell.

[atruhondagrl]

Cool. Can't wait to see the finished product.