'06-'08 Gauge POD v3 - Part 1
The gauge POD clock mounting is designed for '03-'05. The clock was changed in '06 to add the passenger airbag monitor. This changed the size of the clock, so it won't fit in the gauge POD clock frame.

On the positive side, the double DIN POD will fit the dash opening on the '03-'08 Forester!
Last updated on 09-06-09! All problems have been resolved! Additional construction pictures added.
I decided to start this MOD with the audio upgrade, since I'd be in the dash. I ran in all the wiring for the gauge POD, so it's one more item checked off the "to do" list. If you're wondering why I used white split tubing, instead of black. I wanted to get rid of it & it won't be seen in this application.
If you're curious as to what I used for the gauge panel, you can find the answer
here.
Bobby...
This is what you get when you buy the factory/OEM gauge POD. The Subaru part number is H0010SA950ML & they run around $65/USD. This is not a plug & play MOD!
The left picture shows how the original storage cubby is remove. The right pictures shows the wiring for the gauge POD.
Here's the problem. You can see there is no way the '06-'08 clock is going to fit in that '03-'05 clock frame!
The pictures below were added 09-04-09!
The left picture shows where I positioned the clock mounting panel. The right picture shows the clock installed in the panel. I decided to use the original clock panel, since without it, the clock would look unfinished. The plastic is soft, unlike the POD housing, so I used a pair of tin snips for the rough cutting & a pair of small side cutters to finalize the cut. The cuts will not show, so close is good enough.
The left picture shows the gauge panel positioned. The right pictures shows where the 52mm holes need to be cut.
The left picture shows the gauge panel removed from the gauge POD. The right picture shows how I cut the holes. I should note here that filing is required for the final fitting of the gauges. It took over an hour to get the fit just right. You don't want to remove too much metal, or you'll be making a new panel! :frown:
Here's a couple picture of this MOD in the "fitting" (taped together) stage. When I'm to this point, I'm pretty sure the MOD will be successful.
Because of the closeness of the gauges, the VDO gauges will require a "stud kit" to convert the mounting method from the spin on sleeve to the old style metal mounting brackets. The Nordskog fuel pressure gauge comes with mounting studs & "very" long ones!
Here's a front on shot as the gauge POD will sit in the Forester.
Update 09-05-09
The gauge panel glued on perfectly with Plastic Fusion glue. There is a problem with the clock frame, which is made of a different type plastic (flexible). More than just being flexible, the glue will not adhere to the plastic. I kinda thought this might be an issue. I have a couple possible solutions to investigate. More information as I progress.
Update 09-06-09
All problems have been resolved!
These pictures show how I spaced (eraser) & how I secured the gauge panels (pencils) while I applied Plastic Fusion glue.
These pictures show my solution to the clock mounting problem. As I wrote earlier, the clock mounting panel is a different plastic & the glue will not adhere to it. The solution was to use a mechanical method to secure the panel to the POD. I have to say this was extremely difficult to do! First I mounted threaded studs to the clock mounting panel. I drilled all the way thru the existing mounting point. The threaded studs had to be filed to match the angle of the panel, since the surface is curved (PIA). After the studs were mounted to the panel, I test fitted the panel to the POD. At this point, everything must be perfect (PIA)! Once I verified everything was correct, I used Plastic Fusion to glue the studs to the POD (PIA). There's no way to glue it entirely at this step, but enough glue must be on the studs so the screw holding it to the panel can be removed (PIA). Once the glue has set, the panel is removed & additional glue is placed around the studs to make the bond to the POD as strong as possible.
I used a larger picture here to show where the clock mounting panel "studs" are located & how they were reinforced with additional Plastic Fusion glue.
The next step is to install the gauges & the wiring. Then the completed gauge POD can be installed in the Forester. Unfortunately, I can't post additional pictures on this post, since I'm at the maximum allows images for a post! I even had to remove most of the "smilies", since they count towards the maximum image count. I'll make a new post for the final pictures.
Related posts.
The
Table of Contents for my Member Journal can be found:
here. (post #124)