AlbertaClipper Posted April 1, 2009 #1 Posted April 1, 2009 Just installed a volt meter, water temp gauge and tach so I thought I would post a few pics. I still have some clean-up of the install to do and finish putting the bike together. I removed the ignition switch and replaced it with a much smaller one in the seat pan facing backwards just over the rear shock schrader valve. I made the gauge pod with fiberglass and bondo. Painted it with bed liner. The temp sending unit and tach signal come from cylinder four. I removed the coolant plug and drilled and tapped it to fit the 1/8th" sending unit. The tach signal comes from the negative side of cylinder 4 coil. Power to the gauges comes from the positive side of the coil. Made for a nice neat cable run. The gauge lights are run off a switch on the front brake reservoir along with the driving lights. I removed the front right speaker to install the tach. I don't use the speakers so it won't be missed.
CharcoalRSTD Posted April 1, 2009 #2 Posted April 1, 2009 That is pretty sharp, I like that. I might consider that for gauges. It would look good body color, would make it blend really well. You did a really nice job on it.
bryan52577 Posted April 1, 2009 #3 Posted April 1, 2009 That looks really good! I like the fiberglass part you made. (Can you make me one in chrome?) I read on here some were having problems with the handle bars hitting the "chrome" part (that you now made into fiberglass). I take it you can turn the handle bars all the way and not hit? I think you did a great job though! PS So how much are you going to sell them for? When you go into production. Bryan
Freebird Posted April 1, 2009 #4 Posted April 1, 2009 Very nice. There used to be a pod like that on the market. The company was owned by an MTA member and he was a great guy. Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago. That is the route I would have taken had it still been available. You did a great job.
Tartan Terror Posted April 1, 2009 #5 Posted April 1, 2009 I think you should make those pods. I want one it you do.
Bubber Posted April 1, 2009 #6 Posted April 1, 2009 I too like the pod setup and would be interested in one. I think you have a good idea here. Did you take pics of the fabrication of the unit. When will they be available?????? Steve aka Bubber
Lone Eagle Posted April 1, 2009 #8 Posted April 1, 2009 THAT LOOKS AWESOME - way to think out of the box - Great Job!
1sttenor Posted April 1, 2009 #10 Posted April 1, 2009 I think you should make those pods. I want one it you do. Me too!
CrazyHorse Posted April 1, 2009 #11 Posted April 1, 2009 THAT LOOKS AWESOME - way to think out of the box - Great Job! I love out of the box thinking nice job.
Carbon_One Posted April 1, 2009 #13 Posted April 1, 2009 Nicely done there. If you decided to make them for other members you'll have plenty of orders I'd bet. Larry
AlbertaClipper Posted April 2, 2009 Author #14 Posted April 2, 2009 Thanks Guys. I don't think I will be mass producing these. It took a lot longer than I had thought it would. I originally wanted both gauges AND the tach on the switch cover but they just wouldn't fit. This way I have about 1/2" clearance on both sides when the bars are at full lock. Any other configuration would cover the cruise button or the bars would hit the gauges. All-in-all I'm happy with the results.
Guest tx2sturgis Posted April 2, 2009 #15 Posted April 2, 2009 If someone was in plastics, they could make a replacement cover, all in one. Plug and play, almost.
Eck Posted April 2, 2009 #17 Posted April 2, 2009 You have come up with one heck of an ieda and mod that many would be interested in and want. So with out any intention of being rude, I would like to say, please dont let a good thing such as this idea slide to the way side ....as I let mine go... Many folks search all thier life or an opportunity, and it appears, one is on your door step.
AlbertaClipper Posted April 2, 2009 Author #18 Posted April 2, 2009 Making the gauge pod really isn't that hard. All you need is a fiberglass kit from your local hardware/automotive store, some Bondo, some abs pipe and a tennis ball. And lots of sandpaper!!! The time consuming part is the re-wiring of the ignition switch, adding the relays and installing the temp sender in the coolant plug. If someone is able to do those tasks then making the pod should be no problem. If anyone would like to make their own pod I will certainly help anyway I can. I just wouldn't feel right making the gauge pod for someone without being there to help install it, wire it and test it.
Freebird Posted April 2, 2009 #19 Posted April 2, 2009 I thought a long ago about making some of the pods. Before Robert passed away, he was selling a few of them. He was having them vacuum formed and selling them complete with gauges. When I looked into it after he passed away, I learned that his wife had sold the patent to somebody but they apparently never brought them back to market. I don't know what the legal ramifications would be at this point, that was several years ago. The company that I work for does vacuum forming of logos, letters, etc. I'm sure that I could get them made if I just had a mold.
gibvel Posted April 2, 2009 #20 Posted April 2, 2009 I thought a long ago about making some of the pods. Before Robert passed away, he was selling a few of them. He was having them vacuum formed and selling them complete with gauges. When I looked into it after he passed away, I learned that his wife had sold the patent to somebody but they apparently never brought them back to market. I don't know what the legal ramifications would be at this point, that was several years ago. The company that I work for does vacuum forming of logos, letters, etc. I'm sure that I could get them made if I just had a mold. Well, since you don't have anything else on your plate, I think you should look into getting the patent etc.!! J/K Don!!
Ponch Posted April 2, 2009 #21 Posted April 2, 2009 I thought a long ago about making some of the pods. Before Robert passed away, he was selling a few of them. He was having them vacuum formed and selling them complete with gauges. When I looked into it after he passed away, I learned that his wife had sold the patent to somebody but they apparently never brought them back to market. I don't know what the legal ramifications would be at this point, that was several years ago. The company that I work for does vacuum forming of logos, letters, etc. I'm sure that I could get them made if I just had a mold. I think this is the pod you are discussing. This one is on BVinson's steed. Hope you don't mind, Bill.
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