Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

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Old Jun 14, 2016 | 05:40 PM
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Default Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Hey guys, I removed my blower controls in my EG, and I am attempting to create a sheet metal guage cluster to replace the blower controls. But I am trying to figure out how I can create a way to support the cluster face so it doesn't fall off with the gauges. I have a ton of tools at my disposal. I was wondering if anyone has done this before and had some old photos or some suggestions on doing it. Thanks in advance.
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Old Jun 14, 2016 | 05:46 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

The sheet metal
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Old Jun 16, 2016 | 06:41 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

anybody have any ideas??
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Old Jun 16, 2016 | 12:51 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Start over and leave enough material for mounting tabs OR make some brackets that can be attached with epoxy to the back side unless you like rivets showing (or screws).
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Old Jun 16, 2016 | 02:27 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Pro tip: In addition to starting over with new stock for mounting tabs, use stainless steel or aluminum.
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Old Jun 16, 2016 | 05:14 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by MisereNoire
Pro tip: In addition to starting over with new stock for mounting tabs, use stainless steel or aluminum.
Maybe he's gonna clear it after it rusts a little more for the beginnings of the rat rod look.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 11:45 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

how would i lay out the mounting tabs? It seems there is not enough space to put the gauges with all its retainers, along with mounting tabs, I was thinking about making a square housing, and using silicone to keep it in place. FYI I am planing on sanding out the rust, and painting + clearcoating over new and finished piece. Aluminium is hard to come by down here and I am using what I have available.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 11:47 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by 24TEN
Start over and leave enough material for mounting tabs OR make some brackets that can be attached with epoxy to the back side unless you like rivets showing (or screws).

I believe the epoxy would also be a good idea, But i am having issues trying to envision how to make the brackets.
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 08:07 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by CivicBlacksheep
I believe the epoxy would also be a good idea, But i am having issues trying to envision how to make the brackets.
Why don't you epoxy your face plate to a single DIN stereo bracket? It's already designed to slide in and stay in place with bend tabs.

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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 10:42 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Is buying something specifically made for what you're trying to do out of the question?

52mm Universal Triple Gauge Single DIN Radio Face Pod | eBay

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Old Aug 28, 2016 | 03:37 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Here is a question,
How was the HVAC control head mounted, mount panel the same way. 94
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Old Aug 28, 2016 | 07:03 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by fcm
Here is a question,
How was the HVAC control head mounted, mount panel the same way. 94
It's a large box that slides in and has screws that hit the framing way back inside.

The screws are reached by pulling out the head unit and also the lower ashtray panel and using a long screw driver from the ashtray panel area.

Need to attach the panel to a cage just as big and that's also why I suggested the stereo single din cage to attach the face plate too.
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Old Aug 29, 2016 | 05:11 PM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

OP did you rig up a toggle switch to activate your blower? Surely freezing in the winter isn't ideal.
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Old Sep 13, 2016 | 05:03 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by 4Xreincarnated
OP did you rig up a toggle switch to activate your blower? Surely freezing in the winter isn't ideal.

I live in the tropics, so there is no need for a blower or heat ! hell yea!
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Old Sep 13, 2016 | 05:04 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by TomCat39
Why don't you epoxy your face plate to a single DIN stereo bracket? It's already designed to slide in and stay in place with bend tabs.

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haha ! yes!! I didnt think of that, I will attempt to try it, and if it works, i will weld the face plate on the bracket!!! WHY didnt I think of this?
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:02 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Had to cut the cage in order to get the proper clearance around the gauges.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:04 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

After the cut
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:07 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

How it will fit around the sheet metal
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:12 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Sanded the inside of sheet metal, and tacked a couple spots to the cage. (yes, I know, not the best welding in the world.) but I did the best with what I have.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:17 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Giving a quick test fit, and it lines up great for me!
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:23 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

sanding the cage and cluster, getting ready for primer
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:24 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

stay tuned in! I will post pics after the prime and paint.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 05:45 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question



Something I did on my Civic MB2...
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 06:23 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Not too bad Mr. Blacksheep
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 07:37 AM
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Default Re: Custom Sheet metal guage cluster question

Originally Posted by Finch_


Something I did on my Civic MB2...
......... wow
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