Chrome Gauge Ring Install - Pics
06-30-2001, 11:24 AM
#1
I installed my newly acquired chrome/aluminum gauge rings today. To get to the heart of the matter, here are before and after pics:
Before:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00031.JPG
After:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00060.JPG
To see all of the install process pics, go to http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/mods.html and choose "Gauge Cluster Ring Install".
Don't bust for not HTMLisizing the install page: I'll make it look pretty in the near future.
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
I inadvertently hit the black housing with the Dremel. I found Testor's model paint in flat black, applied with a soft bristled brush, covered up this spot perfectly. You can not tell I touched it up.
There is one picture listed with 5/11 written on the part. I wonder if this is the date of which the car was assembled?
I think the rings compliment the AE shift ****, pedals, and shifter surround very nicely.
Some of the pics came out darker than I would have liked. I did not use flash on the pics taken indoors.
Enjoy!
Before:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00031.JPG
After:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00060.JPG
To see all of the install process pics, go to http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/mods.html and choose "Gauge Cluster Ring Install".
Don't bust for not HTMLisizing the install page: I'll make it look pretty in the near future.
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
I inadvertently hit the black housing with the Dremel. I found Testor's model paint in flat black, applied with a soft bristled brush, covered up this spot perfectly. You can not tell I touched it up.
There is one picture listed with 5/11 written on the part. I wonder if this is the date of which the car was assembled?
I think the rings compliment the AE shift ****, pedals, and shifter surround very nicely.
Some of the pics came out darker than I would have liked. I did not use flash on the pics taken indoors.
Enjoy!
06-30-2001, 02:50 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 778
Originally posted by mdeal
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
ahaaa,
I had the same problem! I was bi***ing and moaning how they didn't seat properly. The size listed on the back of the rings was 50 mm. I think that 48 mm would have been better, but i didn't think to sand it down. I will most likely do that, but I already have an appointment this week to have the bezel painted to cover the deep scratches I made trying to install!
I will be painting it sterling mist like the body color, so I better get to sanding now.
Thanks for the install and ideas.
06-30-2001, 04:10 PM
#4
Dude, the Testors pay in a small jar is less than $2. It works fine, unless you really, really want it painted to match your car. That might look pretty good.
PS: The gauges look good with the lights on.
PS: The gauges look good with the lights on.
06-30-2001, 07:11 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 778
Originally posted by mdeal
Dude, the Testors pay in a small jar is less than $2. It works fine, unless you really, really want it painted to match your car. That might look pretty good.
PS: The gauges look good with the lights on.
Dude, the Testors pay in a small jar is less than $2. It works fine, unless you really, really want it painted to match your car. That might look pretty good.
PS: The gauges look good with the lights on.
06-30-2001, 07:27 PM
#9
wow, that was nice, mdeal. 
makes me wanna do it too! 
hmm... is it possible to put new LEDs in there? like a little ummm.... brighter white or VW-blue? i've never taken apart the cluster... is it possible?
makes me wanna do it too! hmm... is it possible to put new LEDs in there? like a little ummm.... brighter white or VW-blue? i've never taken apart the cluster... is it possible?
06-30-2001, 09:38 PM
#10
areX,
Thanks! If you take a close look at one of the pics, you'll see a connector labeled "Toshiba". I believe this to be the source of the light in the gauge cluster itself. (?) I did not take it out to inspect it, but I am guessing it is a t-tiny bulb.
There is another pic which is kind of dark. It shows two open holes and one is labeled "red" and the other "yellow". It makes me wonder if these can be used to change the color in some form or fashion. See http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00046.JPG
The "titanium" gauge stuff is really paper. When I was inspecting the cluster, I noticed the gauge face itself was like paper. I didn't mess too much with it because I didn't want to screw it up. I saw where Avalon Racing was making this type of product, perhaps for a different model Maxima. These are just inserts, basically, and if you wanted to change to kilometers this would be one of the necessary items to change.
Just for kicks, I moved the temperature needle with my finger to the extreme "H" setting.
PS: I should note psing(?) contributed to the install procedure by pointing out some important stuff as to how to get in there (eg remove the screws from below the steering wheel), all of which contributed to the success of the project.
Thanks! If you take a close look at one of the pics, you'll see a connector labeled "Toshiba". I believe this to be the source of the light in the gauge cluster itself. (?) I did not take it out to inspect it, but I am guessing it is a t-tiny bulb.
There is another pic which is kind of dark. It shows two open holes and one is labeled "red" and the other "yellow". It makes me wonder if these can be used to change the color in some form or fashion. See http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00046.JPG
The "titanium" gauge stuff is really paper. When I was inspecting the cluster, I noticed the gauge face itself was like paper. I didn't mess too much with it because I didn't want to screw it up. I saw where Avalon Racing was making this type of product, perhaps for a different model Maxima. These are just inserts, basically, and if you wanted to change to kilometers this would be one of the necessary items to change.
Just for kicks, I moved the temperature needle with my finger to the extreme "H" setting.
PS: I should note psing(?) contributed to the install procedure by pointing out some important stuff as to how to get in there (eg remove the screws from below the steering wheel), all of which contributed to the success of the project.
06-30-2001, 09:47 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 463
Originally posted by mdeal
PS: I should note psing(?) contributed to the install procedure by pointing out some important stuff as to how to get in there (eg remove the screws from below the steering wheel), all of which contributed to the success of the project.
PS: I should note psing(?) contributed to the install procedure by pointing out some important stuff as to how to get in there (eg remove the screws from below the steering wheel), all of which contributed to the success of the project.
Thanks.
06-30-2001, 10:22 PM
#14
Thanks a bunch!
I am a detailed person by nature. I wonder, at times, the validatity of my work since I always turn to Mr Dremel, who bails me out in a crunch.
Did I mention how the 90 degree heat was getting to me and I just yanked the gauge cluster surround, the black part housing the dimming know, out from it's resting place because I was sweating all over the interior and parts and it was not going as smoothly as I had hoped, and heat was working on the brain and nerves, in general.
This stuff is prime propoganda, whereas I only show the pictures I want to show and not really how it goes.
I am a detailed person by nature. I wonder, at times, the validatity of my work since I always turn to Mr Dremel, who bails me out in a crunch.
Did I mention how the 90 degree heat was getting to me and I just yanked the gauge cluster surround, the black part housing the dimming know, out from it's resting place because I was sweating all over the interior and parts and it was not going as smoothly as I had hoped, and heat was working on the brain and nerves, in general.
This stuff is prime propoganda, whereas I only show the pictures I want to show and not really how it goes.
06-30-2001, 10:58 PM
#16
The gauge cluster overlay and the gauge cluster, in general, should be identical amongst the Maxima family of 5th Gens. Your GXE is identical to a GLE or SE except for suspension, tires, interior optiosn, and body parts, such as the spoiler. Other than that, the GXE's are all but the same.
06-30-2001, 11:05 PM
#17
Cool then...awhile back i asked the nissan reps if the auto AC unit would fit in my car and they told me no because its different...just wondering would the auto AC unit that the SE and GLE have replace my old one
06-30-2001, 11:15 PM
#18
The wiring could be different, in that the GXE is not setup for all of the wiring of the GLE and the SE with most all of the options. I would say the GXE is upgradable to the GLE and SE features, but wiring harnesses and switches would be necessary. The unknown factor is what exactly needs to be added.
I have noticed my SE, with most every option except heated seats, side mirror defroster, and traction control, has missing fuse box elements and the like, as an example.
I have noticed my SE, with most every option except heated seats, side mirror defroster, and traction control, has missing fuse box elements and the like, as an example.
07-02-2001, 07:08 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
I just finished this tonight.....and it was a pain in the a**. The two small rings do not fit at all and must have been designed for another model. I do not relish losing my warranty to a dremel so did not go that route. I also broke one of the plastic clips that hold the clear cover over the gauges.
I am willing to admit that evening and black leather interiors don't mix, but after all is said and done, I kinda wish I hadn't done it. I just pray that Florida's heat does not allow them to melt the stickly and slide down......
I am willing to admit that evening and black leather interiors don't mix, but after all is said and done, I kinda wish I hadn't done it. I just pray that Florida's heat does not allow them to melt the stickly and slide down......
07-02-2001, 10:36 PM
#20
Originally posted by killrwheels
I just finished this tonight.....and it was a pain in the a**. The two small rings do not fit at all and must have been designed for another model. I do not relish losing my warranty to a dremel so did not go that route. I also broke one of the plastic clips that hold the clear cover over the gauges.
I am willing to admit that evening and black leather interiors don't mix, but after all is said and done, I kinda wish I hadn't done it. I just pray that Florida's heat does not allow them to melt the stickly and slide down......
I just finished this tonight.....and it was a pain in the a**. The two small rings do not fit at all and must have been designed for another model. I do not relish losing my warranty to a dremel so did not go that route. I also broke one of the plastic clips that hold the clear cover over the gauges.
I am willing to admit that evening and black leather interiors don't mix, but after all is said and done, I kinda wish I hadn't done it. I just pray that Florida's heat does not allow them to melt the stickly and slide down......
01-10-2002, 05:40 AM
#21
Originally posted by mdeal
I installed my newly acquired chrome/aluminum gauge rings today. To get to the heart of the matter, here are before and after pics:
Before:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00031.JPG
After:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00060.JPG
To see all of the install process pics, go to http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/mods.html and choose "Gauge Cluster Ring Install".
Don't bust for not HTMLisizing the install page: I'll make it look pretty in the near future.
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
I inadvertently hit the black housing with the Dremel. I found Testor's model paint in flat black, applied with a soft bristled brush, covered up this spot perfectly. You can not tell I touched it up.
There is one picture listed with 5/11 written on the part. I wonder if this is the date of which the car was assembled?
I think the rings compliment the AE shift ****, pedals, and shifter surround very nicely.
Some of the pics came out darker than I would have liked. I did not use flash on the pics taken indoors.
Enjoy!
I installed my newly acquired chrome/aluminum gauge rings today. To get to the heart of the matter, here are before and after pics:
Before:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00031.JPG
After:
http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/gau...l/DSC00060.JPG
To see all of the install process pics, go to http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/mods.html and choose "Gauge Cluster Ring Install".
Don't bust for not HTMLisizing the install page: I'll make it look pretty in the near future.
I had a bit of trouble getting the small rings to seat properly. The opening seemed to be a tad too small. I had to sand the opening a bit to get the rings to squat down. The large rings slid right in.
I inadvertently hit the black housing with the Dremel. I found Testor's model paint in flat black, applied with a soft bristled brush, covered up this spot perfectly. You can not tell I touched it up.
There is one picture listed with 5/11 written on the part. I wonder if this is the date of which the car was assembled?
I think the rings compliment the AE shift ****, pedals, and shifter surround very nicely.
Some of the pics came out darker than I would have liked. I did not use flash on the pics taken indoors.
Enjoy!
thanks
01-10-2002, 10:32 AM
#23
Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 63
Painted Calipers
Mdeal, noticed your pics on painting calipers and had some questions. My first question would have been what type of primer did you use however I see the calipers started out red...is that because you initially painted as such or they were different calipers? Next question, what type of paint is the silver, which I assume holds up to the elements, etc. Live in Northeast so plenty of salt and sand to worry about. Thanks.
01-10-2002, 02:24 PM
#24
Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 47
Originally posted by Dario
Cool then...awhile back i asked the nissan reps if the auto AC unit would fit in my car and they told me no because its different...just wondering would the auto AC unit that the SE and GLE have replace my old one
Cool then...awhile back i asked the nissan reps if the auto AC unit would fit in my car and they told me no because its different...just wondering would the auto AC unit that the SE and GLE have replace my old one
Maybe you know all this, but just in case...I have a 2K GXE with auto AC, heated seats, TCS, 8-position electric driver's seat, HomeLink, electronically controlled motor mounts...and more. That's what they called in Canada the Convenience Package (I think it's different from the US one, from what I saw in previous threads).
All this to say that auto AC, heated sets should fit your GXE (I don't believe your reps...) but maybe in US, GXE was not provided with the harness already installed (I doubt it... too costly to mamufacture, easier to provide same harness and simply not put the feature)
My 2c....
Looks good!!
01-10-2002, 09:16 PM
#27
Originally posted by Dario
That looks sweet good job on the install....i want to get them by the way does anyone know if the SE gauges will work on a GXE if so ill wait on those rings
That looks sweet good job on the install....i want to get them by the way does anyone know if the SE gauges will work on a GXE if so ill wait on those rings
does the ring reflect light at night times? anyone got a pic of this at night?(after the ring installed)
01-11-2002, 05:54 AM
#28
Originally posted by irvine78
last time i checked, you had to order the entire gauge cluster from the dealership...what's more, u can't just plug the new one in, you have to go to your 'friendly' local DMV and get the mileage certified..what a pain...i might as well just paint the black plastic piece with Tester paint..that might look good...
does the ring reflect light at night times? anyone got a pic of this at night?(after the ring installed)
last time i checked, you had to order the entire gauge cluster from the dealership...what's more, u can't just plug the new one in, you have to go to your 'friendly' local DMV and get the mileage certified..what a pain...i might as well just paint the black plastic piece with Tester paint..that might look good...
does the ring reflect light at night times? anyone got a pic of this at night?(after the ring installed)
02-03-2002, 11:05 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 223
Looks good. Hope you don't have the problems I do. I have to open up the gauge cover about every 4 months to reseat them, they start to slide down. They also left marks on the gauge faces. So if I take them off I'll see a circular ring mark cutting into my stock gauges.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Cant_Get_Ryte
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
3
08-28-2015 06:41 AM
Team STILLEN
Autocrossing and Road Course Racing
0
08-10-2015 04:29 PM