80-86 Tripple Gauge Pillar Pod

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

Alright guys, I've said it before, and Im finally in the final stages of fabricating the the parent part. But before I even seriously think about putting $400 in molding material and 20+ hours labor into creating a mold for these, I need some significant show of interest in the pieces. I mean some serious committed people that will actually purchase these when the work is all said and done. When I do something like this I dont make a whole lot of money on it in the first place, so having committed buyers lined up to atleast cover my costs is always great.
For pieces I make for my Camaro forum I require atleast 2 pre paid pre orders, but I wont hold you guys to their mistakes and give you all a fresh start. But please dont burn me. The reason I require that over there is because I got burned for over $1500 at one point for R&Ding a part when only a hand full of people actually stood up and bought the parts, after I went through the time trouble and money of making it available.

The pillar in question will be a true FULL pillar gauge pod, and in that I mean it will be replacing your factory pillar. Sorry, its the only way I can figure out how to make it a quality part. Besides I think its a nice change as compared to the slip over ones out there for other applications.

 

[zpd307]

how much fabbing to make it fit my 90. any guestimate on price?

 

[The Warden]

Do you by chance have any detailed drawings of what the final product will look like?

I'm potentially interested, but I'm not sure it'll work for me...I have an A-pillar mounted spotlight that I intend to install someday, and I have a feeling that there won't be a space between gauges for the spotlight shaft to go through. But, if there's by chance any way to accommodate this, I would be interested...

Also, I imagine that more orders would lower the price, but any ballpark figures?

Thanks!

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

I thought someone made them for the 87-90 body trucks??? If not then I'll work on making one of those too. But the problem with the newer trucks is that the A pillar trim runs all the way over the doors and in turn is a HUGE piece. So I'll have to figure out a way of making that one.

For pricing I really need to make one before I price them out, because like I said I dont make a whole lot of money on this stuff, I just do it for the fun of helping people with their projects, and making a little extra to help me with my projects. So what I do is figure out how much material is used to cast the piece, and figure out a price to spread out the molding material cost, and then my time involved in making them. My time involved is the only part where I make any money on them.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

Im hoping to keep the cost of them close to that of the pillar pods already made out there for the 91-97 trucks. So between that price ($70) and say $100, for a ballpark figure. How does that sound to you guys?

 

[Brimmstone]

As soon as you have one made for the 87 model PM me. I have a overlay unit that looks like crap. I think I can find one for my 92 crew cab but that one will be a while off as it is stock for now.

 

[zpd307]

i have only found them for 92-97s. someone advised me that they got it to fit the 87-91s with some modding. where have you found one to fit.

 

[Brimmstone]

i have only found them for 92-97s. someone advised me that they got it to fit the 87-91s with some modding. where have you found one to fit.

I could only get the two gauge pillar at the time and it took some work to make it fit. I had to trim it and use my heat gun to bend it in some area. I also have it anchored with screws to hold it to the pillar securely here is a pic.

 

[zpd307]

i was/am looking for the full a piller piece. although those will work, i like the cleaner look of the one piece. i wont be putting gauges in until i put the turbo on, so it will be in the spring/ summer.

 

[Brimmstone]

I agree I would prefer a nice clean one piece unit, but they didn't make one for my truck. I needed my gauges as my factory gauges as I'm sure everyone else will agree about factory gauges sucked.

 

[hotford]

I'd like one, but I need it yesterday. I could be down for one. I guess thats not the answer your looking for though.

 

[Full Monte]

I could use one for each of my two trucks....an '85 and an '88. Please let me know the final price for each before you make anything so I can authorize it.
The '85 has tan interior and the '88 has a medium blue interior.

 

[zpd307]

it will probably be a paint to match deal, like all the others.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

^^^ Yep you're right on there. I will be molding them in a neutral color, kind of an off white yellowish shade. Its very easy to cover with just about anything.

 

[david85]

That would be the smart way to do it. Then you can paint it to match your interior properly when you get it. The dash pads in the 80-86 trucks are vinyl, but the front face of the dash is painted at the factory for what ever color the interior had.

I opted to make an overhead gauge pod for mine, so I don't need a pillar pod, but it sounds like great idea and best of luck to you.