Scan Gauge 2 owners

[dibble9012]

ok, I stole Hispeed's mount although I made a few changes to the design.

Instead of using flat aluminum and angle aluminum, I used just angle aluminum. I removed the bottom part of the angle enough to slide into the vent. I also polished the aluminum with steel wool pads. Instead of felt I used clear packing tape to protect the dash. I also screwed the part that goes into the vent, to the inside of the vent to make it more sturdy. One of the only downsides to this mod is you cannot adjust the vent that well now because it helps hold the mount solid. It adjusts enough to still blow in my face though. I decided to move the SG II from below the ashtray because, like Hispeed said, it's too low and takes your eyes off the road. The second reason is because I purchased both a panavise mount and a proclip iPhone holder that mount right below the 4wd buttons and above the ashtray. Here are some pics, I have since removed the velcro on the top of the SG and re-used it behind the SG:

[Hispeed]

"ok, I stole Hispeed's mount although I made a few changes to the design.

Instead of using flat aluminum and angle aluminum, I used just angle aluminum. I removed the bottom part of the angle enough to slide into the vent. I also polished the aluminum with steel wool pads. Instead of felt I used clear packing tape to protect the dash. I also screwed the part that goes into the vent, to the inside of the vent to make it more sturdy. One of the only downsides to this mod is you cannot adjust the vent that well now because it helps hold the mount solid. It adjusts enough to still blow in my face though. I decided to move the SG II from below the ashtray because, like Hispeed said, it's too low and takes your eyes off the road. The second reason is because I purchased both a panavise mount and a pro clip iPhone holder that mount right below the 4wd buttons and above the ashtray. Here are some pics, I have since removed the velcro on the top of the SG and re-used it behind the SG:"

Nicely executed
What did it cost you in materials? I made mine with stuff I had just lying around the garage.
What did you use to cut the angle stock with and clean up it's edges?
How/where did you screw the mount into the vent at? That must have taken some contortions to get in there.
Even though my mount just slides into the vent, I haven't any problems with it coming out.
Does the '05 have that rib in the side of the duct that I used?

[dibble9012]

First of all I would like to say that I would have never thought of the idea without your post, so all props to you!!

It cost about $4 for 3 feet of aluminum angle at home depot.

To remove the lower portion of the angle stock so it would slide in the vent I just cut with a roto-zip from the edge to the angle. Then I scored the angle several times with a utility knife. I used a pair of vise grips to carefully remove the lower portion, twisting the vise grips, release, move down, twist, and repeat.

Yes the 05 vent does have the rib. I removed the vent grille (not easy) and screwed the mount in, then replaced the grille (again, not easy).

I used a pair of wire cutters to cut the slot in for the cable, then the roto-zip to score the lower cut that I could not get to with the wire cutter. Then used vise grips to bend and break the lower cut. Cleaned all the cut edges up with a file.

This whole project took me a while because I'm a perfectionist, hahaha. I made a mistake on the first piece, got everything perfect, cut the hole for the cable, and realized I cut the hole on the wrong side of the mount Yea, measure once, cut twice

Does your vent come into contact with the mount when adjusting?

[Hispeed]

Originally Posted by dibble9012

First of all I would like to say that I would have never thought of the idea without your post, so all props to you!!

It cost about $4 for 3 feet of aluminum angle at home depot.

To remove the lower portion of the angle stock so it would slide in the vent I just cut with a roto-zip from the edge to the angle. Then I scored the angle several times with a utility knife. I used a pair of vise grips to carefully remove the lower portion, twisting the vise grips, release, move down, twist, and repeat.

Yes the 05 vent does have the rib. I removed the vent grille (not easy) and screwed the mount in, then replaced the grille (again, not easy).

I used a pair of wire cutters to cut the slot in for the cable, then the roto-zip to score the lower cut that I could not get to with the wire cutter. Then used vise grips to bend and break the lower cut. Cleaned all the cut edges up with a file.

This whole project took me a while because I'm a perfectionist, hahaha. I made a mistake on the first piece, got everything perfect, cut the hole for the cable, and realized I cut the hole on the wrong side of the mount Yea, measure once, cut twice

Does your vent come into contact with the mount when adjusting?

I used my Rotozip too. Handy little tool.
Even with making it twice, it still cost you less than 10% of a Blend Mount.
My mount rubs just slightly on the side of the vent grill but not to any significant degree.
From what I've read, you were lucky that your vent louvers didn't
self destruct when you removed it. Were there any bearings or rollers that popped out on you?

[dibble9012]

There was a small "bearing" that fell out when I popped the vent out, but it went back in fine. The vent isn't supposed to come out with the dashboard installed, but I managed to get it out without destroying anything. The vent did get scratched up on the side where the mount is, but it can be easily replaced if I decide to.

Yea you can't beat the cost, plus I have plenty left over of angle and flat al. stock for future projects. I bought the flat stock just in case I needed if my "cut the angle" plan didn't work out

[PJ3P]

Nice job guys, thanks for sharing with us.
Now, the question is.......
Did the ScangaugeII change the way you drive like it did me?

[Hispeed]

Originally Posted by PJ3P

Nice job guys, thanks for sharing with us.
Now, the question is.......
Did the ScangaugeII change the way you drive like it did me?

Yep. Even though I've used the 2K RPM rule for years, I've still managed to squeeze out a slight MPG gain.

[dibble9012]

it helped slightly. Sadly if you use the 2k rule here you'll get run off the road.