We're the most informed generation in world history. We have the Internet, television, radio, print media, two kinds of telephones, videotapes and discs, and a host of other methods of communication. It's because of this that we insist on as many means as possible to let us know what's happening underhood.
Ford provides more instrumentation than it did 40 years ago, but we still want more. We want to know exhaust gas and engine oil temperature, supercharger boost pressure, and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The problem is, our dashboard doesn't have much room for aftermarket instrumentation.
We're not sure who thought of it first, but the windshield pillar cluster is a great idea for added instrumentation. It keeps the gauges out of the way in a quick, at-a-glance location within the driver's field of vision, enabling a view of the road while monitoring engine and driveline vitals.
Anything can be installed in a windshield pillar cluster, including a clock. With help from BBK Performance, we'll show you how to install one in an afternoon.
This is BBK's windshield pillar...
This is BBK's windshield pillar gauge kit. The basic kit is a polystyrene-plastic, stick-on pod that accepts any kind of 211/42-inch gauge. We're using AutoMeter instruments.
To begin the installation,...
To begin the installation, first remove the factory windshield pillar pad. Without fasteners, it pops out with ease.
The BBK pillar package attaches...
The BBK pillar package attaches to the factory pillar pad by way of plastic rivets.
Measure and position the rivet...
Measure and position the rivet holes about 10-12 inches apart. Use a 1/8-inch bit, drilling through both pieces as shown.
Press-in plastic rivets join...
Press-in plastic rivets join the pieces together.
Use a hole saw to bore through...
Use a hole saw to bore through the factory pillar pad. This creates instrument access.
Do a fit check once the pieces...
Do a fit check once the pieces are joined and the holes are bored.
This windshield pillar assembly...
This windshield pillar assembly clips into place without tools.
Remove the instrument panel...
Remove the instrument panel to allow behind-dash access. Headlight switch knobs remove just as they do on classic Mustangs: Press the button on one side of the switch, turn the knob counterclockwise all the way, and pull out the shaft.
The instrument-panel perimeter...
The instrument-panel perimeter shield is retained with Phillips screws.
Remove the instrument-panel...
Remove the instrument-panel perimeter shield as shown.
Does this headlight switch...
Does this headlight switch look familiar? It should.
It's the same kind of breaker-protected...
It's the same kind of breaker-protected version found in classic Mustangs. Two screws and a multiplex plug retain the switch.
We're using a test light to...
We're using a test light to find power for our instrument pillar lights. Turn on the parking lights and begin poking. There, the light blue wire gives the instrument light power.
There are all kinds of engine...
There are all kinds of engine instruments available for use in a pod. Some are electric and others require no power whatsoever. This is a wet-bulb coolant temperature gauge that measures temperature based on pressure inside the capillary tube. The hotter the coolant temperature, the greater the pressure inside this tube. As pressure increases, the needle rises. When pressure (temperature) decreases, the needle drops. This runs directly to an engine and doesn't require electricity.
Instruments fit into the BBK...
Instruments fit into the BBK pillar package with a retainer in back.
This is our wet-bulb coolant...
This is our wet-bulb coolant temperature gauge. Although the lead may resemble a wire, it's actually a capillary tube filled with refrigerant. As temperature rises, the refrigerant inside the tube expands, which is what makes the needles rise.
Most oil pressure gauges come...
Most oil pressure gauges come with a nylon tube, which is routed to the engine. We suggest a copper line in the interest of safety. Nylon tubes don't always hold up well, and their brass compression rings don't always seal. The other recommended option is electric instrumentation.
Instrument light power comes...
Instrument light power comes from the headlight switch (light blue lead).
All three are wired on a common...
All three are wired on a common circuit as shown, then routed into the dashboard.
Once all instrument wiring...
Once all instrument wiring and plumbing is routed down into the dashboard, it's ready for installation. The BBK Performance pillar assembly clips into place the same as original equipment.
This looks sharp, as though...
This looks sharp, as though it came from the factory. The BBK pillar gauge pack can be painted to match the interior using spray-on vinyl dye prior to installation. Don't forget to paint the rivets.
Be sure to pop the rubber...
Be sure to pop the rubber weatherstrip over the edge when finished.