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Install Windshield Pillar Gauges - How To

BBK Performance Shows How Easy It Is To Improve A '94-'04 Mustang's Engine Information System
From the November, 2007 issue of Mustang Monthly
By Jim Smart
Photography by Jim Smart
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
This is BBK's windshield pillar... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
To begin the installation,... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
To begin the installation, first remove the factory windshield pillar pad. Without fasteners, it pops out with ease.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
The BBK pillar package attaches... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
The BBK pillar package attaches to the factory pillar pad by way of plastic rivets.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Measure and position the rivet... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Measure and position the rivet holes about 10-12 inches apart. Use a 1/8-inch bit, drilling through both pieces as shown.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Press-in plastic rivets join... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Press-in plastic rivets join the pieces together.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Use a hole saw to bore through... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Use a hole saw to bore through the factory pillar pad. This creates instrument access.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Do a fit check once the pieces... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Do a fit check once the pieces are joined and the holes are bored.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
This windshield pillar assembly... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
This windshield pillar assembly clips into place without tools.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Remove the instrument panel... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
The instrument-panel perimeter... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
The instrument-panel perimeter shield is retained with Phillips screws.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Remove the instrument-panel... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Remove the instrument-panel perimeter shield as shown.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Does this headlight switch... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Does this headlight switch look familiar? It should.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
It's the same kind of breaker-protected... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
It's the same kind of breaker-protected version found in classic Mustangs. Two screws and a multiplex plug retain the switch.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
We're using a test light to... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
There are all kinds of engine... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Instruments fit into the BBK... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Instruments fit into the BBK pillar package with a retainer in back.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
This is our wet-bulb coolant... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Most oil pressure gauges come... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Instrument light power comes... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Instrument light power comes from the headlight switch (light blue lead).
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
All three are wired on a common... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
All three are wired on a common circuit as shown, then routed into the dashboard.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Once all instrument wiring... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
This looks sharp, as though... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
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.
Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Be sure to pop the rubber... 
   
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Pillar Gauge Install How To Photo
Be sure to pop the rubber weatherstrip over the edge when finished.
BBK Performance
1871 Delilah St.
Corona
CA  92879
(909) 735-2400

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