Aeroforce Installation Write-up '96-'99 (56k no)
10-13-2006, 03:00 PM
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Aeroforce Installation Write-up '96-'99 (56k no)
Well after asking around and doing some research I decided to go ahead with my Aeroforce install in my cigarette lighter location. Here’* the original brainstorm:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=64036
I thought it would be good to create a new thread devoted to the installation write-up – Admins don’t ban me please! I couldn’t find any other write-ups specifically for the non-2000 model cars so I thought I’d do my own.
The first step is removing the dash trim. Starting on the far left side of the lower piece I used ONLY my fingers to get the clips loose and work my way to the right. Be patient and it’ll come off. Maybe I’m a wuss but you do have to pull pretty firmly to un-pop the clips.
Next comes the piece above the cluster. Use a T-15 Torx bit to get it off.
Removing the headlight switch isn’t too difficult. Pull the **** out to the “on” position. Rotate the **** until you can see a small notch with a flat black metal clip/spring holding the **** against the shaft. With a flat blade screw driver, push the metal tab back toward yourself while pulling the **** off the shaft. The twilight sentinel ring simply pulls off. TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS
.
Unclip the cigarette lighter and the trim piece will come off. The two pieces of the cigarette lighter unscrew from each other to come off.
Since I’m using the cigarette lighter position for my Aeroforce, and I use the cigarette lighter to run my Ipod dock, I decided to move it to the trim piece below the radio. I marked a center line and then used a compass with 2-sharpened tips to trace a circle onto the back side of the trim. I suggest cutting/sanding from the back in case the Dremel slips. That way you’ll only scuff up the back side.
Be patient since there’* not much of a “lip” to hold the lighter to the trim piece. Despite the slight curve to the trim, the lighter is almost perfectly flush.
Now comes the fun part. The first thing I did was estimate the center of the gauge with masking tape lines.
After centering the gauge on the trim, I marked the center of the circle with a black dot on another piece of tape.
Using a buffing pad from a Dremel to act as a pivot point for the compass, I scored the diameter of the gauge onto the back of the trim. I made it most of the way around but there was a little interference with the compass arc on the inside. I just estimated that arc as I cut/sanded.
Hole cut after MUCH patience and slow shaving. I had to go a little outside of my line since it was conservatively small in diameter. It’* not perfect but it’* plenty snug on the gauge.
Woohoo! It fits!
Bracket on back:
Back in the car, extending in the cigarette lighter wires for the new location:
Running the wires for the Aeroforce:
The green and white wires are for extra analog inputs. I just tied them up in a bundle.
I tied in power at the fuse box using one of those “Add a Circuit” kits. I was too chicken to splice into the actual radio wires or ECC.
Everything back together:
Everything works!!
I noticed the face on the gauge looks different than the other models I’ve seen. Do you guys get Horsepower and MPG calculations too?
Here’* one more from my angle. I was wondering how visibility would be for the gauge, but it works great for me. I’m a happy guy!!
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=64036
I thought it would be good to create a new thread devoted to the installation write-up – Admins don’t ban me please! I couldn’t find any other write-ups specifically for the non-2000 model cars so I thought I’d do my own.
The first step is removing the dash trim. Starting on the far left side of the lower piece I used ONLY my fingers to get the clips loose and work my way to the right. Be patient and it’ll come off. Maybe I’m a wuss but you do have to pull pretty firmly to un-pop the clips.
Next comes the piece above the cluster. Use a T-15 Torx bit to get it off.
Removing the headlight switch isn’t too difficult. Pull the **** out to the “on” position. Rotate the **** until you can see a small notch with a flat black metal clip/spring holding the **** against the shaft. With a flat blade screw driver, push the metal tab back toward yourself while pulling the **** off the shaft. The twilight sentinel ring simply pulls off. TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS
. Unclip the cigarette lighter and the trim piece will come off. The two pieces of the cigarette lighter unscrew from each other to come off.
Since I’m using the cigarette lighter position for my Aeroforce, and I use the cigarette lighter to run my Ipod dock, I decided to move it to the trim piece below the radio. I marked a center line and then used a compass with 2-sharpened tips to trace a circle onto the back side of the trim. I suggest cutting/sanding from the back in case the Dremel slips. That way you’ll only scuff up the back side.
Be patient since there’* not much of a “lip” to hold the lighter to the trim piece. Despite the slight curve to the trim, the lighter is almost perfectly flush.
Now comes the fun part. The first thing I did was estimate the center of the gauge with masking tape lines.
After centering the gauge on the trim, I marked the center of the circle with a black dot on another piece of tape.
Using a buffing pad from a Dremel to act as a pivot point for the compass, I scored the diameter of the gauge onto the back of the trim. I made it most of the way around but there was a little interference with the compass arc on the inside. I just estimated that arc as I cut/sanded.
Hole cut after MUCH patience and slow shaving. I had to go a little outside of my line since it was conservatively small in diameter. It’* not perfect but it’* plenty snug on the gauge.
Woohoo! It fits!
Bracket on back:
Back in the car, extending in the cigarette lighter wires for the new location:
Running the wires for the Aeroforce:
The green and white wires are for extra analog inputs. I just tied them up in a bundle.
I tied in power at the fuse box using one of those “Add a Circuit” kits. I was too chicken to splice into the actual radio wires or ECC.
Everything back together:
Everything works!!
I noticed the face on the gauge looks different than the other models I’ve seen. Do you guys get Horsepower and MPG calculations too?
Here’* one more from my angle. I was wondering how visibility would be for the gauge, but it works great for me. I’m a happy guy!!
10-13-2006, 03:05 PM
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Barely fits in that spot, but that looks really good. I like the relocation of the lighter. Nice write-up too. From what I have read, only the newer version of teh guage provides the MPG. Good work!
10-13-2006, 03:16 PM
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Only thing I can suggest to make it better is to use a hole saw as I did. the hole is perfect and it'* much quicker than a dremel needing a steady hand.
Nice write up and great job!
Nice write up and great job!
That almost looks like it belongs there. If only it were just the tiniest bit smaller.
10-13-2006, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by BillBoost37
Only thing I can suggest to make it better is to use a hole saw as I did. the hole is perfect and it'* much quicker than a dremel needing a steady hand.
Nice write up and great job!
Nice write up and great job!
