Installing CTS, removal of side dash piece

[Rugger]

Hey all, I just got my truck back from the dealership I bought it from, with new oil cooler and EGR cooler(crapped out at 59k). I'm installing the CTS and have already run the wiring for the EGT and Turbo timer, and everything seems to be working fine. I'm now at the point where I need to route all the wiring for the CTS, and am wondering what the easiest way to route the connectors up to the CTS dash mount. It suggests removing the side panel in the instructions...is this panel screwed in, or will it pop out? Just curious what the easiest way to route the cabling is.


THANKS!

[macoyle]

that little side panel just pops out on the dash side and is tucked in on the weather stripping

[Rugger]

Originally Posted by VenomHP

that little side panel just pops out on the dash side and is tucked in on the weather stripping

Thanks! Got all the cabling routed and the CTS mounted yesterday....looks pretty good(pod isn't bad, but it could be contoured better for a more flush fit).

[SandawgK5]

Originally Posted by Rugger

Thanks! Got all the cabling routed and the CTS mounted yesterday....looks pretty good(pod isn't bad, but it could be contoured better for a more flush fit).

Got any pics? I am trying to decide if I want to go with a pillar pod or with the dash pod.

Dik

[Rugger]

Attached should be a photo of the install

[SandawgK5]

Thanks that looks nice. Where would you recommend it being tweaked for fitment issues?

Dik

[Rugger]

overall it's not bad...the mount is secured pretty well, and the adapter and cabling hold the CTS in pretty tight. If I had the patience, I would have trimmed the pod so it fit more flush with the dash and get a better "stock" look. One small issue I had when installing was the proximity of the grab handle. The top of the CTS is actually touching the grab handle, and it made it kind of a pain to get the gauge in. I could have moved it a little, but then the pod wouldn't be sitting nearly as flush.

[Rugger]

Originally Posted by SandawgK5

Thanks that looks nice. Where would you recommend it being tweaked for fitment issues?

Dik

I wish the pod was about 1/4 inch shorter, and the bottom fit more flush and followed the countours of where the dash pieces are. But at a glance it looks pretty good...and the gauge works awesome where it is. Doesn't block any view, and unless a thief knows these trucks, they would just pass it by as a stock piece. The color matches the Ford plastic pretty much spot on.

[SandawgK5]

Thanks, is there enough material to trim 1/4" off the bottom with some patience?

Dik

[Rugger]

Originally Posted by SandawgK5

Thanks, is there enough material to trim 1/4" off the bottom with some patience?

Dik

Oh yeah....the majority of the pod isn't used...the CTS has an adapter that mounts to the back of it, which is in turn mounted into the gauge face and a rubber grommet. So the gauge pod could be trimmed with a dremel or something...if you had the patience(my ADD acts up after about five minutes).