Gauge Mounts & Accessories

What Are Gauge Pods and Which Mount Styles Can You Choose?

Gauge pods are housings that hold one or more aftermarket gauges in a fixed spot where you can read them at a glance. They give your performance gauges a secure mount without cutting into the factory instrument cluster. Mount styles break down by where they attach:

• A-pillar pods that run along the windshield pillar
• Dash-top and pedestal pods that bolt on top of or under the dash
• Steering column pods and brackets that clamp around the column
• Under-dash brackets that hang gauges below the dash edge
• Roll cage pods that attach to cage tubing
• Gauge panels and dash inserts that hold several gauges in one face
• Direct-fit dash kits that fill factory openings on specific vehicles
• Clamps and gauge cups that secure individual gauges

If you'd rather replace the whole dash face, browse dash panels and dash components alongside these mounts.

What Size Gauge Pod Do You Need, 52mm or 2-5/8 In.?

Match the pod to your gauge's diameter. Most aftermarket gauges are 2-1/16 in. (52mm), while larger gauges measure 2-5/8 in. (about 67mm). A 52mm gauge pod won't accept a 2-5/8 in. gauge, and an oversized opening leaves a smaller gauge loose.

Large 5 in. tachometers usually skip the pod. Many come with a pedestal that bolts on top of or under the dash, and you'll also find separate pedestal pods sized for 5 in. tachs.

When you shop for a 2-1/16 gauge pod or cup, look for the 52mm callout in the listing. The VDO Spin-lok clamp, for example, is sized for 2-1/16 in. (52mm) gauges. If you're still choosing gauges, our gauge selection guide walks you through it before you pick a mount.

Where Should You Mount Aftermarket Gauges?

Mount gauges where you can see them easily without blocking your view of the road or your reach to the controls. An A-pillar gauge pod keeps readings near your line of sight, and a dash gauge pod sits close to the factory cluster. A steering column gauge pod puts a single gauge right behind the wheel.

Vehicle-specific pods take the guesswork out of fit. Auto Meter offers a steering column single gauge pod for 1994-2004 Ford Mustang. It also makes a single 2-1/16 in. column mount for the 1996-2002 Dodge Viper GTS.

Wherever you mount, secure each gauge firmly so vibration doesn't make it hard to read. If you're adding a tach, our guide on how to install a tachometer covers the job step by step.

Single, Dual or Triple Gauge Pod: How Many Gauges Do You Need?

Count the readings you want to watch, then pick a pod, gauge panel or gauge mounting bracket with that many openings. A single pod suits one critical reading, such as oil pressure. Dual and triple pods group related gauges, while multi-gauge panels hold a full set.

VDO's 3-gauge mounting bracket holds three 2-1/16 in. gauges. All American Billet makes billet gauge holder brackets for 1-3/4 in. and 2-1/4 in. steering columns, plus a billet gauge panel for 1932 Ford. For a race car, Longacre Racing offers an Accutech data logging tach in an aluminum panel.

Want every gauge to match? Auto Meter 6-gauge direct-fit dash kits come in Designer Black, Sport-Comp, Ultra-Lite and Cobalt styles. Leave an open slot if you plan to add a gauge later.

Can Gauge Pods Hold a Digital Dash or Tuner?

Yes, as long as you choose a mount built for the screen. Digital dashes and handheld tuners aren't round like standard gauges, so they need a dedicated panel, insert or adapter.

FuelTech offers a weld-on mount and a dashboard insert panel for the FT600, plus a steering column mount for the FT450 and FT550. Auto Meter's InVision 8.8 in. LCD digital dash panel fits 1967-1972 Chevy and GMC trucks. You'll also find a tuner-to-gauge pod adapter that lets a 3.5 in. tuner sit in a gauge pod.

Before you order, confirm the mount lists your exact display or tuner model. Also check where the screen will sit, since a large display mounted too high can block your view of the road.