smart fortwo 451: Mounting clock and tach pods (DIY)

[DeInNC]

We are having the tach only installed at the dealer for $250, parts and labor.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by DeInNC

We are having the tach only installed at the dealer for $250, parts and labor.

Ah, the Lance Armstrong mod!

[The Silver Pellet]

Great instructions!

Also, I was working out how to make sure the connector wouldn't start rattling around in the future, and noticed there is a little clip for it built into the dash right in front of where the pods mount (in the recess). Snapped right in!

[gamernotwatcher]

Just an FYI, was visiting the dealer the other day, they had placed pods in an orphan and had it on the show room floor with installation, priced out at $525.... Save yourself a boatload and install yourself.

[Dave777]

I just did the install this afternoon, using the Evolution guide. Thanks for that.

A hint, to avoid losing that center lower screw from the cover, put just a tiny bit of chewing gum on the end of your screwdriver.

The install took 45 minutes.

[mini me]

What are everyone's thoughts on including the tach and clock. I can't decide whether to include them or not. They are cute in some morphic kind of way, but I also like the smoother look or not seeing them clutter the dash. I don't really need a tach to drive, as I already drive a manual and drive more by feel and sound. I hardly ever look at the tach on my jeep. Even though I don't need it, would it be something people would look for at resale?

[MercuryX100]

Added them to Artie, our 1215, at the dealer a couple days ago, 355. installed, well worth it. (I have so many projects half-started I decided to fork out for the dealer.) They are great! Our 1470 will have them from the factory.

[timhood]

I wished I had put them on the option list, mainly because they were only $120, IIRC. The price goes up quite a bit aftermarket. But I don't miss not having them. It's one of those, "sure I'll do it for $120" things. I say that if you don't feel like you really don't want them, don't worry about it. I can't imagine a resell being a make-or-break deal over not having them, especially when they are available post-delivery.

[stan1174]

installed mine yesterday took less than a hour, took my time cutting the plastic but then realized it really didn't have to be that perfect of a cut because the base of the pods covers it. Definitely worth it, especially shifting in manual mode because you know exactly what your engine is doing. the shift indicator arrow just didn't provide enough info(RPM) for me.

thank you Evilution, the guide was great!

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by jwight

Ah, the Lance Armstrong mod!

that was soooooo wrong!

i love it!!!