Zap Racing

Has anybody else had a problem wih the Auto Meter12201 triple A pillar pod cover fitting correctly? The bottom pod is hitting the dash--BAD!. When U look down the pods in line with each other, the bottom pod is rotated clockwise, and the amount that it is off is what is causing the problem. It is off so much that it cannot even be "persuaded" to fit.

Craig

TheGreatJ

They're all that way. It's a known fitment problem with the 3-pod pillars that Autometer fails to mention in the magazine ads. I pulled mine off because of it...it's been sitting on the shelf for about 6 months now. Usually they'll fit the pillar securely, but push down on the dashpad....I've never seen one that actually wouldn't fit at all.

Timz2882

iTrader: (1)

yup it will hit the dash pad, no matter what u do. not like anyone is goin to take points from you for something like that. heres mine.

Zap Racing

Well, that sucks! It makes the lower part of coverpull away from the pillar about 1/2" or more. I'm sorry, I have more pride in my car then to let something like that go just bcause that;s the way it is!

Maybe I can get a heat gun and remold it to fit better (or burn it down)!

<<K-O>>

Anyone know any alternative pillars produced by different brands that fit perfectly?

Zap Racing

From another thread:

Hg
Moderator

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Midwest City, Oklahoma
Posts: 1705
Car: '87 Z
Engine: 355 in the works
Transmission: 700R4

I cut the ends off mine and moved it up as far as possible, I've got some pics of what I did but I can't post them up here, they're too big. I don't have them hosted either. If you want them I can email them to you.
------------------------------------------------------------------


He sent some e-mail pics, but I could not open them.


Craig

Bunker82

Let us know what you find out. I have one of those pillars sitting here waiting to go on but I'd like to not have to deal with all the fitment crap. Good 'ol Autometer quality at its finest.

Zap Racing

I'll post after I hear from Autometer, but his idea of cutting off the top and bottom and sliding up a couple inches sounds like the hot ticket. (maybe the only ticket)

Bunker82

Yeah that is probably the only option. But I was under the impression that this was a "full pillar replacement", and that although I knew it would attach to the existing pillar, I had hoped that it would cover the whole pillar so there wouldn't be any tacky edges showing. After getting it from Summit, sure enough, if installed it will have a NICE (sarcasm) edge up top. Just can't win. I have their dual pod deal that isn't the "full" pillar, and it looks so tacky. My hope was paying 3x more would allow me to have something that was seamless and would look factory. Keep dreamin'. Looks like they still haven't got the correct texture either. And it is still the real flimsy plastic like my old one that after two summers got all warped. I may just have to try and cleanly mount something below the a/c vent, but I really wanted to have an air/fuel and vacuum gauge in my field of vision.

/rant

Timz2882

iTrader: (1)

for the price and the little fitment issue, i dont see why everyone is coimplaining. hell they could have just said screw the fbodys like tons of other companys and not make anything.

Zap Racing

U are right--it's just that with a little more care it would have fit perfect, but I'll deal with it just like a lot of the other stuff that "fits" our thirdgens. Nothing that any self respecting hotrodder should be capable of doing!

Craig

Bunker82

I would rather they didn't than to make something cheap IMHO. If you're happy with it more power to ya. But it is not something I want to deal with that in the end still won't look like it was meant to be there IMO. Zap is right, it would have taken them a few more minutes at design time. Oh well my opinion of Autometer just keeps dropping. They aren't getting anymore of my money.


edit: Not trying to flame anyone. Most of the installs I have seen on this site look good. I am just overly sensitive about how it would look in my situation since I have to look at my pile of junky warped pod everyday. In fact on a T-Top I think that it could look real nice since I think it would cover the whole pillar. Again all of the above is just my opinion. Take it for what it is worth (i.e. nothing ).

Zap Racing

Auto Meter's reply to my fitment problem--ongoing!


From: "cory_villani" <cory_villani@autometer.com>
Organization: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 08:55:46 -0500
To: "zap1@ev1.net" <zap1@ev1.net>
Subject: RE: Service Question

Hello.

We are not experiencing any fitment problems on that body of vehicle
and nothing has changed in its design. Can you please look at the back
of the pod to verify that the number inscribed on the back side matches
the model number you purchased? If it is the same, I would then like you
to send it in to us so that we can compare it with a known good part.
Thank you.
Cory
Tech/Service

MY RESPONSE:

I will send it in as long as I will get it (or replacement) back in a timely manner. I have already verified that it is a 12 201 by the inscribed/molded number on the backside of the cover. I have already figured out (from some threads I read--see below) that the only way to use it is to cut the bottom and top of the cover off and slide it up the pillar a couple inches. I HAVE NOT made the modification to the 12 201 cover yet, but I do have all three gauges installed and just hanging at the moment.

As far as fitment problems, I am a member of "Thirdgen.org" --a website devoted exclusively to thirdgen (82 to 92) Camaros and Firebirds. It is, by far, the most popular board nationwide for that type car. After I ran into the trouble that I have described, I did a search for past threads as well as posting my own questions on the board about fitment problems with this piece. I can send U a dozen different threads devoted to the exact same issue. All of them have experianced the exact same problem. I am very surprised that U are not aware of this situatuon/problem. If U truly are NOT aware of it, it's only because nobody has ever taken the time to make Auto Meter aware of the situation. I will include the 2 different threads with my questions as examples. If U wish to read more, let me know, and I will send U the web addys for at least a dozen threads dealing with the same issue, or U can go to the Thirdgen.org website and do a search and read the results yourself.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...postid=2306542

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...postid=2306108

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/att...postid=1981476
The bottom address is for a pic posted on the thirdgen board--not my car--I would not have a problem with it just resting on the dash, but when it is pushed down to where it matches the top and bottom of A pillar, the outside of the pillar cover is almost an inch away from the A pillar because it is being distorted and twisted.




What shipping address, and to who's attention, do U want me to send it to?


Thank You,
Craig Landry





-----Original Message-----
From: zap1@ev1.net [mailto:zap1@ev1.net]
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 1:37 PM
To: service@autometer.com
Subject: Service Question


Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
(zap1@ev1.net) on Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 13:37:04
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---

Vehicle Year: 1989

Vehicle Make: Chevy

Vehicle Model: Camaro NON TTOP--hardtop

Vehicle Sub-Model: IROC

Vehicle Engine: L-98 350

8th digit of serial number: 8

Product model #: 12201 Apillar pod fitment

GaugeType: Mechanical

question: Got a 12201 triple A pillar pod for my personal car 89 Camaro
IROC. IT DOES NOT FIT! The bottom pod hits the top of the dash--BAD! In
looking down the pillar cover the bottom pod is not in line with the top
two. It is positioned more clockwise than the others. The amount that it
is off is what is causing the fitment issue. Is/was there a later
revision where this was corrected, cause there is no way this will fit
even close to correct the way it is.

I have built a number of cars over the years as well as working as a
fabricator for many years for a company in Houston where we built circle
track and drag strip cars (before I had togive it up for health
reasons), so I am very experianced at "making" things fit. It is so far
off, it cannot even be "persuaded" to fit.

Thank You Craig Landry

Zap Racing

EVEN THOUGH I WAS WILLING TO GIVE THEM THE "BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT"---ABOUT WHAT I EXPECTED!

Below is the final/last response from Auto Meter about the fitment situation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIr-

I think at this point you should simply return the part to where you purchased it for a refund or exchange. It TRULY is a problem that has not been brought to our attention until you. I can make no promise of how much time it will take me to find a fix or exchange it for you since I am TRULY unaware of the problem.
Cory
Tech/Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I highly encourage anybody and everybody that has had a fitment problem with the Auto Meter 12201 Triple piller gauge pod to either send an e-mail to the address below and/or do a copy and paste of your previous post and /or thread concerning this manner! I know I am!!! Let the mfg. know how U feel and that I am not the only that has had this problem.

I AM NOT ADVOCATING ANY BASHING OR BAD MOUTHING OF AUTO METER (or any mfg.)--In general, I think Auto Meter has a LOT of good stuff, but in this case they do not. they will not acknowledge it, and shoud be informed that there IS a problem with the 12201 piece!

Please direct all correspondence to:

Auto Meter Products, Inc.
cory_villani@autometer.com


Thank You
Craig Landry
zap1@ev1.net
713-723-6393

Zap Racing

Timz2882

iTrader: (1)

sounds like there goin to try and fix the problem but then there goin to take the pod off the market till its fix.

Zap Racing

How do U figure that?

96BlownSSragtop

iTrader: (5)

The other night I was helping a friend work on his 91 Mustang installing an Autometer triple gauge pod. It didn't fit for schnit either.

The written response you posted would make me think they didn't know and will check into getting it fixed; but without hearing the tone of voice/attitude it's hard to judge the sincerity of the response.

Did help me make up my mind though...I'll keep what I have.

Zap Racing

Send them an e-mail and let them know. If we don't communicate with the mfg's they will not know there is a problem and/or that we ae not satisfied!

Auto Meter Products, Inc.
cory_villani@autometer.com

84RIceEater

Crap... i just bought it about 2 hours ago. and did a search to see some pics and this Thread pops up. and i just wrote a email to the compant saying that it does not fit (Dont have it yet) To figure if they would send me a discount or if they plan to correct the problem.

Zap Racing

Good Luck.....but it AINT GONNA HAPPEN!

84RIceEater

worth trying and plus i get to tell the manafauter the problem so they will get a big enough reasponse, so other ppl dont get screwed.

Zap Racing

YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!!!

Read below:
Auto Meter's reply to my fitment problem--ongoing!


Vehicle Year: 1989

Vehicle Make: Chevy

Vehicle Model: Camaro NON TTOP--hardtop

Vehicle Sub-Model: IROC

Vehicle Engine: L-98 350

8th digit of serial number: 8

Product model #: 12201 Apillar pod fitment

GaugeType: Mechanical

question: Got a 12201 triple A pillar pod for my personal car 89 Camaro
IROC. IT DOES NOT FIT! The bottom pod hits the top of the dash--BAD! In
looking down the pillar cover the bottom pod is not in line with the top
two. It is positioned more clockwise than the others. The amount that it
is off is what is causing the fitment issue. Is/was there a later
revision where this was corrected, cause there is no way this will fit
even close to correct the way it is.

I have built a number of cars over the years as well as working as a
fabricator for many years for a company in Houston where we built circle
track and drag strip cars (before I had togive it up for health
reasons), so I am very experianced at "making" things fit. It is so far
off, it cannot even be "persuaded" to fit.

Thank You Craig Landry



From: "cory_villani"
Organization: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 08:55:46 -0500
To: "zap1@ev1.net"
Subject: RE: Service Question

Hello.

We are not experiencing any fitment problems on that body of vehicle
and nothing has changed in its design. Can you please look at the back
of the pod to verify that the number inscribed on the back side matches
the model number you purchased? If it is the same, I would then like you
to send it in to us so that we can compare it with a known good part.
Thank you.
Cory
Tech/Service

MY RESPONSE:

I will send it in as long as I will get it (or replacement) back in a timely manner. I have already verified that it is a 12 201 by the inscribed/molded number on the backside of the cover. I have already figured out (from some threads I read--see below) that the only way to use it is to cut the bottom and top of the cover off and slide it up the pillar a couple inches. I HAVE NOT made the modification to the 12 201 cover yet, but I do have all three gauges installed and just hanging at the moment.

As far as fitment problems, I am a member of "Thirdgen.org" --a website devoted exclusively to thirdgen (82 to 92) Camaros and Firebirds. It is, by far, the most popular board nationwide for that type car. After I ran into the trouble that I have described, I did a search for past threads as well as posting my own questions on the board about fitment problems with this piece. I can send U a dozen different threads devoted to the exact same issue. All of them have experianced the exact same problem. I am very surprised that U are not aware of this situatuon/problem. If U truly are NOT aware of it, it's only because nobody has ever taken the time to make Auto Meter aware of the situation. I will include the 2 different threads with my questions as examples. If U wish to read more, let me know, and I will send U the web addys for at least a dozen threads dealing with the same issue, or U can go to the Thirdgen.org website and do a search and read the results yourself.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...&postid=2306542

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...&postid=2306108

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/att...&postid=1981476
The bottom address is for a pic posted on the thirdgen board--not my car--I would not have a problem with it just resting on the dash, but when it is pushed down to where it matches the top and bottom of A pillar, the outside of the pillar cover is almost an inch away from the A pillar because it is being distorted and twisted.

primo

Is there any problems with the dual pod?

thanks

17wth85z28

Someone get out the fiberglass

911rsq

Just a question.....
Has anyone here installed one of these in thier car and had NO fitment problems???????

Zap Racing

Not that I am aware of. All the posts I read said they fit fine. It's the third lower pod, because is not lined up correctly with the others. If it was rotated around counterclockwise it would be fine, but it's not and they refuse to acknowledge it. That's what pi$$es me off.

Zap Racing

There may be, but in all my "searches" I have never read a post that said the triple fit correctly.

By the way, if U do the modification where U cut the top and bottom off, and slide it up about an inch, it fits and looks great. I'm speaking from personal experiance.

U know If Auto Meter would just say: "Yes there is a fitment problem. Here make this modification and it will fit fine. No, we can't do anything about it, because we don't sell enough to begin with, to make it fesible for us to scrap what we have made and make new ones."--I would be satisfied and not be on a "campaign" about this subject!

Craig

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

sorry to bring this from the dead, but I have been mulling over getting one of these for a few years now. I will probably get one, and "make" it work if I have to. I just called Cory Villani at Autometer on this problem. He acknowledges the problem, says he has personally seen it too. He has presented the problem to the sales department and to the company that produces the pods for them, and they have "gotten nowhere with a solution, to put it bluntly". I commented that I thought that was a shame, and probably wasnt fixed because these weren;t a hot selling item anymore, and he pretty much agreed with me in a roundabout way. He couldnt really confirm/deny anything 100% (probably because he might get in trouble) but thats where they stand with these pods. Some fit, some dont. No plans to fix the problem.

Zap Racing

Well, mine has been on my car a couple years now--no problem--looks fine-- U just have to do the procedure I described above for good fit.

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

got any pics you can email to notyuravgsc@yahoo.com of the conversion?

Zap Racing

No sorry--no digital camera (that works) at the moment

j dezzy

iTrader: (12)

I have a dual pillar that has that problem too.

Zap Racing

Really? I never heard of the doubles haaving fitment problems--just the triples. All the posts I read said they fit fine. It's the third lower pod, because is not lined up correctly with the others. If it was rotated around counterclockwise it would be fine, but it's not, and hits on the top of the dash, so U cut the top and bottom off, and slide it up about an inch, it fits and looks great. I'm speaking from personal experiance.

j dezzy

iTrader: (12)

The pods on my dual sit low...as if there should be a third pod at the top. but yup, it pushes right down into my dash pad.

Wishmaster's87IROC

iTrader: (4)

guys!....just use a double and a single....thats what I did along time ago when I got me a triple and it hit!....with my double and single I have about an inch above the dash....and i doesnt look bad at all...

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...gauges-my.html

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

nah that looks tacky to me when they are attached like that. the triple pilar is all a molded piece that looks much cleaner to me.

Wishmaster's87IROC

iTrader: (4)

I hear ya!....everybody's got their opinions...go ahead and hack the one piece up and twist it about to "make it work" as you put it...that would look alot better...yeah ok!..

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

Brisk

iTrader: (25)

when you get the oppertunity, post up some pics please.

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

any pics?

Zap Racing

none from me til I get a new camera that works.

Justin89Formy

iTrader: (26)

how about now?

alloy

iTrader: (16)

I'd like to see pics myself. Just got an ins settlement and am wanting to put that $$$ into improvements on my car.

pinky93

iTrader: (2)

I will keep an eye on this..... I just purchased my 3 - guages and the triple pod....this is gonna suck.

pinky93

iTrader: (2)

Well, I just did a test fit and it sure as hell hits the dash. Pushes it down about an inch actually.... this is bullzhit.....

Zap Racing

Like I said, U have to cut off the top and bottom, where it starts to flare out, to where it's just straight, then U can mount it with no problem and looks great.

pinky93

iTrader: (2)

That sounds like my plan. I did read your posts, so sorry for the rant....

I am thinking the Dremel should handle this easily......

Zap Racing

No problem abiut the rant--I think I did WAY more than U if U look back at my early posts!

Actually a dremel, may not be the best. I make my living using a Dremel ( I build Pro level slot car chassis for a living--REALLY!). The normal cut off disc will melt before it cuts--it will do the job, but be careful. I actually ended using a hack saw with a good blade, but did go back with the Dremel, and clean it up.

DO NOT USE THAT METAL SAW BLADE THAT COMES WITH MOST DREMEL KITS, THOSE THINGS ARE DANGEROUS I SPEAK FROM EXPERIANCE!!!

pinky93

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely use it. How close to the bottom gauge did you cut it?