Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
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Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
For the last couple of years we've been waiting for someone to make copies of the aluminum gauge surrounds like Powermite made himself for his car. For those that don't know some of the history, check here. Well, I finally took the chance and had a small run of them made.
Here's a few pics of the two prototype rings that showed up on Friday (while I was out of town). I'm going to open up the inner hole just a touch because for tall people, these rings may partially block the hash marks at the top of the gauges from being viewed. Aside from that, they fit well and look great! (pics are huge!) They will be sold in sets of FOUR, are press fit, and will come in brushed, polished, and natural finishes... and even powder coated in almost any color.
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/1.JPG
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/2.JPG
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/3.JPG
Price will be $150 shipped to the US main 48 states unless something changes drastically from my supplier. Paypal will be accepted as well as Post Office Money Orders, no other payments allowed unless you live around here and can pay cash (plus sales tax ) Polished will be $25 more, brushed will be $25 more, powder coated will be $45 more.
Here's a few pics of the two prototype rings that showed up on Friday (while I was out of town). I'm going to open up the inner hole just a touch because for tall people, these rings may partially block the hash marks at the top of the gauges from being viewed. Aside from that, they fit well and look great! (pics are huge!) They will be sold in sets of FOUR, are press fit, and will come in brushed, polished, and natural finishes... and even powder coated in almost any color.
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/1.JPG
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/2.JPG
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/gauge_rings/3.JPG
Price will be $150 shipped to the US main 48 states unless something changes drastically from my supplier. Paypal will be accepted as well as Post Office Money Orders, no other payments allowed unless you live around here and can pay cash (plus sales tax ) Polished will be $25 more, brushed will be $25 more, powder coated will be $45 more.
Last edited by bnoon; 04-10-2005 at 06:02 PM.
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For those with only 56K modems, I offer my condolences and these smaller pictures.
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I friggin LOVE that! That looks great man. Maybe its the angle, but the one on the left looks like theres a little more gap around it than the other one.
If the price is right, count me in!
If the price is right, count me in!
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Oh yeah, a price would be nice. They would look awesome inside my car. Would match up nice with my gauge pod with the cobalt series gauges in them. What do you think
Let us know about a price and I would more than likely order a set from you.
Let us know about a price and I would more than likely order a set from you.
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VERY COOL MOD.
Almost makes me wish I had a Firebird............NOT!!!!
All kidding aside, seriously nice.
Good job.
All kidding aside, seriously nice.
Good job.
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Originally posted by TPIterror
Maybe its the angle, but the one on the left looks like theres a little more gap around it than the other one.
If the price is right, count me in!
Maybe its the angle, but the one on the left looks like theres a little more gap around it than the other one.
If the price is right, count me in!
I'll add the price to the main post if I can still edit it...
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Hey bnoon, I forgot that you were down in West Des Moines. I am from Ames. Let me know when they become available. On April 26 and April 27th I will be working down in Altoona at the Wal-Mart there if you care to get together for a little bit. Would love to see those rings. Let me know.
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Originally posted by Parrydise7
Price?
Price?
Originally posted by Gambit69
Hey bnoon, I forgot that you were down in West Des Moines. I am from Ames. Let me know when they become available. On April 26 and April 27th I will be working down in Altoona at the Wal-Mart there if you care to get together for a little bit. Would love to see those rings. Let me know.
Hey bnoon, I forgot that you were down in West Des Moines. I am from Ames. Let me know when they become available. On April 26 and April 27th I will be working down in Altoona at the Wal-Mart there if you care to get together for a little bit. Would love to see those rings. Let me know.
Last edited by bnoon; 04-10-2005 at 06:00 PM.
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Originally posted by bnoon
Nothing wrong with the ring, just didn't push it in all of the way the second or third time that I put those rings in. I had both rings in every hole to see if there were any differences in hole size and must have just missed it.
I'll add the price to the main post if I can still edit it...
Nothing wrong with the ring, just didn't push it in all of the way the second or third time that I put those rings in. I had both rings in every hole to see if there were any differences in hole size and must have just missed it.
I'll add the price to the main post if I can still edit it...
Actually, now that I look at the dash again, the dash bezel on the left side is ever so slightly not flat near the middle of the gauge. Press the top in, the bottom comes out about 1/32" or so. All three other gauge holes sit totally flat. I'll fiddle around with it a little bit and post back.
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Originally posted by Gambit69
How much without shipping since I can come down and pick them up?
How much without shipping since I can come down and pick them up?
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Originally posted by bnoon
Actually, now that I look at the dash again, the dash bezel on the left side is ever so slightly not flat near the middle of the gauge. Press the top in, the bottom comes out about 1/32" or so. All three other gauge holes sit totally flat. I'll fiddle around with it a little bit and post back.
Actually, now that I look at the dash again, the dash bezel on the left side is ever so slightly not flat near the middle of the gauge. Press the top in, the bottom comes out about 1/32" or so. All three other gauge holes sit totally flat. I'll fiddle around with it a little bit and post back.
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wow ,150 a set , thats more than i had planned, i was thinking more like 100 . Thiers no way you can come down on the price. Order more to get the price down , maybe ebay and swap meets and stuff.But 150 is a little much .
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Originally posted by 18inchboyds
wow ,150 a set , thats more than i had planned, i was thinking more like 100 . Thiers no way you can come down on the price. Order more to get the price down , maybe ebay and swap meets and stuff.But 150 is a little much .
wow ,150 a set , thats more than i had planned, i was thinking more like 100 . Thiers no way you can come down on the price. Order more to get the price down , maybe ebay and swap meets and stuff.But 150 is a little much .
Originally posted by Gr89RS
They look great, do you think you could talk the supplier into making them for pre- 1990 Camaros??
They look great, do you think you could talk the supplier into making them for pre- 1990 Camaros??
Originally posted by 82firebird
Those look awesome! Will they fit the 82-84 dash as well? I think the guage pod circumfrence is the same; but I'm not positive.
Those look awesome! Will they fit the 82-84 dash as well? I think the guage pod circumfrence is the same; but I'm not positive.
Last edited by bnoon; 04-11-2005 at 08:45 AM.
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Put me down for a set of (4) brushed. Just let me know when you're ready to start accepting the funds.
Thanks again, I can't wait - feels like I just found that last piece of the puzzle and this is the moment before I put it in place.
Thanks again, I can't wait - feels like I just found that last piece of the puzzle and this is the moment before I put it in place.
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bnoon,
Ive been waiting to see those. Look great man.People will jump on em. (lol and Im a camaro guy)
also if you need a better price on powdercoating some for people let me know. I'll do em for $5bucks a ring. Any color.
Ive been waiting to see those. Look great man.People will jump on em. (lol and Im a camaro guy)
also if you need a better price on powdercoating some for people let me know. I'll do em for $5bucks a ring. Any color.
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Re: Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
[i]
Price will be $150 shipped to the US main 48 states unless something changes drastically from my supplier. Paypal will be accepted as well as Post Office Money Orders, no other payments allowed unless you live around here and can pay cash (plus sales tax ) Polished will be $25 more, brushed will be $25 more, powder coated will be $45 more. [/B]
Price will be $150 shipped to the US main 48 states unless something changes drastically from my supplier. Paypal will be accepted as well as Post Office Money Orders, no other payments allowed unless you live around here and can pay cash (plus sales tax ) Polished will be $25 more, brushed will be $25 more, powder coated will be $45 more. [/B]
I guess its back to trying to make my own again!
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Re: Re: Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
Originally posted by TPIterror
Wow. Thats a lot for 4 aluminum trim rings. I was thinking 50-60 for a set. I realize your start-up and overhead is high right now, but more volume sales at a cheaper price will garauntee you more cash in the long run. Unless your only selling a few sets, then ending it. Not many people are going to drop 150 on something like that.
I guess its back to trying to make my own again!
Wow. Thats a lot for 4 aluminum trim rings. I was thinking 50-60 for a set. I realize your start-up and overhead is high right now, but more volume sales at a cheaper price will garauntee you more cash in the long run. Unless your only selling a few sets, then ending it. Not many people are going to drop 150 on something like that.
I guess its back to trying to make my own again!
Originally posted by TPl383
bnoon,
Ive been waiting to see those. Look great man.People will jump on em. (lol and Im a camaro guy)
also if you need a better price on powdercoating some for people let me know. I'll do em for $5bucks a ring. Any color.
bnoon,
Ive been waiting to see those. Look great man.People will jump on em. (lol and Im a camaro guy)
also if you need a better price on powdercoating some for people let me know. I'll do em for $5bucks a ring. Any color.
Last edited by bnoon; 04-11-2005 at 06:12 PM.
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I am pretty positive alot of Camaro guys would want them...hopefully they will chime in and show it..these would look absolutely awesome wtih a set of Abubaca's custom guage faces he may eventually start selling...
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Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
Originally posted by bnoon
Yes, I could have driven the price down by investing in more than ten sets initially, but I'm already laying out over a grand in set up costs and materials here and I couldn't stretch any farther on something that's unproven in the market. If I go for a big run and really try to sell these things, I have to look at advertisement costs on these boards/etc. which I'm not quite ready to do just for these gauge rings.
Yes, I could have driven the price down by investing in more than ten sets initially, but I'm already laying out over a grand in set up costs and materials here and I couldn't stretch any farther on something that's unproven in the market. If I go for a big run and really try to sell these things, I have to look at advertisement costs on these boards/etc. which I'm not quite ready to do just for these gauge rings.
Ordering 100 or more just so you can offer them at $25 bux cheaper set is economic suicide.
Also, I know it's no TGO.org or Ebay, but I will gladly host a banner, link, or ad to your bezels on norcalthirdgen.com.
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bnoon,
drop ship would be fine.
You figure $20 for coating 4 rings. No way shipping on them PRIRITY MAIL insured for $250 is gona cost an extra 20bucks.
I shipp out C5 Hubs and brackets I make an they weigh 19lbs and cost $23bucks.( PRIORITY MAIL and INS./Del comf.)
drop ship would be fine.
You figure $20 for coating 4 rings. No way shipping on them PRIRITY MAIL insured for $250 is gona cost an extra 20bucks.
I shipp out C5 Hubs and brackets I make an they weigh 19lbs and cost $23bucks.( PRIORITY MAIL and INS./Del comf.)
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I'm quite interested bnoon. Do you have nay pics to show the difference between brushed, polished, plain, etc?
Was thinking I wanted something a little different with my dash...and this looks to be just the ticket.
Was thinking I wanted something a little different with my dash...and this looks to be just the ticket.
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Those are beautiful rings.
Metal has been getting very expensive lately, that plus the machining costs, I can see how you priced the items.
Now, its not cheap by any means, but I know that you won't be able to get them down much cheaper than that.
Metal has been getting very expensive lately, that plus the machining costs, I can see how you priced the items.
Now, its not cheap by any means, but I know that you won't be able to get them down much cheaper than that.
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Glad to know you got them made...its a shame I don't have the dash they would work in! Darn idiot lights, hence my smoked lens conversion. If I had the right application, I would have been all over a set. And $150 is really not bad concidering all the variables! I'll let Joe (lt1guy) know you have them done. Not sure what he is planning for the 87... Excellent job btw!
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Re: Aluminum gauge surrounds (like Powermite's)
Originally posted by adambros
IMO, if $150 is what the they're charging you, and your not getting any big price breaks by ordering in quantity, just place the order when you get the order(s). That way if anyone balks at the price it won't come directly out of your pocket.
Ordering 100 or more just so you can offer them at $25 bux cheaper set is economic suicide.
Also, I know it's no TGO.org or Ebay, but I will gladly host a banner, link, or ad to your bezels on norcalthirdgen.com.
IMO, if $150 is what the they're charging you, and your not getting any big price breaks by ordering in quantity, just place the order when you get the order(s). That way if anyone balks at the price it won't come directly out of your pocket.
Ordering 100 or more just so you can offer them at $25 bux cheaper set is economic suicide.
Also, I know it's no TGO.org or Ebay, but I will gladly host a banner, link, or ad to your bezels on norcalthirdgen.com.
The money from the first sets will go into investing in more sets and so on. Supply/Demand. I have a Business Economics AAS degree (as well as an AAS in Telecommunications and another AAS in Electronics Design) and have had different side businesses since I was 14 (I'm now 33), I understand the concept.
I'll take you up on the banner idea. I've been putting together my own gif files to be ready for advertising on this site too if it all works out.
Originally posted by Mongoose
When will these be available for purchase? These would work well with my all black interior and autometer pillar gauges.
When will these be available for purchase? These would work well with my all black interior and autometer pillar gauges.
Originally posted by TPl383
bnoon,
drop ship would be fine.
You figure $20 for coating 4 rings. No way shipping on them PRIRITY MAIL insured for $250 is gona cost an extra 20bucks.
bnoon,
drop ship would be fine.
You figure $20 for coating 4 rings. No way shipping on them PRIRITY MAIL insured for $250 is gona cost an extra 20bucks.
Originally posted by 3.1EyeCandy
I'm quite interested bnoon. Do you have nay pics to show the difference between brushed, polished, plain, etc?
Was thinking I wanted something a little different with my dash...and this looks to be just the ticket.
I'm quite interested bnoon. Do you have nay pics to show the difference between brushed, polished, plain, etc?
Was thinking I wanted something a little different with my dash...and this looks to be just the ticket.
Last edited by bnoon; 04-12-2005 at 09:41 AM.
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Those look great... and my tax refund check should be coming soon. I might end up ordering a set. When do you think you'll start selling them? Also, if you're driving your bird to Buffalo you should meet up with our f-body group up here. We have a wing night and cruise every Tuesday evening. PM me if you're interested.
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Originally posted by JeremyNYR
Those look great... and my tax refund check should be coming soon. I might end up ordering a set. When do you think you'll start selling them? Also, if you're driving your bird to Buffalo you should meet up with our f-body group up here. We have a wing night and cruise every Tuesday evening. PM me if you're interested.
Those look great... and my tax refund check should be coming soon. I might end up ordering a set. When do you think you'll start selling them? Also, if you're driving your bird to Buffalo you should meet up with our f-body group up here. We have a wing night and cruise every Tuesday evening. PM me if you're interested.
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FYI, the small changes that needed to be made have been approved, a PO number has been issued, and the gauge rings are officially on order. Expect 2-3 weeks waiting (impatiently ) period.
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Just curious to know how many sets are you ordering? I am interested in a set when you get them.
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Originally posted by Gambit69
Just curious to know how many sets are you ordering? I am interested in a set when you get them.
Just curious to know how many sets are you ordering? I am interested in a set when you get them.
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Maybe it's just me, but is there anyone else that doesn't think these are all that great? I mean, don't get me wrong... they ARE excellent peices of work and they look amazing, but the thing that made these ring a true work of art is the fact that they were all custom made and matched to the rest of the interior of powermite's car.
Not only did he have the rings, he also had a custom made aluminum center console cover, radio trim peice, window buttons along with custom racing seats, a new steering wheel and a shifter. The radio trim peice even had "PONTIAC" inscribed on it, a real peice of work. All these things matched together made it look like a real work of art.
These rings kind of remind me of a B&M megashifter. Sure, they look great when it's just by itself, but when you throw it into a 20-year-old car that's interior is mostly made of cheap plastic, it just doesn't look right at all.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying them to improve the look of their interior, but to me, it just doesn't look right without the rest of the package.
There's also something to be said for originality... a virtue that seems to be very uncommon these days.
Just my 2¢.
Not only did he have the rings, he also had a custom made aluminum center console cover, radio trim peice, window buttons along with custom racing seats, a new steering wheel and a shifter. The radio trim peice even had "PONTIAC" inscribed on it, a real peice of work. All these things matched together made it look like a real work of art.
These rings kind of remind me of a B&M megashifter. Sure, they look great when it's just by itself, but when you throw it into a 20-year-old car that's interior is mostly made of cheap plastic, it just doesn't look right at all.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying them to improve the look of their interior, but to me, it just doesn't look right without the rest of the package.
There's also something to be said for originality... a virtue that seems to be very uncommon these days.
Just my 2¢.
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By the way, bnoon, I just wanted to point out that there was no flame intended or directed at you. Just stating a personal opinion.
Nice job on the rings though man.
Nice job on the rings though man.
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Nothing Like..........
.........A Back Handed Compliment!
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Originality ?? you mean becuase one other person on the other side of the pond has done something tasteful we should feel bad about adapting the idea. Come on, its a good look for our cars and the fact that were trying to make our interiors our own is proof of individual originality. . . whats next ? you gonna tell me black 3rd gens are played out becuase you see so many of them. sheesh.
BTW, who says we all don't have the rest of the package ?
BTW, who says we all don't have the rest of the package ?
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Originally posted by Nate86
Maybe it's just me, but is there anyone else that doesn't think these are all that great? I mean, don't get me wrong... they ARE excellent peices of work and they look amazing, but the thing that made these ring a true work of art is the fact that they were all custom made and matched to the rest of the interior of powermite's car.
Not only did he have the rings, he also had a custom made aluminum center console cover, radio trim peice, window buttons along with custom racing seats, a new steering wheel and a shifter. The radio trim peice even had "PONTIAC" inscribed on it, a real peice of work. All these things matched together made it look like a real work of art.
These rings kind of remind me of a B&M megashifter. Sure, they look great when it's just by itself, but when you throw it into a 20-year-old car that's interior is mostly made of cheap plastic, it just doesn't look right at all.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying them to improve the look of their interior, but to me, it just doesn't look right without the rest of the package.
There's also something to be said for originality... a virtue that seems to be very uncommon these days.
Just my 2¢.
Maybe it's just me, but is there anyone else that doesn't think these are all that great? I mean, don't get me wrong... they ARE excellent peices of work and they look amazing, but the thing that made these ring a true work of art is the fact that they were all custom made and matched to the rest of the interior of powermite's car.
Not only did he have the rings, he also had a custom made aluminum center console cover, radio trim peice, window buttons along with custom racing seats, a new steering wheel and a shifter. The radio trim peice even had "PONTIAC" inscribed on it, a real peice of work. All these things matched together made it look like a real work of art.
These rings kind of remind me of a B&M megashifter. Sure, they look great when it's just by itself, but when you throw it into a 20-year-old car that's interior is mostly made of cheap plastic, it just doesn't look right at all.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying them to improve the look of their interior, but to me, it just doesn't look right without the rest of the package.
There's also something to be said for originality... a virtue that seems to be very uncommon these days.
Just my 2¢.
You see, I happen to have a Megashifter, and thought it looked out of place by itself. I'm also always looking on EBay for the right steering wheel to replace the stocker, but it must contain the right amount of brushed or polished metal in order to fit with the rest of the interior plans. I also have plans in the works for brushed/polished/natural center console pieces to match and/or contrast. Ebrake handles have also crossed my mind. Other bits here and there are always under consideration as well...
So, everyone listen to Nate. Don't just buy my gauge rings, buy everything I ever make for interiors that will match these rings so that it will look right. No hard feelings Nate. Nothing is for everybody, so don't feel bad about not liking everything someone else builds.
#47
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Car: 91 firebird
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
I think they would look pretty cool as an accent without covering everything else in aluminum trim. You start covering everything in aluminum, it starts to look goofy, kinda like chrome door guards, chrome fender flares, chrome gas lid, chrome wipers, when just chrome wheels would have been perfect.
#48
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
I am not planning on going all aluminum in my car I just want them so they match up with my gauges in my gauge pod. Can't wait to actually see them.
#49
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: vee eight
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 4.10 gears
bnoon check this out , did you see someone allready sells the gauge rings, they are in puerto rico though .
http://www.olympicbezels.cjb.net/
http://www.olympicbezels.cjb.net/
#50
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Car: Red '89 GTA
Engine: TPI LB9
Transmission: T-5
I've also been looking for some shiny rims to my gauges. And I'm sure these would make your dash all the more impressive.... but I think the shape is a little bit too rounded for my taste. I'd like to see someting that looks more like a jets aft "iris" except in chrome or alu. Think that would look so cool!!