If there is one thing missing from the gauge package on the Astro van's, it's a tachometer. This install was originally done on my 1992 Astro and was re-dyed and installed on my 1995 Astro.

I did find a gauge pod from Autometer for the 95 and older vans. But every place I contacted said they were backordered until further notice. Aarrggh! Well a fellow Astro vanner told me of a solution. Just get the 96+ Astro gauge pod from Autometer and then get an a-pillar trim piece for a 96+ Astro van. HHmmmmmm.

First thing you will need to do is order the new a-pillar trim, p/n 15740377, from Dal. Then order a gauge pod for a 96+ Astro/Safari van from Jegs or Summit Racing

Next take a heat gun or a propane torch, with a low flame, and heat the back side of the a-pillar. The spot you will need to heat shows as really glossy in the photo below.

Once you have the a-pillar heated up take and push the front side of the piece down on a flat surface. I used a left over piece of ceramic tile. This will flatten out the front side some. You might need to do this operation several times to get it flat enough to fit well. Some trial and error go a long ways here. Don't get in a hurry! The picture below show why this is necessary..

Next you will need to dye the pieces to match. I used a Plasti-Kote product I got at Advance Auto Parts. I sprayed the pillar, the gauge pod and the attaching tabs with two(2) coats. You will to drill several holes now. You will need four(4) 5/32 holes for the little tabs to hold the gauge pod in place(one of those tabs is seen above). Put the a-pillar in the van and hold the pod up to see where you want it. Mark the top and bottom of where you want it. Take the pillar out, hold the pod in place and drill the holes where you think you want them. Now noting where the mounting holes are, you will to drill at least one more hole. This one need to be 1/2 inch or so to handle the wires to run the gauges.

Get your gauges installed per their instructions and install the whole piece. Here's mine with gauges.

Now if you want you can also order the matching passenger side a-pillar and dye it to match too.