I've been asked to go more into how I attached the Defi ZD behind the radio face. Here are some progress pictures and points on how it was done.
As previously mentioned, I mounted the control unit behind the speaker housing between the seats. The warning sounds come from control unit itself (not the ZD display) so I wanted to put it in a place where I could hear it clearly. I originally planned to place it behind the driver's seat, where the TCS module once was, but the sound was too baffled by the back paneling.
I just used metal strapping to mount the control unit to the existing speaker mounting holes.
It took some thinking to figure out how to mount the Defi gauge behind the lens face. The lens is at an angle, and the complicated structure of the radio face made it a bit tricky. I eventually cut apart an old voltage meter case, and used the pieces to hug the ZD unit against the radio face lens. Since the newly cut plastic brackets are curved, I didn't need to modify or glue the actual ZD unit to keep it in place. Just some double side tape and pressure keeps it secure.
Please forgive my messy JB weld application. I originally used some Loctite gel super glue, but it reacted to the plastics and covered parts of the lens in a foggy white mist. I had to pull it apart, bluff the lens and re-glue the pieces in place with JB weld.
To retain function of buttons on the ZD unit, I cut out little spacers to bridge the (6 and 7) preset buttons with the ZD (Select and Set) buttons. If you do this, keep in mind it's really easy to accidentally glue the preset buttons to the face; especially with fine liquid super glue. Super glue works really well on these plastics, so no need to go crazy with it.
Finally, the radio housing needs to be cut a bit to make room for the ZD unit. Easily done with a Dremel.
This can obviously be done with different materials, glues, etc. I'm glad to answer any questions about the process, but please keep in mind that everything was just made as I went along. I won't we able to tell you what voltage meter case I cut apart, or how I exactly cut them. I just kept test fitting thing over and over and over until I was satisfied with the fitment. It was tedious at times, but I was so excited about the placement location that I just kept at it. Keep patience and don't rush it and it will turn out great.
Mike B
