3/13/02

The Steel Horse clinometer is currently collecting dust. The problem started after I burned out my portable CB radio. I then purchased a new CB but had to pull out my existing clinometer because there is so little space to install accessories cleanly. This left me without a clinometer. I considered going without, but when the roll angles go into the 30 degree range, a rollover becomes a pressing thought. So I ordered the roll indicator pictured at the left from Rieker Instruements. It is a model 2058E with a range of +/- 45 degrees. Since it is very thin, I was able to simply stick it to the dash with some double sided tape. As you can see it is rather large and somewhat tacky but it should do the trick. It is also very pricey at $30 + $10 shipping but what's done is done. A better choice might be http://www.4by4connection.com/levogage.html

3/17/2001

The useless compartment was starting to annoy me I guess. To fill it with something useful, I ordered a Steel Horse Clinometer from JC Whitney. It fits pretty well beneath the stereo and I simply fabricated some blank to cover the sides. The clinometer is illuminated and I wired it into the cigarette lighter light so it will dim with the rest of the dash. My pitch indicator was a little sticky and it appeared that the internal gears were binding just a bit. Some judicious bending seems to have done the trick. You can calibrate the unit by opening it up and over rotating the dials on their axles.

The stereo face is removed by the following steps: 1) Open the center console storage and set the parking brake, 2) Pull up on the drink holder / parking brake cover, 3) Pull up on the back end of the shifter console, 4) Pull out on the stereo face beginning at the bottom. You may have to move the shifter out of the way.

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