Mantis has arrived, any install tips?...got no gauges yet but takin it one step at a time

 

Send me an email, I'll shoot you a copy with pics ;-)

Mantis Installation instructions:

*We recommend that you tape the front surface of the Mantis to avoid any
scratches that may occur during installation. Use some of the blue tape used
during shipment. *Using a small mirror will be helpful during installation.

1. Using the T-20 TORX wrench included in the kit, (or your own tools) locate
the mounting screw above the ashtray and remove and save for re-installation.

2. Grasp the lower portion of the ashtray assembly with both hands and
pull sharply about a quarter of an inch until you hear a "snap." Be
careful not to pull too hard or a portion of the dash will bend forward.
This can be pushed back into place from the center.

3. You can now lower the ashtray until the front upper tabs are clear and
continue to pull the unit free of the rear two rubber mounting bumpers. Let
the ashtray assembly rest so you can disconnect the power and lighting
wires by squeezing the sides. *Don't loose the rubber mounts!

4. Notice the upper hole and slot in rear wall of the dashboard where the
rubber bushings were seated. *These holes will be used later for the reinstall.
Remove both rubber mounts and reinstall on the Mantis mounting bracket studs.

5. Start the two rubber mounts back into the holes as previously
mentioned. Insert them back into the holes just enough to locate the
rear of the mounting bracket, then lift the front of the Mantis mounting
bracket up into the slots in the dashboard. *Use a small mirror for this
operation to ensure the bracket tabs are centered on both sides.

6. With both thumbs, push the mount up, and then away from you until you can
feel the tabs sliding into the slots. Then with your thumb in the center of the bracket,
push back until the bracket mounting hole touches the mounting screw surface.

7. Confirm the bracket tabs are seated in the two slots with your mirror
on both sides.

8. Reinstall the mounting screw in the center hole until you feel the
screw tighten a bit, and only tighten 1/8 turn more, and stop. The screw
is going into a plastic housing and can easily be stripped with too much
force. It is not necessary for this screw to be too tight.

9. Using a mirror, locate the steel clips under the center of the dash and
apply a piece of electrical tape to protect the top surface of the Mantis.

10. Pre-assemble the two gauges you will be using to see if their mounting
brackets will need to be trimmed. This step is easier to do now while the
Mantis is out of the dash. When you are satisfied with the preinstall you
can remove the gauges and set aside for final assembly.

11. With your right hand thru the triangular knee bolster on the driver's
side, you can insert the 1/4-28 Button head screw thru one of the mounting
holes on the top of the Mantis and locate the threads in the mounting
bracket. Turn the screw in a few turns, and then do the same with the
second screw. Turn both screws in by hand as far as you can for now.

12. Locate the 5/32" Allen key provided in the kit and while pressing the
Mantis firmly against the front of the dashboard, center the Mantis in the
dash and tighten the two screws.

13. Reinstall the two gauges and fasten their brackets from behind the
Mantis.

14. You are now finished, and ready for final connections. Search the
forum for installation instructions for the gauges you have chosen.

*Thank you for purchasing the Mantis Gauge Pod!

 

Thanks a lot!!!!! Is it worth installing it even if i dont have the gauges yet ya think?

 

Sure... It's good practice! I've installed and uninstalled hundreds of times ;-)

 

I wasnt really planning on installing it multiple times, although i guess it could be kind of like racing against the install clock if you did it more than once

 

lol... Yes, that's the procedure anyway ;-)