By enlisting the help of multiple parties, the Crossfire's interior received some goodies this afternoon...

To start, I've *ALWAYS* wanted white gauges. I liked the white SLK320 gauges, but I wasn't nuts about the font and the "buttercream" hue to the faces (not a true white). When Steve's black 32 AMG met its untimely demise back in the winter, I placed dibs on car parts like any good vulture would. I figured it would be my only chance to procure gauges like his without breaking the bank. The font is bold, stylish, the faces are a light silver (so light, they're almost white) -- and the new-found range to 180mph, although optimistic, simply looks awesome.

The concern was, of course, the additional 20mph... how do we make my car play nice with the 180 speedo? Enter Rudy and Accelerated Industries.

We sent the gauges up to him shortly after the 32's casualty, he performed some witchcraft and programming magic, they returned to TN a few weeks ago, and BAM! Not only did he make the electronics play nice, but we got the '32 gauges into the Crossfire housing. Completely seamless installation. I don't know what he did, I didn't ask and wouldn't be able to comprehend it.

And boy, do they look pretty.

NEXT, I snapped up an ultra-rare Startech Crossfire wheel, in cedar. The grips on this thing are MASSIVE, and the perforated leather adds a subtle yet classy touch to the car. Also, there are finger grips all around, the wheel is marginally thicker (35mm vs ~28mm), and the leather seems to be softer, higher quality. I got this shipped direct from Germany by a friend who shall remain nameless. But, his efforts are priceless because this rarity is a gem once installed. This is the same wheel that was factory on all Startech Crossfires... and you know how few of those were made. It's so subtle, most folks wouldn't notice it. But to the driver, it's night & day.

Both were installed with the expertise and experience of Steve (32krazy) alongside... Having such an adept friend that is willing to wrench on nearly any given weekend is a huge blessing.

Without further ado, some blurry cell-phone shots:


Before:


During:


After!




Cheers,

 

Real McCoy:


Side view of grips:


Rear view of additional finger grips:


SLK 320 (top) vs. SLK 32 AMG (bottom):

 

WOW! Love it.

 

That's AWESOME!

I've been thinking of the white gauges on and off... you just confirmed it. I want them.

My only question is were you able to get the mileage changed to your actual mileage on the new gauges?

Again. Awesome!

 

SWEET!

That Startech wheel IS a gem. More specifically, how did you come across it and how much? Beautiful installation.

 

The white cluster works well with your car. Luv'n the look.

 

Thanks man!

It's an awesome mod. Biggest difference I've noticed so far is that when you are driving into the sun you can still see the numbers, versus the other thin white letters being lost in the shadows of the black faces.

Regarding the mileage, it's not exact but darn close (and irrelevant to me, since I have all paper records and never plan on selling the vehicle). The donor vehicle must be at/around your mileage for it to work. The biggest issue is the VIN... it has to be zeroed, then once installed the PC reflashes it and picks up from there.

I got it for a good deal, that's all I'm at liberty to say. It was used (very lightly), so it didn't command the full MSRP of 1,200 Euro... but it still wasn't cheap. A buddy of mine in Germany knew I was on the hunt for one, and made the magic happen.

Thanks buddy!

 

I really like the design of that steering wheel and have always thought the OEM one to be the worst part of the interior.

 

I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it!

Do I need to say again that I LOVE IT?

 

You and me both sir! I never liked the thin feel of the OE piece... This one really adds to the driving experience. And it's a mod you enjoy the entire time you're driving it.

Thanks Anthony! Drive it the next time you're down. I'm still cheesing.

 

Hurrah John. Gotta love it for sure.
Let me have a tool in it just once.

Yes I promise to bring it back,,,,,,,,eventualy

Of course now you will have to get the tune and have the rev limiters taken off so that you can fully utilize that new speedo

 

The keys are yours at the Dragon. You have a gorgeous blue one that is MUCH faster as collateral

Just messing with you, LOL. She likes to be driven. Gopher it

 

Did that a looooooooong time ago hahaha

Currrently, IIRC the limiter is set at ~175, according to Rob. And his tune is the cat's pajamas.

 

That looks awesome!

 

Congrats John, very clean and classy. Fits right in with the overall theme of your car which is becoming one of a kind. You are lucky to have a friend like Steve close by who is always willing to dig in to a project. Here's to keeping them for life.

 

Thanks man! Yours is still my favorite OG Coupe.

 

Looks great John. I bet Nick really loves the ///AMG on your new gauge cluster. LOL

 

Thanks Jim, that means a lot! And yes, Steve is one of those genuine good guys that you hear about, but seldom meet. He's a friend for life as far as I'm concerned.

I'm already bracing for the onslaught, hahahahah

 

Well John I was refering to your statement of never selling your Crossfire. I feel the same way about my car. But the same can certainly be said about great friends. I guess we should keep Steve around too LOL.

 

LOL yeah both are worth keeping around I suppose... hahaha