anyone ever mount gauges on the A pillar?

I've done this before. I used a universal pod and screwed it to the plastic A-pillar. Get it where you want and don't worry about making multiple holes. Positioning is everything. Don't forget to make 1/2" holes for the wires and such behind the pod. Scuff the entire front area with 80 grit and then use fiberglass mat and resin.

Scuff that out and use short hair fiberglass to fill in pin holes and low areas. Finally if you want smooth then you'll need to skim coat the entire piece with bondo and sand out using 200. Primer and paint. As for texture, there a few methods, I use paint that has a wrinkle effect or I keep it smooth.

It's not very hard but it's time consuming.... so prepare yourself for some labour.

Riddler