CIMTEX SUPER CAMEO: PART 6
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
LOWERING A 4WD FORD F-150
The suspension of stock four-wheel-drive vehicles is deliberately set very high to provide improved ground clearance. For years the trend in serious off-roading has been to “lift” the vehicle even higher. The OEs suspend their four-bys high enough to clear rocks, traverse gulleys and fallen trees and most anything else that one might encounter in more serious off-roading. Nevertheless, there are four-by owners who would like to lower their vehicles, as they spend more time on-road than off. Recently we met just such an owner, and we couldn’t resist questioning him about his desire to drop this ’04 Ford F-150 four-by-four.
Keeping Your Cool
Even though we all dream of blasting through the desert at 130-MPH like Robby Gordon, most of our 4×4 adventures take place at a much more reasonable pace. Unfortunately for our engines crawling along a boulder strewn dry river bed or climbing a goat trail through a mountain pass does not always allow enough airflow to keep our engines cool with a belt driven mechanical fan. Belt driven fans are designed to keep your engine cool when traveling down a street or highway not while crushing boulders at 3-MPH and 1,500-RPM. So what can we do to keep our rigs from boiling over this summer? Follow along with us as we install a pair of 11-inch electronic cooling fans along with a programmable fan controller both from SPAL USA.
BRACE FOR IMPACT
Even more than 40 years ago, Ford understood the importance of preventing body flex in order to allow a suspension to maintain proper geometry. The earliest Mustangs came with front shock tower braces to prevent uncontrollable suspension articulation, caused when both upper ends of the shock towers flex inward. The need to prevent such flex is still important today, and the principle applies to the rear shock towers as well as to the fronts.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Intellitronix 1967-72 Chevy Truck Analog Direct Fit Gauge Panel
Don’t let your dash live in the past. Bring it into the now.
If you’re rolling in a classic Chevy truck and think your dash could use a serious glow-up, Intellitronix just dropped the hammer. The 1967-72 Chevy Truck Analog Direct Fit Gauge Panel isn’t just a swap—it’s a full-on interior makeover that mixes vintage vibes with modern smarts. Heck, it even snagged SEMA 2018 Runner-Up for Best New Interior Product, so you know it’s the real deal.
Author
The Auto Builder staff
Photos Courtesy of Intellitronix
Show-Stopping Design
This panel looks as good as it reads. Made from black polycarbonate with a slick brush-stroke finish, it turns your dash into the centerpiece of the cabin. Every gauge—speedo, tach, fuel, volts, oil, water temp—is dialed in for accuracy and legibility. Turn signal and high-beam indicators? Seamless. Automatic nighttime dimming? Yup, so you’re never squinting or distracted while driving.
Tech That Impresses
Intellitronix didn’t just make it pretty—they loaded it with features that make your truck smarter than most new rides. The speedometer hits 160 MPH and includes one-button calibration, odometer, trip meter, high-speed recall, 0–60 timer, and even ¼-mile tracking. Tachometer? 0–8000 RPM in 100 RPM increments. Volts? 10–18. Oil? 0–100 PSI. Water temp? 100–260°F. Fuel gauge? Programmable for Ford, GM, Chrysler, VDO, and aftermarket senders. Basically, it’s like strapping a miniature command center onto your dash.
Easy Install, No Drama
Intallation is idiot-proof. Comes with sending units, hardware, clear plexiglass, and step-by-step instructions. Works with both mechanical and electronic transmissions. Want pinpoint speed accuracy? Add the optional Intellitronix GPS Speedometer Sender—never worry about tire size, gear ratios, or transmission type throwing you off.
Precision Meets Style
Whether you’re hitting a car show or just tooling down Main Street, this gauge panel turns your truck into a cockpit that screams “I mean business.” Lifetime warranty, killer performance, and looks that get noticed—this is the upgrade Chevy truck owners have been waiting for.
Features at a Glance:
- Full Analog Gauge Suite: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Volts, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Clock
- Turn Signal & High-Beam Indicators
- Automatic Nighttime Dimming
- Works with Mechanical & Electronic Transmissions
- Optional GPS Speedometer Sender for Pinpoint Accuracy
- Includes Sending Units, Hardware, Plexiglass & Instructions
- Lifetime Warranty
Upgrade Your Dash—Bring Your Chevy Into the Now
It’s time to give your 1967-72 Chevy Truck the ultimate interior makeover. Install the Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel and get the perfect mix of vintage style, modern precision, and SEMA award-winning performance. Your dash will thank you every time you hit the road.
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