THE AUTO BUILDER
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CHECKING AND CONTAINING FLUIDS
Fluids are the lifeblood of the vehicle. We need to contain those fluids yet still be able to monitor the fluid levels. Our older readers can remember the days before aftermarket flexible dipsticks or silicone caulk were available. The only option in those days was to use an OEM dipstick and dipstick tube. If you needed to shorten the tube, a hacksaw was the tool of choice. If you cut 4 inches off the tube, you then cut 4 inches off the dipstick and ground a couple of notches in the side of the dipstick to note “full” and “add.” Gaskets could be sealed with Permatex, but they had to be used as there was no such option of placing a bead of silicone caulk on the mating surface and assembling the parts.
AT ONE WITH THE PAVEMENT
If you’re like many of us, vacillating between the car you’ve always dreamed of owning and what you really can afford, be sure you know what you need before you shell out more money than sense. Check around, ask your friends, read magazines on the subject, surf the Internet, get connected, and you’re likely to find your dream car, even if it is not everything you think it is.
GET A GRIP
There are many ways to add flash to your truck, but some of them are time consuming, expensive or overpowering. Then there’s a product such as Grippin’ Billet door handles. Grippin’ Billet handles will not only add a little sparkle to an otherwise bland part, but they will do so in an easy way without breaking your budget.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel for Squarebody GM Trucks (1973–1987)
If your 1973–1987 Chevy truck’s dash looks like it’s still stuck in the Carter administration, it’s time for an upgrade.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos courtesy of Intellitronix
Bring your Squarebody’s dash into the modern era with the Intellitronix Analog Replacement Gauge Panel (AP6004) — a killer upgrade that blends classic analog style with next-gen performance and precision.
Show-Stopping Style and Function
The black polycarbonate face with its subtle brushed stroke finish instantly transforms your interior from dated to show-ready. Inside, you’ll find a full set of precision analog gauges — 160 MPH speedometer, 8K tachometer, oil pressure, water temp, voltmeter, and fuel level — all backed by a Lifetime Factory Warranty.
Performance That’s Built In:
- One-button speedometer calibration works with any tire size, gear ratio, or transmission.
- Built-in trip meter, high-speed recall, 0–60 time, and ¼-mile ET tracking.
- Automatic nighttime dimming for perfect visibility in any light.
- Works with mechanical or electronic transmissions — or go all-in with GPS precision.
Upgrade Your Setup with These Premium Add-Ons
- GPS Speedometer Sending Unit: Plug-and-play, 3-wire hookup with built-in GPS accuracy. Works with 4000, 8000, or 16000 PPM speedometers — no recalibration, no guesswork. Perfect for trucks running custom gears or oversized tires.
- Universal Gauge Harness: Clean up your wiring the right way. This 8′ color-coded harness includes quick-connects for easy removal, plus connectors for water temp, oil pressure, tach, volt, fuel, speedo, dash lights, turn indicators, and high beam. Professional look. Hassle-free install.
- LS Swap Kit: Dial in your modern GM powerplant with everything you need — 12mm & 16mm bushings plus a 10K-½ watt resistor. Keeps your LS talking perfectly with your Intellitronix setup.
Easy Install and Complete Package
🛠️ Includes: All sending units, sensors, hardware, and an acrylic faceplate — everything you need to get your gauges live and accurate fast.
Why It Rocks
BOTTOM LINE: If your ’73–’87 Chevy or GMC truck still rocks that tired factory cluster, it’s time to step it up. The Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel delivers show-stopping looks, race-ready accuracy, and bulletproof reliability — all in one slick package.
💥 LIFETIME WARRANTY. LEGENDARY LOOKS. NEXT-LEVEL PERFORMANCE.
👉 Grab yours now at IntellitronixGauges.com and transform your dash today.
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