THE AUTO BUILDER
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Bumper to Bumper
Poison Spyder has a reputation for building some of the most extreme crawler rigs out there, and when it comes to advice, Clifton is usually at the top of our list of guys to ask. We were looking for a bumper that would be able to hold up to any rock we could slide into, as well as a well placed winch mount. A good looking bumper would be an added bonus, but we were willing to compromise on that last option. As it turned out, Poison Spyder had recently released their Brawler Bumper for XJ Cherokee’s. Not only did it have everything we were looking for, it’s a lot easier on the eyes than you would think for a hardcore bumper.
Drop ‘N’ Stop
Getting a ’55 Chevy to sit at the right ride height is as easy as installing a set of 2-inch drop spindles, such as those from Superior Spindles and others. Getting the big ol’ car to slow down offers many more choices as well, and as long as you’re swapping spindles it is an excellent time to install those long-overdue disc brakes. When you think about it, it doesn’t make good sense to put a newly rebuilt tri-5 Chevy on the same road with stock OE cars with ABS four-wheel disc brakes. If ever you came upon a situation where a car ahead of you had to stop in an emergency situation, the performance of even a stock set of disc brakes will far “outdistance” your drum setup, meaning you would not be able to stop in time and could well end up in the trunk of the car ahead of you. Not good.
BLOWTORCH
Just when you thought it was safe to enter a show again, Gordon Andrews, husband, father of three and owner of G&S Carpet Cleaning, comes at you with this killer Chevy crew cab dually.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel by Intellitronix
A Direct-Fit Digital Dash Upgrade for 1973–1979 Ford Trucks
Time to stop staring at that dusty old dash and upgrade your cockpit like a boss. The Intellitronix 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel isn’t just a swap—it’s a straight-up modern takeover for your classic Ford. Clean, mean, and screaming tech.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Intellitronix
Direct-Fit, Zero Drama
No hacks. No cutting. No guesswork. This panel plugs right in and owns that dash like it was born there. Every sensor you need—speed, temp, oil pressure—is built in and ready to throw down, so you can install it fast and hit the road even faster.
All the Tech, None of the Fluff
Digital speedo? 255 MPH readout, odometer, trip meter, 0-60 times, quarter-mile times, and high-speed recall—all at your fingertips. Want next-level accuracy? Add the optional GPS speedometer sending unit, a true plug-in solution with a simple 3-wire hookup and built-in GPS that works with 4,000 / 8,000 / 16,000 PPM speedometers, eliminating errors from tire or gear changes altogether. Tachometer? Sweeps 0-9900 RPM like it’s nothing. Water temp, oil pressure, volts, fuel level—check, check, check, check. Turn signals and high-beams? Still there, but now LED sharp and impossible to miss.
Style That Commands Attention
White, red, blue, teal, or green—pick a color that matches your swagger. This isn’t a subtle upgrade; this is a dash that makes people stop and stare. Whether you’re finishing a resto, building a show truck, or tricking out your daily driver, this panel gives your ride all the tech with zero compromise. Lifetime warranty? Yeah, they’ve got your back.
Why This Panel Crushes
Stop pretending your classic Ford is modern. This digital dash injects life, precision, and pure street cred into your cockpit. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it tells everyone who walks by: you didn’t just show up—you leveled up.
Lifetime Coverage You Can Count On.
They come with a Lifetime Guarantee and are made in the USA! If you’re not 100% completely satisfied, then just arrange to send it back!
Upgrade Your Dash. Upgrade the Drive.
Ready to ditch the outdated gauges and bring your Ford truck into the modern era? The Intellitronix 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel delivers clean looks, serious tech, and a true direct-fit install that doesn’t compromise your build. Whether you’re finishing a full restoration or dialing in a restomod, this is the kind of upgrade you’ll appreciate every time you turn the key. Upgrade the dash, sharpen the drive, and let your classic Ford read like it means business.
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