BITS FROM THE PITS
February 23, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY
The story of Terry Beaty’s ’50 Ford F-1 is no whopper of a fishing tale—this is the one that did not get away, a pickup that has been in possession of the Beaty family since the truck was nearly new.
POWER PICKUP!
To say Tom Long has an interest in cars is to say the Pope has an interest in religion. Long has always been a “car guy,” just like the rest of us. Having owned several specialty vehicles over the years, he still has a ’32 Ford sedan street rod that has seen many miles from coast to coast. But Long had a real urge to own something with the extra shot of adrenaline that comes from potent power under the hood. As his son Matt’s interest in cars grew, Long decided a project that involved both father and son would be just the ticket.
CLASSIC HOT ROD CRUISER
The pictured F-100 is a 1954 model, and it was purchased by Carl and Marianne Lewis from Milwaukie, Oregon, in 1992. The truck had seen better days, as it had been sitting out in the elements under an awning next to a storage shed. In primer, and with a transplanted 289 small block, the truck was partially disassembled as it sat on four flat tires. It had not been moved for some 10 years. Mel Nichols was hired for the much needed makeover, which took 3-1/2 years to complete.
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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