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HOT & HAMMERED
When Bob Naudascher hauled home his self-described rust bucket, it was far from show quality. The typical oxidation process had taken its toll on the car with the floors and lower extremities of the body requiring replacement. After repairing the considerable rust and getting the body structurally sound with all panel gaps fitting perfectly, Naudascher had Jack Consonza and Carl Chuppa drop the top on the sedan two inches. In the process, the front vent windows were eliminated. While the sheetmetal was being moved, front fenders were molded, the headlights frenched and the hood was filled and shaved of all trim. The stock grille remains but has been relieved of all stainless steel in favor of a monochromatic approach.

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.

TUNNELED, NOT FRENCHED
Street rod trends are constantly changing. What once looked good now seems dated, and so it will someday be for today’s cutting-edge look. Eventually, some of these trends come back into vogue—hence the birth of terms like newstalgia. Other aspects of this hobby never change; the tires are still round and cars take up more of our time and money than we’d like to admit.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Analog Gauge Panel for 1965–1966 Ford Mustang by Intellitronix
A Modern Refresh for Your Classic First-Gen Mustang
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Pnotos Courtesy of Intellitronix
A Modern Refresh for Your Classic First-Gen Mustang
There’s a real beauty in upgrading a classic without masking its character—and the Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel AP7001 delivers exactly that for the 1965–1966 Ford Mustang. Designed to drop directly into the heart of your Pony’s cockpit, this panel brings modern instrumentation to the dash while still working with the original factory Mustang bezel.
Instead of replacing the character of the interior, it enhances what’s already there. The panel features a black polycarbonate subsurface with a brush-stroke finish and bold, modern typography that keeps every gauge easy to read at a glance. It’s a clean, contemporary update that sharpens the Mustang’s interior without disrupting the classic layout enthusiasts love.
All the Vital Signs—Front and Center
The Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel Mustang delivers all the essential engine data in one compact cluster. The assembly includes a 160-MPH speedometer, fuel level gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure gauge, and water temperature gauge, all protected behind a clear acrylic faceplate. Mounting hardware and the required sending units are included, making installation refreshingly straightforward.
The speedometer brings modern capability to the classic analog format. With one-button calibration, it can be dialed in for virtually any tire size, rear gear ratio, or transmission setup. Built-in features include an odometer, trip meter, high-speed recall, 0–60 timer, and quarter-mile elapsed time—all accessed with the push of a button. It works with both mechanical and electronic transmissions, giving builders flexibility whether they’re running vintage components or modern drivetrain upgrades.
Modern Monitoring Behind the Dash
Supporting gauges provide accurate engine monitoring without cluttering the dashboard. The voltmeter reads from 10.0 to 18.0 volts and requires no sending unit. The oil pressure gauge reads 0–100 psi and includes the proper sender, while the water temperature gauge tracks engine heat from 100–260°F and includes its own sender as well.
Fuel monitoring is equally flexible. The programmable fuel gauge works with Ford and aftermarket 240–33 ohm fuel senders, making it compatible with a wide range of stock and upgraded fuel systems.
Built for Real Driving
Every Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel Mustang ships with the sensors needed for installation, including the Ford speedometer sender, oil pressure sender, and water temperature sender. A 1/2-inch speedometer bushing is supplied as standard equipment, while builders who require a 3/8-inch bushing can request it during checkout.
For even greater accuracy, Intellitronix also offers an optional GPS speedometer sender. With a simple three-wire hookup and built-in GPS technology, it provides highly accurate speed readings unaffected by tire size or gear changes.
Designed for the First-Gen Mustang Cockpit
Tailored specifically for 1965–1966 Mustangs, the panel installs easily and features automatic nighttime dimming for comfortable visibility during evening cruises. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty, giving Mustang owners confidence that the upgrade will last as long as the car itself.
The result is a bold, modern instrument cluster that refreshes the interior while allowing the original Mustang dash bezel to remain the centerpiece.
What’s in the Box
The Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel AP7001 arrives ready to bring modern instrumentation to your 1965–1966 Ford Mustang.
- Analog Gauge Panel Assembly (speedometer, fuel level, voltmeter, oil pressure, and water temperature gauges pre-installed)
- Acrylic Faceplate
- Ford Speedometer Sender
- Oil Pressure Sending Unit
- Water Temperature Sending Unit
- Mounting Hardware
- 1/2″ Speedometer Bushing (3/8″ available upon request)
- Intellitronix GPS Speedometer Sending Unit (sold separately) — provides highly accurate speed readings using GPS technology with a simple three-wire hookup, eliminating speed errors caused by tire size or gear ratio changes.
Note: Factory dash bezel not included.
Get Yours Today
Whether you’re refreshing a factory interior or finishing off a full restomod, the Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel Mustang AP7001 delivers modern clarity and bold styling for your 1965–1966 Ford Mustang. It’s a smart upgrade that keeps the iconic Mustang dash intact while giving you the accuracy, features, and confidence today’s drivers expect.
Your Pony deserves instrumentation that performs as good as it looks. This Intellitronix panel is ready to take center stage in your cockpit.
Don’t wait—CLICK HERE to get the Intellitronix Analog Gauge Panel AP7001 today and give your 1st Gen Mustang the modern edge it deserves!








