GETTING THE BIG BRAKE
December 13, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
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SUBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE
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Toyota RF1A Level Up
The gear driven RF1A Toyota transfer case found in 1979-1995 4 cylinder pickups and 4Runners fits the needs of many wheelers. It offers a strong, lightweight package with growing aftermarket support. These transfer cases have been used in numerous pickups, 4Runners, buggies, and even Jeeps! Everything from dual transfer case adapters, low range gear sets, twin sticks, and low profile crossmembers are available for Toyota transfer cases from a bevy of aftermarket sources. The RF1A is lighter and less expensive than a Dana 300, though they are not as easy to “clock” and do not allow front wheel drive operation.
Challenging The Odds
Like old hot rods, muscle cars are getting hard to find, so as our hobby grows, different alternatives and varied approaches keep it fresh. We’ve witnessed a change in style of many of the cars being built today. No matter what the future holds, you can bet that a Mopar enthusiast will insist on having a Hemi—or another fine Mopar powerplant under the hood—whether it’s the original-style Hemi or the new, modern Hemi that’s become popular.
BARKER WITH A BITE
When a good portion of your life has been immersed in Pro Mod, Pro Stock, Top Sportsman and other forms of drag racing, it’s likely those interests will carry over to other, similar interests. And so it is that many legendary racers end up building what often turns out to be milder versions of the vehicles and engines that were so instrumental in their lives. Just imagine the knowledge they could apply.
Spotlighter
Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
Update Your First Gen Mustang's Taillights to the 21st Century
If you’ve ever followed a classic Mustang at night, you know the taillights were never its strong suit. Pyramid Optimized Design decided to fix that—with style. The Sequential Aurora Taillight is a modern LED retrofit that finally gives your early Mustang the bright, even illumination it always deserved—no hot spots, no dim corners, no burned-out bulbs.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Pyramid Optimized Design
Each Aurora setup comes as a complete, ready-to-install system. Inside the box, you’ll find two precision-engineered LED taillight units, a solid-state LED flasher relay designed for smooth, consistent sequencing, and a pair of low-profile chrome bezels with hidden hardware—a subtle but brilliant design move that eliminates visible screws for a cleaner, more refined finish.
These bezels strike the perfect balance between factory-correct styling and modern refinement, maintaining that unmistakable Mustang rear profile while sharpening it just enough to catch the eye. When those sequential turn signals sweep across the lenses, the effect is pure automotive theater—subtle, sophisticated, and unmistakably modern.
Prefer to keep your Mustang’s exterior completely original? Pyramid thought of that, too. The Aurora housings are fully compatible with your stock bezels and lenses, allowing you to retain a 100% factory appearance while enjoying the benefits of today’s lighting technology hidden beneath the surface.
Key Features:
- Direct retrofit for 1964½–1966 Mustangs—no permanent mods
- Ultra-bright, even LED output with sequential signal pattern
- Hidden hardware, low-profile bezels for a clean factory aesthetic
- Includes reproduction lenses and a solid-state flasher relay
Installation couldn’t be easier—it’s a true plug-and-play retrofit that requires no cutting, no drilling, and no irreversible modifications. Everything bolts right into the factory mounting points, transforming your taillights in an afternoon. The result is a factory look that glows with confidence and clarity far beyond what Ford ever offered in the mid-’60s.
Classic looks. Modern lighting. Zero compromise.
👉 Bring your Mustang into the modern era—upgrade to the Sequential Aurora Taillights today!
ARTICLE SOURCES
Pyramid Optimized Design
Bellingham, Washington.
