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Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block

October 16, 2025

What makes the Dakota perfect is that you get all the attributes of a full-size pickup in a mid-size package. Even the styling of the new Dakota reminds you that this truck is definitely a member of the Dodge family. The grille is bold and bright, but with more angular shapes than on the full-size trucks. Large quad headlamps, a lower airdam and a giant front bumper say this truck means business. From the side, the Dakota features chiseled quarter panels that flare out to accommodate the standard 16-inch tires or optional 17s on SLT and Laramie versions. In back, the Dakota features “afterburner” taillamps and a sculpted tailgate that finishes the overall design treatment. All in all, it’s quite stylish.

I.C.E. : IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT
THE BEGINNING, WHAT’S CURRENT AND WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD

BACK IN THE early days, having a custom stereo meant that you installed a head unit and a set of mid- and high-range speakers. Then the wonders of subwoofers and amps came along. When these components first came out, they were very large and required huge amounts of space to install. They offered, at best, a distorted sound compared with the standards of today. Ten years ago, most enclosures, when they were used at all, were generally a box or a square made of wood. Today many things have changed and much has evolved along the way…

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Now, it may seem crazy that anyone would take sandpaper to a new paint job, but if you want to have a glass-like finish that is exactly what happens. Of course, it is special sandpaper, and the person doing the work needs to know exactly what he is doing or that paint job can be toast. One of the things that makes color sanding possible is that the paper used is meant to be wet while the job is taking place. The water not only works as a lubricant, but it also removes the fine paint sludge from the area. The problem is getting that water in the proper place and having enough of it to do the job. After all, who really likes sticking his arm into a cold bucket of water time after time?

Spotlighter

NO HAND SIGNALS

Add-On Turn-Signal Mirrors Just Like the Luxury Trucks

Rearview mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators are relatively new, but you will be seeing more and more of them, especially on luxury SUVs and pickups. They are already standard equipment on some models, and probably part of an upgrade premium package on others. They are also now available in the aftermarket.

Author

Bob Carpenter

BEFORE: The stock mirror allows you to see what’s behind you, and that’s it.

A backside view of the glass gives you an idea of how it pops onto the factory mirror. All the wiring and hardware is supplied in the kit.

They do make a lot of sense, as drivers behind you and just off to your side will have a much clearer idea of what you are planning, and that is especially true of the “blind” side. The Muth Signal Mirror System, distributed by MITO Corp., enables you to add flashing LED turn signals to your mirrors, and the system is available for a host of GM trucks: Chevy Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra, Yukon and others.

Installation of the Signal Mirrors is not overly complicated, but it does involve just enough disassembly, wiring and nervous moments that we were concerned about damaging the ’01 Tahoe that we used to help illustrate the install. So we turned the job over to a professional. Pierre Hoffmann at Auto Indulgence in Lomita, California, does this work for a living, and he sees this sort of thing all day long. He also has all the tools he needs, he knows the little tricks involved and he has the process down pat. We followed along so that you, too, could see just what is involved in upgrading to such a system. There are other kits available, marketed under other names and for different trucks, so check around and see what fits your needs. We were happy we did. These signals work every bit as well as claimed, and they are a terrific convenience and safety item. And should you ever leave your indicator on, you won’t miss it now!