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Few more updates.
installed new intake gaskets and arp studs, a edelbrock AVS2 650cfm carb with a 1” spacer to go on top of that only to find out I need a carb to filter spacer as well, the bottom of my air cleaner is just touching the carb.
Pulled out the original vacuum wiper set up and made a bracket to mount an electric motor in its place. The passenger side outside nut was cross threaded on the wiper piece and I ended up destroying it to get it off. So I need to get a replacement piece for that. I’ve talked with Morris and sounds like he might have the part I need. Just need to get my but up there to his place
thought I had a picture of the bracket I made. Electric wiper motor is for a 87-95 jeep.
Pretty much done the mock up of the old air products heater and a/c. I’m going to have to change the cowl vent over to electric as the handle doesn’t close anymore with the dash extension.
swapped out the 53 air detectors for 56 ones, as I do plan on doing the 56 headlight mod one day. And while I had it out I decided to paint the grill flat black.
What's that on top of your dash above the gauge cluster..? Antenna or GPS reader..?
The 56 headlight modification is a nice touch to the 53 grill, I did it to one that I have between projects and have it for garage wall art..
What's that on top of your dash above the gauge cluster..? Antenna or GPS reader..?
Yes John it’s a for my speedometer. Wasn’t really sure what vss sensor I was going to need for my T5 transmission, so instead I got auto meter 5289 GPS speedometer interface module. And it just hooks up to my auto meter speedometer
dam John. That’s some nice wall art. That 53 grill looks really nice. I wish I had the teeth on mine. I have a couple 56 trim rings for the headlights but they are not in the best of shape.
I have a 55 grill to I was thinking of doing the same thing to after I finish this truck. I'm trying one of those shark tooth antenna's for this build and hope it works okay..
It's for the radio. Speed sensor is on the rear axle and I'm hoping that will link to the Dakota Digital gauges. Manual transmission I have doesn't have a sensor on it.
On my panel and pickup I have this style of hidden antenna which isn't really hidden, it's stuck on the windshield above the rear view mirror , the power wire attaches to it. This shark tooth doesn't have that so maybe that wire will go directly the the stereo unit or not at all and I'll have no reception at all...lol
Last edited by 56panelford; Nov 19, 2025 at 09:25 AM.
The shark tooth looks good. I might have to look into something like that. Or even that windshield one, I just don’t think I want an antenna out side on the fender like new trucks have.
all your trucks have the dash extension, what did you do for the vent cowl, I think I might do a 2” electric actuator so I can still use it if I want.
I closed all mine up and eliminated them altogether, I have a new gasket if you need one. I'm wondering if you could modify the existing handle in some way to extend it below the dash extension..cut the handle off then add a piece to drop the handle lower
Last edited by 56panelford; Nov 19, 2025 at 12:27 PM.
I used the actual lid but did cut off the screen before welding it , for the front edge I just made a filler piece. The gap around the cowl is about 3/16" but what I did was just tack welded side to side of the gap to close the gap. I did it over a couple days..
