158. The Pile UP EP35: Grizzled Family Truckster
About this episode
The hosts dive into a nostalgic and detailed discussion about station wagons, sharing personal stories and historical tidbits. They explore the evolution of wagons from wood-bodied luxury vehicles to practical family haulers, touching on unique models like the Buick Roadmaster estate and the Dodge Magnum. Anecdotes include mishaps with old wagons, frame damage, and memorable road trips. The conversation also highlights quirky features like clamshell tailgates and rear-facing seats, while reflecting on automotive culture and personal connections to these iconic cars.
This week we get loose in the world of station wagons!
Chaeck out the beautiful Ford Aurora
Recorded @iapdx
Recorded & mixed by Emdognightmare & Queen of the Vans
Editor: Emdognightmare
Production & research Queen of the Vans & Emdognightmare
Find us: Car Krush
Stay updated w/ our newsletter
Hugs, thank you & high fives to Greg Meleney for the killer tunez!
Chrysler Pacifica
"...: And then, uh, you know, big earn restyle jeans, Pacifica, which is a Ford also. And that was a Ford custom..."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a family van that can carry many people and their stuff comfortably. It has lots of helpful features for families and can even run partly on electricity to save fuel. It's a popular choice for family trips.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a modern minivan known for its family-friendly features, comfortable ride, and available hybrid powertrain. It replaced the Town & Country and is often praised for its innovation and practicality in the minivan segment.
station wagon
"how they became station wagons was they were motorized. So the horses are gone, the hacks are gone. And station, train, station, and then wagon, because it was, you know, a wagon."
A station wagon is a type of car that looks like a big car with extra space in the back. It got its name because it was used to carry people and their stuff to train stations a long time ago.
A station wagon is a car body style that evolved from horse-drawn wagons used to carry people and luggage to train stations. The term comes from 'station' (train station) and 'wagon' (a vehicle for carrying goods or people).
Buick Roadmaster
"the last wagon to feature real wood was the 1950 Buick Roadmaster estate Rose EP35: doesn't, you know, the water doesn't stay in the car that well."
The Buick Roadmaster Estate is an old, fancy car that used real wood on its outside. It was very expensive and made for rich people because it needed a lot of care.
The Buick Roadmaster Estate was a luxury station wagon notable for its use of real wood in the body construction, a practice that ended with this model in 1950. It was an expensive car aimed at wealthy buyers and required significant upkeep due to the wood materials.
Nissan Leaf
"... on motor MythBusters, we tried to drive a Nissan Leaf into the water twice. Like we bought two of 'em...."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It's popular because it's easy to drive around town and helps the environment by not using fuel. People sometimes test it to see how electric cars handle different situations.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles, known for its affordability and practicality in urban driving. It is significant as an early step in mainstream electric mobility and is often discussed in contexts involving EV performance and durability tests.
distributor
"I mean, most, you know, most distributors are driven off the cam. It's just that this one is turned on its face and just connected end to end with it."
A distributor is a part in some cars that helps send the spark to the right place in the engine so the car can run properly.
A distributor is a component in older ignition systems that routes high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. It is typically driven by the camshaft or crankshaft.
Ford Model A
"And cars are getting bigger every year. You think about like a model A, like two people can barely, you know, today would, would hop in a model A and be like, man, this thing's tiny."
The Ford Model A is an old car from almost 100 years ago. It was much smaller than cars today, so people now think it looks tiny.
The Ford Model A was a popular car produced from 1927 to 1931, known for its compact size compared to modern vehicles. It was a significant model in automotive history as the successor to the Model T.
Chevrolet Fleetmaster
"He's a baby boomer big station wagon fan. Okay. Like grew up always talking about the fleet master that grandma and grandpa owned."
The Chevrolet Fleetmaster is an old car from the 1940s that families used to drive. It was a big car with lots of space.
The Chevrolet Fleetmaster was a post-World War II model produced from 1946 to 1948, often available as a large sedan or station wagon. It was known for its classic styling and was a common family car in its era.
luggage rack
"But we did have the big the ladder or the luggage rack with the stainless reflector on the back, like the spoiler down was on there."
A luggage rack is a frame on top of a car where you can put extra bags or stuff when you don't have enough space inside.
A luggage rack is a set of rails or bars mounted on the roof or rear of a vehicle to carry extra cargo such as suitcases or sports equipment. It increases the vehicle's cargo capacity.
Honda Civic
"So I have some pretty good stories about my little Honda Civics. One of 'em my 82. I lived in government camp, which is here on Mount Hood and we were going, me and four other girls breaking, rocks"
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it doesn't break down often and uses little gas. The 1982 version is an older model.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and popularity worldwide. The 1982 model is part of the early generations that helped establish the Civic's reputation.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"... like three times. I drove it all the way down to Tahoe from Jackson. I drove it to Salt Lake from Jackso..."
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a big SUV that can carry lots of people and stuff. It's good for long trips and can handle rough roads or towing trailers. People like it because it's roomy and strong.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, strong towing capacity, and rugged capability. It's often chosen for long drives and outdoor adventures, making it a popular vehicle for trips like those mentioned from Jackson to Tahoe or Salt Lake.
subframe
"It didn't like dent the car up really bad, but what happened was it bent the frame, AKA, the subframe and I found out that, oh, there's places that straighten frames out."
The subframe is like a strong part under the car that holds important pieces like the engine and wheels. If it gets bent, the car might not drive right or be safe.
A subframe is a structural component of a car's chassis that supports the engine, suspension, or other components. It can be bent or damaged in collisions, affecting the vehicle's alignment and safety.
drag link
"he was like, I, yeah, the drag links bent, but like, I didn't know what a drag link was."
The drag link is a part that helps you turn the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. If it gets bent, the car might not steer properly.
A drag link is a steering component that connects the steering box to the steering arms on the wheels, helping to translate the driver's input into wheel movement. Bent drag links can cause steering issues.
Honda Civic wagon
"I think maybe I've owned five wagons because I'm like, there was another civic wagon that I had when I first moved to Portland"
The Honda Civic wagon is a version of the Civic car that has extra space in the back for carrying things. It's good for families or people who need more room.
The Honda Civic wagon is a station wagon variant of the popular Civic compact car, known for its practicality and reliability. It has been produced in various generations since the 1980s.
Dodge Magnum
"I do like the Magnum condom. What? The car, so the Magnum, I think, is it like that's one of the coolest wagons ever made."
The Dodge Magnum is a big car with lots of space in the back and a strong engine. Some people really like it because it looks cool and can go fast.
The Dodge Magnum is a full-size station wagon produced by Dodge, notable for its powerful engine options and unique styling. It has a cult following among wagon enthusiasts.
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
"I love the Vista Cruiser. Even though it's like a little bit weird looking from the side. I just love the glass"
The Chevrolet Vista Cruiser is a type of car with a big glass roof that lets in a lot of light. It was made a long time ago and is still liked by some people.
The Chevrolet Vista Cruiser is a mid-size station wagon produced in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its distinctive raised roof with skylights and large glass areas.
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
"... coolest wagons ever made. Emily EP35: I love the Vista Cruiser. Even though it's like a little bit weird looking..."
The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is an old-style family car with a big back area for carrying things and special windows on the roof that let in extra light. People like it because it looks different and can hold a lot of stuff.
The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is a classic station wagon produced in the 1960s and early 1970s, notable for its distinctive raised roof with skylights. It's celebrated for its unique styling and spacious interior, making it a beloved vintage family car.
Pontiac Catalina
"You had put in this list that we have the Catalina wagon."
The Pontiac Catalina wagon is a big car with lots of room inside for people and things. It was made many years ago and is known for its classic look.
The Pontiac Catalina wagon is a full-size station wagon produced by Pontiac, popular in the 1950s and 1960s for its spacious interior and classic American styling.
big block engine
"let us know first two door, big block wagon because it's got a 3 48 W"
A big block engine is a very strong and big engine that helps cars go fast and pull heavy loads. It's bigger than regular engines and used in powerful cars.
A big block engine is a large-displacement V8 engine known for high torque and power, often used in muscle cars and full-size vehicles. It contrasts with small block engines which are smaller and lighter.
clamshell door
""the back door opened up as a clamshell and it was carpeted on the bottom. And so kids like walked up, that was like their stairway to get into the backseat," "
A clamshell door is like a door that opens in two pieces, making it easier to get inside the car, especially in the back.
A clamshell door is a type of vehicle door that opens in two parts, often with the lower part folding down and the upper part folding up, creating a large opening for easier access, especially to rear seats or cargo areas.
rear-facing backseat
""which also was a rear facing backseat.""
A rear-facing backseat means the people sitting in the back seat face backward instead of forward, like sitting in a little lounge.
A rear-facing backseat is a seating arrangement where the rear passengers face the back of the vehicle rather than forward. This design was used in some older cars to create a lounge-like space.
suicide doors
""the 69 1 had suicide doors on the passenger side, so you could really get into that lounge.""
Suicide doors are car doors that open backward instead of forward, making it easier to get in and out but can be dangerous if opened while driving.
Suicide doors are car doors hinged at the rear rather than the front, opening opposite to conventional doors. They allow easier access to the interior but can be less safe if opened while the car is moving.
Chevrolet Brookwood
""No, it's the Brookwood. It's the bottom line. Which was the Del Rey.""
The Chevrolet Brookwood is an older family car with lots of space, often used to carry kids and luggage.
The Chevrolet Brookwood was a station wagon model produced by Chevrolet, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features during the 1950s and 1960s.
Chevrolet Del Rey
""It's the bottom line. Which was the Del Rey.""
The Chevrolet Del Rey is a type of family car made by Chevrolet, often a station wagon with lots of room.
The Chevrolet Del Rey was a model name used by Chevrolet in some markets, often associated with station wagons like the Brookwood, emphasizing comfort and family use.
Chevrolet Impala
"I'm pretty sure that Faye said he had a customized 64 Impala before he could drive."
The Chevrolet Impala is a big car made by Chevrolet. The 1964 version is an old classic car that many people like because of how it looks and drives.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car that has been produced by Chevrolet since 1958. The 1964 model year is part of the third generation and is known for its classic styling and popularity in American car culture.
transmission
"And by the end of the day, that brand new country squire transmission burned out."
The transmission is a part of the car that helps it go faster or slower by changing gears.
A transmission is a mechanical component in a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to change speeds and move efficiently.
Ford Country Squire
"And by the end of the day, that brand new country squire transmission burned out."
The Ford Country Squire is a big family car with a lot of space, made by Ford. It looks special because it has wood-like panels on the outside.
The Ford Country Squire is a full-size station wagon produced by Ford from 1950 to 1991. It is known for its woodgrain exterior paneling and large size, often used as a family vehicle.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.