{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"166. The Pile Up EP39: Dream Van No. 2✨","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/166-the-pile-up-ep39-dream-van-no-2","audioUrl":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/hotboxing/The_Pile_Up_EP39_April_Fools.mp3?dest-id=1059140","description":"This week we bring you DREAM VANS✨  Emily's 4x4  dream van  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! "},"annotations":[{"startTime":7.0,"endTime":9.0,"type":"concept","title":"engine stand","url":"/glossary/engine-stand","quote":"You wanna break it in on a stand... because that's what this is all about.","canonicalId":"concept:engine-stand","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An engine stand is a dedicated frame that holds an engine securely for assembly, inspection, and testing. Running on a stand helps builders verify oiling and break-in behavior without installing the engine in the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"An engine stand is a support frame that holds the engine while you work on it. It also lets you run the engine safely before it goes into the car."}},{"startTime":7.0,"endTime":9.0,"type":"term","title":"break it in on a stand","url":"/glossary/break-it-in-on-a-stand","quote":"You wanna break it in on a stand  and then if the cam or lifters, because that's what this is all about. If the cam and lifters don't survive and break in properly, you're taking it back apart.","canonicalId":"term:break-it-in-on-a-stand","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Break-in on a stand” means running a freshly built engine on an engine stand before installing it in the vehicle. The goal is to verify oiling and cam/lifter behavior under controlled conditions so you can catch problems early.","simplifiedExplanation":"After you build an engine, you can run it on a stand first. That lets you check that everything is working and that the new parts “seat in” correctly before you put it in the van."}},{"startTime":8.0,"endTime":12.0,"type":"term","title":"lifters","url":"/glossary/lifters","quote":"If the cam and lifters don't survive and break in properly, you're taking it back apart. 'cause you've got trash in the oil pump, possibly, most likely... lifters you, you can't get good lifters.","canonicalId":"term:lifters","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lifters (often hydraulic lifters) translate camshaft motion to the valve train. If lifters don’t seat and operate correctly during break-in, you can get poor lubrication, noise, and accelerated wear—sometimes requiring teardown and flushing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lifters are parts that help the cam open the valves. If they don’t break in right or get contaminated with debris, the engine can need to be taken apart and cleaned."}},{"startTime":8.0,"endTime":9.0,"type":"term","title":"oil pump","url":"/glossary/oil-pump","quote":"If the cam and lifters don't survive and break in properly, you're taking it back apart. 'cause you've got trash in the oil pump, possibly, most likely","canonicalId":"term:oil-pump","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The oil pump circulates pressurized oil to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. If “trash” gets into the oil pump during assembly or break-in, it can starve critical components like lifters and cam surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"The oil pump is what sends oil through the engine. If debris gets into it, the engine may not get clean lubrication and parts can wear quickly."}},{"startTime":8.0,"endTime":9.0,"type":"term","title":"cam","url":"/glossary/cam","quote":"You wanna break it in on a stand  and then if the cam or lifters, because that's what this is all about. If the cam and lifters don't survive and break in properly, you're taking it back apart.","canonicalId":"term:cam","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The camshaft controls valve timing by opening and closing the engine’s valves. In a fresh build, cam break-in is critical because improper seating can accelerate wear and cause metal debris.","simplifiedExplanation":"The camshaft is like the engine’s timing controller for the valves. If it isn’t broken in correctly, it can wear out faster and make the engine unhappy."}},{"startTime":9.0,"endTime":10.0,"type":"concept","title":"low center of gravity","url":"/glossary/low-center-of-gravity","quote":"I like to build a stand that has a low center of gravity, the motor's down by the ground...","canonicalId":"concept:low-center-of-gravity","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Low center of gravity reduces body roll and can improve stability during cornering and sudden maneuvers. In builds, lowering the engine/mass helps the vehicle resist tipping and can make it feel more planted.","simplifiedExplanation":"A low center of gravity means the heavy parts are closer to the ground. That helps the vehicle stay stable and not lean or tip as easily."}},{"startTime":10.0,"endTime":11.0,"type":"term","title":"RPM","url":"/glossary/rpm","quote":"You know, like 22 or 2300 RPM, like maybe maybe like  2,500 RPM.","canonicalId":"term:rpm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RPM (revolutions per minute) is engine speed. During break-in, builders often choose specific RPM ranges to manage oiling, seating, and heat while minimizing risk to cam and lifter surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. During break-in, people may run it around certain RPMs to help the new parts seat properly."}},{"startTime":13.0,"endTime":16.0,"type":"term","title":"roller rocker","url":"/glossary/roller-rocker","quote":"'cause you're probably gonna go roller lift or roller a rocker. You're probably not, I don't know. You can end up in all kinds of places. Mopar has that weird","canonicalId":"term:roller-rocker","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A roller rocker uses a roller contact surface to transfer motion from the cam to the valve. Compared with non-roller rockers, it can reduce friction and wear, which matters when you’re building a high-reliability engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"A roller rocker is part of the valve train that helps the cam open the valves. The roller design reduces rubbing, which can help the engine last longer."}},{"startTime":13.0,"endTime":16.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mopar","url":"/glossary/mopar","quote":"You can end up in all kinds of places. Mopar has that weird... If you went to a machine shop, they'd probably want you to go ahead and do that.","canonicalId":"brand:mopar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mopar is the umbrella name for Chrysler’s performance and parts ecosystem (Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler). In this context, it’s tied to specific cylinder head/valvetrain design details that affect how you build and configure the rocker/shaft setup.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Mopar” is the name people use for Chrysler’s cars and their performance parts. Here it’s being used because Mopar engines have some specific head/valvetrain quirks."}},{"startTime":13.0,"endTime":14.0,"type":"term","title":"roller lift","quote":"'cause you're probably gonna go roller lift or roller a rocker. You're probably not, I don't know.","canonicalId":"term:roller-lift","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Roller lift” is shorthand for using a roller-style valve train component (commonly roller lifters or roller rockers). Roller setups typically reduce friction and can improve durability compared to flat-tappet setups, but they still require correct break-in and cleanliness.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “roller” valve-train setup uses rolling contact instead of sliding contact. It can help parts last longer, but you still have to assemble and break it in carefully."}},{"startTime":21.0,"endTime":22.0,"type":"term","title":"skid plate","url":"/glossary/skid-plates","quote":"It's gonna have an eighth inch thick skid plate just in case we find something so Emily EP39: Okay. So we're going straight.","canonicalId":"term:skid-plates","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A skid plate is an underbody protective panel designed to shield vulnerable parts from impacts when driving off-road or over obstacles. Adding one is common on custom builds that expect scraping or contact with the ground.","simplifiedExplanation":"A skid plate is a protective plate under the vehicle. It helps prevent damage if you hit rocks, curbs, or the ground."}},{"startTime":37.0,"endTime":37.3,"type":"concept","title":"40 miles an hour","url":"/glossary/40-miles-an-hour","quote":"Emily EP39: And you, drive up and you try to get it on your broomstick and then the funnel rips it off the thing and you come away with it. [37.0s] And then we went like 40 miles an hour.","canonicalId":"concept:40-miles-an-hour","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts mention testing a funnel/duct-tape setup at “40 miles an hour,” which frames the discussion as a high-risk stunt rather than a casual craft. It’s relevant because it explains why they call it “plenty dangerous” and why they later mention near-misses."}},{"startTime":40.0,"endTime":40.8,"type":"concept","title":"four by four","url":"/glossary/four-by-four","quote":"Rose EP39: ...it is a four by four and it is a 64 corvera van. It's, and it's a four by four and it has it...","canonicalId":"concept:four-by-four","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Four by four” means a 4x4 drivetrain—power sent to all four wheels. In a van build, it’s a styling and capability choice that changes how the vehicle is perceived (more rugged) even if the build is mostly for show."}},{"startTime":44.0,"endTime":45.0,"type":"concept","title":"chop","url":"/glossary/chop","quote":"Rose EP39: Well, hell, we did 12 inches when we chopped that dodge on MythBusters. That's too much.","canonicalId":"concept:chop","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “chop” is a custom-van/truck modification where the roof is cut down to lower the overall height and create a more aggressive, streamlined profile. It’s commonly paired with other styling changes like flares and wood trim, and it affects interior space and visibility."}},{"startTime":44.5,"endTime":45.2,"type":"concept","title":"MythBusters","url":"/glossary/mythbusters","quote":"Rose EP39: Well, hell, we did 12 inches when we chopped that dodge on MythBusters.","canonicalId":"concept:mythbusters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"MythBusters was a science/engineering TV show that tested popular myths with real-world experiments—often involving vehicles and improvised engineering. Mentioning it here signals that the “chop” and funnel/duct-tape ideas were tested in a media/stunt context, not just imagined."}},{"startTime":45.0,"endTime":45.5,"type":"concept","title":"Bondo","url":"/glossary/bondo","quote":"Rose EP39: And those, fans had a lot of Bondo, but people just wanted to do it and they did it.","canonicalId":"concept:bondo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bondo is a brand name commonly used for fiberglass-reinforced body filler. It’s used to smooth dents and reshape panels before paint, and the speaker notes that the fans’ builds had “a lot of Bondo,” implying heavy metalwork/reshaping."}},{"startTime":51.5,"endTime":52.0,"type":"concept","title":"flares","url":"/glossary/flares","quote":"Rose EP39: But yeah, I think flares and wood running boards are like, just nice.","canonicalId":"concept:flares","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Flares” are wheel-arch extensions that cover wider tires and add a classic custom look. On chopped vans/trucks, flares also help visually balance the lowered stance and can accommodate changes in tire width."}},{"startTime":51.8,"endTime":52.2,"type":"part","title":"wood running boards","url":"/glossary/wood-running-boards","quote":"Rose EP39: But yeah, I think flares and wood running boards are like, just nice.","canonicalId":"part:wood-running-boards","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.84,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wood running boards are exterior step boards mounted along the lower rocker area, often used on custom trucks/vans for both style and practical stepping. In a chopped build, they reinforce the “period-correct” custom vibe and can complement other wood trim inside.","simplifiedExplanation":"Running boards are the step plates along the side of the vehicle. Using wood is a styling choice that gives a classic, custom look."}},{"startTime":54.0,"endTime":55.0,"type":"concept","title":"black gold leaf and maroon","url":"/glossary/black-gold-leaf-and-maroon","quote":"Rose EP39: Um, something really deep. Okay. I think if you were gonna do black gold leaf and maroon, that you could perhaps have a pink  line in there too.","canonicalId":"concept:black-gold-leaf-and-maroon","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Black gold leaf” refers to decorative gold-leaf artwork applied over a darker base, usually for a custom, show-car look. Pairing it with maroon is a common custom-paint/wrap color strategy to create high-contrast, flashy visual themes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gold leaf is a decorative material that looks like real gold. People use it to make a van or car look more custom and flashy, especially for shows."}},{"startTime":55.0,"endTime":57.0,"type":"term","title":"visor","url":"/glossary/visor","quote":"Emily EP39: Well,  because it's functional, right? Doesn't it? Get the sun outta your eyes? Pfizer's visors changed the front end a lot.","canonicalId":"term:visor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A visor on a vehicle is an exterior panel mounted above the windshield or along the front to add style and sometimes function (like shading). In custom van culture, visors are often used to give the front end a more “big rig” look.","simplifiedExplanation":"A visor is a piece on the front of the vehicle that sticks out like a small roof. It can help with sun glare and also makes the van look more customized."}},{"startTime":56.0,"endTime":58.0,"type":"term","title":"wiper cow","quote":"Pfizer's visors changed the front end a lot. And another thing that was similar is like cow, cow covers were similar where they like cover your, they cover your, it's called a wiper cow.","canonicalId":"term:wiper-cow","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “wiper cow” is a custom cover/trim piece used to conceal or streamline the wiper area and front-end details. The term is used here as part of a broader “big rig” styling theme for vans.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of a wiper cow as a custom cover that dresses up the area around the windshield wipers. It’s mostly for looks, but it can also help the front end look cleaner."}},{"startTime":57.0,"endTime":58.0,"type":"concept","title":"big rig look","url":"/glossary/big-rig-look","quote":"visors and stuff. You know, they're an attempt, like eighties van and is an attempt to make the truck look like a big rig,  like the orange lights across the roof or across the visor.","canonicalId":"concept:big-rig-look","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “big rig look” is a styling direction that borrows from semi-trucks—taller, more aggressive front-end shapes, roof/visor lighting, and stacked or chunky trim. Vans are often modified to visually mimic the presence of a truck.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “big rig look” means the van is styled to look like a truck, usually with bold front-end parts and lighting. It’s a visual theme, not a performance change."}},{"startTime":57.0,"endTime":58.0,"type":"term","title":"double bumpers","url":"/glossary/double-bumpers","quote":"The wiper cow, double bumpers, like people would do stacked bumpers.","canonicalId":"term:double-bumpers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Double bumpers are an aftermarket or custom setup where two bumper-like elements are stacked or paired for a heavier, more truck-like appearance. They’re common in show builds because they add visual mass and a “custom truck” silhouette.","simplifiedExplanation":"Double bumpers are when a vehicle has two bumper sections instead of one. It’s usually done to make the front look tougher and more custom."}},{"startTime":70.0,"endTime":71.0,"type":"term","title":"molded","url":"/glossary/molded","quote":"Rose EP39: ...it's got a full flare kit and it's molded and it looks sick.","canonicalId":"term:molded","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, “molded” refers to custom bodywork where panels/trim are shaped and integrated (often with fiberglass/urethane) rather than just bolted on. Molded styling tends to look cleaner and more “factory” than simple add-on pieces.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Molded” means the parts are shaped and blended into the body, not just stuck on. It usually makes the van look smoother and more custom."}},{"startTime":70.0,"endTime":71.0,"type":"part","title":"full flare kit","url":"/glossary/full-flare-kit","quote":"Rose EP39: but I love, I love how much Marshall loves the van, and I love the van because it's  a second gen Chevy, but it's got a full flare kit and it's molded and it looks sick.","canonicalId":"part:full-flare-kit","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A full flare kit adds extended fender flares around the wheel openings to widen the stance and cover tire/wheel width. It’s a common modification on show vans because it dramatically changes the silhouette and helps fit larger wheels/tires.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flare kit adds “extensions” around the fenders near the wheels. It makes the van look wider and more aggressive, and it can help fit bigger wheels."}},{"startTime":73.0,"endTime":74.0,"type":"term","title":"curved glass side window","url":"/glossary/curved-glass-side-window","quote":"Rose EP39: Having a, like that model era, you know, you would have a curved glass side window, so you might like modify the  way the track goes through the door so you can just use straight glass.","canonicalId":"term:curved-glass-side-window","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “curved glass side window” refers to side glass with a curved shape, which affects how the window track and door openings are modified. The speaker suggests that using straight glass can simplify the track changes when shortening the window.","simplifiedExplanation":"Curved side windows are shaped like a curve instead of being flat. If you change the door/window opening, curved glass can be harder to fit, so people sometimes switch to straight glass."}},{"startTime":75.0,"endTime":76.0,"type":"part","title":"heart shaped tips","url":"/glossary/heart-shaped-tips","quote":"...the exhaust came through the running board and had heart shaped tips.","canonicalId":"part:heart-shaped-tips","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Heart shaped tips” are custom exhaust outlet tips shaped like hearts, used purely for visual impact. They’re a classic show-mod detail that can make the exhaust look more themed and intentional.","simplifiedExplanation":"Heart-shaped exhaust tips are decorative exhaust ends shaped like hearts. They’re mainly for looks at car shows."}},{"startTime":78.0,"endTime":79.0,"type":"concept","title":"best in show","url":"/glossary/best-in-show","quote":"The big thing with that  is like, best in show. Like if you win best in show and you somehow got second in your class, what sense does that","canonicalId":"concept:best-in-show","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Best in show” is the top award at many car shows, typically given to the overall best vehicle based on judging criteria. The discussion implies the speaker is comparing how awards like “best in show” and class placements relate.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Best in show” is the highest trophy at a car show. It usually goes to the coolest overall build, not just the winner of one category."}},{"startTime":79.0,"endTime":80.0,"type":"concept","title":"best engineered","url":"/glossary/best-engineered","quote":"Emily EP39: So you would know if you judged somebody in second place, then you'd be like, we Rose EP39: okay. Best engineered. There's best electronics which comes during the light and bright like best sound system.","canonicalId":"concept:best-engineered","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Best engineered” is a judging category focused on how well the build is designed and executed—fitment, fabrication quality, and overall engineering thought. It’s distinct from categories like sound or electronics that focus on specific systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Best engineered” means the judges liked how the build was put together—how smart the modifications are and how clean the work looks."}},{"startTime":80.0,"endTime":81.0,"type":"concept","title":"light and bright","url":"/glossary/light-and-bright","quote":"There's best electronics which comes during the light and bright like best sound system.","canonicalId":"concept:light-and-bright","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Light and bright” refers to a judging segment focused on lighting and visual effects—how the vehicle’s lights look, how they’re controlled, and how impressive the display is. It’s commonly paired with electronics/audio categories at custom shows."}},{"startTime":80.0,"endTime":81.0,"type":"concept","title":"best electronics","url":"/glossary/best-electronics","quote":"There's best electronics which comes during the light and bright like best sound system.","canonicalId":"concept:best-electronics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.84,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Best electronics” is a show judging category for electrical systems—often including lighting, audio, wiring quality, and how well everything is integrated. The transcript ties it to “light and bright,” suggesting a focus on visual electrical effects.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Best electronics” is about the electrical stuff—like lights and audio—being done well. Judges look for clean wiring and impressive effects."}},{"startTime":88.0,"endTime":89.0,"type":"concept","title":"Dutch doors","url":"/glossary/dutch-doors","quote":"My friend Denny would talk about taking a second gen, putting a first gen nose on it, but having the Dutch doors on the back, that would be cool.","canonicalId":"concept:dutch-doors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Dutch doors are split doors that open independently—typically the top half and bottom half operate separately. They’re popular on some vans and trucks because they let you ventilate while keeping the lower portion secured.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Dutch door is a door split into two parts. You can open the top for airflow while keeping the bottom closed for privacy and security."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Car Krush","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/166-the-pile-up-ep39-dream-van-no-2/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}