0:00 / 0:00
2027 Ford Bronco Filson! Is This The Ultimate Bronco + Unfortunate Car Updates! | Ep. 341

2027 Ford Bronco Filson! Is This The Ultimate Bronco + Unfortunate Car Updates! | Ep. 341

TFL Car Chat Jun 08, 2026 57 min
0:00
0:00

About this episode

The conversation kicks off with the “Ford Bronco Filson” special edition, explaining it’s a collaboration between Ford and Filson and then digging into the rugged-yet-premium interior, including pleated leather and covered door-card storage. They also pivot to broader Bronco updates—like “20% quieter” cabin claims—and debate how far Ford could push the platform toward luxury. Later, they get into “unfortunate car updates,” from V8/width trail-fitment talk to a long stretch of real-world repair and wiring stories.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Ford Bronco Filson

"So I was just in Washington for the launch of a new edition of the Ford Bronco called the Ford Bronco Filson. Now this is a collaboration between Ford and an apparel company called Filson..."

This is a special version of the Ford Bronco. Ford teamed up with Filson (a clothing brand) to make it feel more outdoorsy and rugged, not just a standard Bronco.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Ford Explorer

"...of sense, because if you think, for example, Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer edition, right, it's something that ..."

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV meant for carrying people and gear comfortably. An “Eddie Bauer” edition is a specific version of the Explorer with extra features. The episode brings it up to explain how different trims can feel different.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Eddie Bauer

"Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer edition, right, it's something that they've done in the past. Eddie Bauer is actually gone now."

Eddie Bauer is a clothing brand. The hosts are talking about how car makers have used Eddie Bauer as a special edition theme, and how that partnership has changed over time.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Orvis

"Do you remember the Orvis edition jeeps? Yeah."

Orvis is an outdoor brand. The hosts are mentioning it as an example of car makers doing special editions with clothing/outdoor brands.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Carhartt

"And even nowadays, Ford on the Super Duty trucks is doing their Carhartt version of it. [111.8s] Carhartt thing."

Carhartt is a brand known for durable work clothes. The hosts are using it as an example of how Ford makes truck editions that tie into popular clothing brands.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

pleated leather

"So it's, it's got this pleated leather on the inside with this green kind of, it almost looks like tin cloth style bolstering."

Pleated leather just means leather that’s stitched or shaped with small folds. It makes the seats and panels look more detailed and upscale than plain smooth leather.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

bolstering

"So it's, it's got this pleated leather on the inside with this green kind of, it almost looks like tin cloth style bolstering."

Bolstering is the padded, shaped part of a seat that helps hold you in place. It’s usually the side areas that feel thicker so you don’t slide around as much.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

door cards

"And almost on the door cards, instead of an open pocket, it looks like a, like a leather one with a little cover."

Door cards are the inside panels of the car doors. They’re the parts you see when you open the door—often with armrests and storage.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

magnet

"So there's this little like leather stitched thing with a magnet."

They’re saying that little cover is held in place with a magnet. So it stays shut neatly without needing a complicated latch.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

glazed glass

"It has like new glazed glass, which is supposed to help with sound detaining. It's the most quiet Bronco ever, Fox shock."

They’re talking about improved window glass. Better glass can help keep road and wind noise from getting into the cabin.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

sound detaining

"It has like new glazed glass, which is supposed to help with sound detaining. It's the most quiet Bronco ever, Fox shock."

“Sound detaining” is being used to describe sound-deadening—materials and design choices that reduce how much noise reaches the cabin. In this context, it’s tied to the Bronco’s quieter ride via insulation and glass changes.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Fox shock

"It's the most quiet Bronco ever, Fox shock. So it's, it's going to be really soft and squishy."

Fox makes performance suspension parts. If the Bronco has Fox shocks, it usually means the ride is tuned with higher-end shock absorbers to smooth out bumps.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

ventilated seats

"And then first Bronco ever, did you know this? You couldn't get a Bronco with ventilated seats."

Ventilated seats have built-in fans that blow air through the seat. That helps keep you cooler, especially in warm weather.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

F-150 Raptor

"...don't think I noticed either. Even like a $90,000 Raptor didn't have ventilated seats. Bad journalists."

The Ford F-150 is a large pickup truck. The episode talks about a more expensive version and points out that it didn’t have certain comfort features like ventilated seats. It’s mentioned to show that higher price doesn’t always mean every feature you expect.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

defender here, you know, the luxury kind of premium thing

"So the whole thing is just supposed to be more isolated from the world and like it's very clear they're trying to go after like defender here, you know, the luxury kind of premium thing. Yeah."

They’re saying Ford is trying to make the Bronco feel more like a luxury version of an off-road SUV—more like what people expect from a Defender.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"... lot of luxury four by fours. Um, yeah, defender, Range Rover, G wagon, Lexus GX, there's, there's a lot of nic..."

The Range Rover is a luxury SUV made for comfort, with the ability to handle rough terrain too. People talk about it a lot because it’s one of the best-known high-end four-wheel-drive SUVs. It’s usually chosen for a mix of comfort and capability.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Land Rover Defender

"Um, yeah, defender, Range Rover, G wagon, Lexus GX, there's, there's a lot of nice four by fours out there on the market."

The Land Rover Defender is a classic, body-on-frame-style off-road SUV known for its traditional, durable engineering and strong aftermarket support. Here, it’s used as a benchmark for how luxury “outfitter” conversions can make a Defender feel more premium—especially when dressed up with leather.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

G-Class G Wagon

"Um, yeah, defender, Range Rover, G wagon, Lexus GX, there's, there's a lot of nice four by fours out there on the market."

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV that’s also capable off-road. The hosts are saying the Bronco could be upgraded to feel more like that—more comfortable and premium—rather than just rugged.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Lexus Gx

"Um, yeah, defender, Range Rover, G wagon, Lexus GX, there's, there's a lot of nice four by fours out there on the market."

The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that’s also meant to handle rough roads. The hosts mention it as an example of a “luxury 4x4” that already exists in the market.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

luxury outfitters for vintage four by fours

"Yeah. I think you could do a lot with it, especially if you look at the world of luxury outfitters for especially many vintage four by fours."

This is about companies that buy older rugged 4x4s and then modify them to feel more like a luxury vehicle. The hosts say people pay a lot for things like leather interiors and a more comfortable ride, and Ford could do that kind of work better.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

solid axle

"Ford could absolutely do a better job of engineering their Bronco into something like that than any small outfit or cam because we've driven some pretty luxurious old school solid axle defenders that were not spectacular."

A solid axle is a suspension setup where both wheels on an axle are connected by one sturdy bar. It can be great for off-road durability, but the hosts are saying some older converted Defenders still don’t feel very refined.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

V8

"But a V8 powered Bronco, they're like, you know, everybody's been asking for this in [462.9s] the engine department."

A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders. More cylinders usually means more pulling power, which can help on hills and trails, but it can cost more to build and may use more fuel.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

Raptor engine

"I'm like, Oh hell yeah, they put the Coyote in it, but no, they put the Raptor engine [467.6s] in it"

The “Raptor engine” means the kind of powerful engine Ford uses in the Raptor off-road trucks. The host is saying this Bronco would get that same kind of punch, not a more basic V8.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

Coyote

"I'm like, Oh hell yeah, they put the Coyote in it, but no, they put the Raptor engine [467.6s] in it"

“Coyote” is Ford’s nickname for a specific V8 engine family. People were hoping that engine would show up in the Bronco, because it’s known for being strong and responsive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

wide bodied

"I wouldn't be mad about the extra power in a vehicle that's not wide bodied because [484.7s] looks aside"

“Wide-bodied” means the car has been made wider with flared fenders. The host is saying that being wider can be a problem on real trails, even if the engine is more powerful.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Concept

trails purely for the practicality and functionality of a an off-road vehicle and of a four by four

"looks aside, which are controversial in themselves, there's a lot of trails purely for the practicality [492.3s] and functionality of a an off-road vehicle and of a four by four."

They’re talking about how off-road cars should be judged by whether they work on actual trails. Even if a vehicle is powerful, it still has to fit and be practical where people drive.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Bronco Raptor

"The Broncos already pretty wide in Sasquatch form and a lot of our trails here in Colorado [502.4s] will just absolutely not fit a Bronco Raptor."

The Bronco Raptor is the most hardcore off-road version of the Bronco. Here they’re saying it can be too wide for some trails, even though it’s built to be capable off-road.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

Sasquatch form

"The Broncos already pretty wide in Sasquatch form and a lot of our trails here in Colorado [502.4s] will just absolutely not fit a Bronco Raptor."

“Sasquatch” is an off-road package for the Bronco. It typically includes bigger tires and a wider setup, which is great for rough terrain but can make the vehicle harder to fit on narrow trails.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

first edition

"[556.0s] They have a cool copper color, which is going to be part of a first edition they're doing."

A “first edition” usually means an early, limited special version of a car. It often comes with a unique look or extra features—here, they’re saying the copper color is tied to that edition.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

Iron Sands Copper

"It's called Iron Sands Copper, and then it's got power running boards."

Iron Sands Copper is the name of the Bronco’s paint color. It’s basically the official color name Ford uses for that specific shade.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

power running boards

"It's called Iron Sands Copper, and then it's got power running boards. So like, you know, I'm glad that they kept it Sasquatch and I'm glad that they kept"

Power running boards are automatic steps on the side of the truck. They pop out to help you climb in, then tuck away when you’re driving.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

17-inch wheels

"I'm glad that they kept it Sasquatch and I'm glad that they kept it on 17-inch wheels. So it's still going to be off road."

The wheel size affects the tire’s shape. For off-roading, a certain wheel size can help the tire handle bumps and rocks better.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

22s

"Yeah. There's no 22s on it. And it's cool that it still has front and rear lockers."

“22s” means very large wheels. The host is saying this Bronco isn’t going to be fitted with big, flashy wheels that can make off-roading less ideal.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

front and rear lockers

"And it's cool that it still has front and rear lockers. So this will go anywhere that a, in theory, a normal Sasquatch Bronco will go, minus maybe"

Lockers are traction helpers that keep the wheels from spinning uselessly when they’re on slippery ground. Front and rear lockers mean the truck can get grip in more situations.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

Philsen

"One of the things that I'm a little bit confused about is, so I had never heard, not that I know everything. Obviously, I'm such a style magnet here, but I'd never heard of Philsen."

Philsen sounds like a brand that’s involved with this special Bronco edition. The host is basically saying not many people seem to know it.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Pendleton blankets

"Oh, I've heard these blankets are legendary. Yeah, the Pendleton blankets."

Pendleton is a well-known outdoor clothing and blanket brand. Here they’re saying the blankets are famous—part of the outdoorsy vibe of the event.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Ford Ranger

"...ut I would bet you anything there's going to be a Ranger Philson and an F-150 Explorer Philson."

The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck, meaning it has a bed for hauling things. It’s built to be useful and capable, including on rough roads. The episode mentions it in the context of how different versions of trucks and SUVs can be compared.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Ford F150

"but I would bet you anything there's going to be a Ranger Philson and an F-150 Explorer Philson."

The F-150 is Ford’s popular full-size pickup. The host thinks they’ll put the same kind of special branding on an F-150 as well.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

horsepower

"It's 987 horsepower. [936.7s] Which is enough. [938.1s] Yeah, yeah."

Horsepower is a way to describe how strong a car’s engine is. More horsepower often helps the car go faster, but it’s not the only thing that affects acceleration.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Audi R8

"[976.9s] So do you think that, okay, do you think this thing looks better [979.9s] than an Audi R8?"

The Audi R8 is a famous Audi supercar with the engine mounted near the middle of the car. People compare other Audi supercars to it because it’s one of the brand’s most recognizable performance models.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

hybrid system

"They're saying around 10,000 RPM with a hybrid system, two electric motors in the front, and one paired up with the gas powertrain."

A hybrid system means the car uses both a gas engine and electric motors. The electric part can help with acceleration and power delivery, while the gas engine handles the rest.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

10,000 RPM

"They're saying around 10,000 RPM with a hybrid system, two electric motors in the front, and one paired up with the gas powertrain."

RPM is how fast the engine spins. “10,000 RPM” is very high, and it usually means the car is designed to feel more like a race engine, especially when combined with electric assist in a hybrid setup.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

0-60

"Also, reasonable amount of acceleration and top speed, I think 217 miles an hour, and 0-60 in something like 2.6 seconds."

0-60 is how fast the car goes from standing still to 60 mph. Lower numbers usually mean quicker acceleration.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

boost mode

"Well, yeah. I tried not, I didn't do the boost mode, which I probably should have because we're filming,"

Boost mode is a “extra power” setting that makes the car feel faster for a short time. It can be limited by things like battery temperature or how much charge is left.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

EV

"So accelerating hard in an EV is an experience, I think for all car people the first time,"

EV just means the car runs on electricity, not gasoline. Electric cars can feel extra punchy when you accelerate quickly.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Audi RS e-tron GT performance

"So my level of interest in putting the pedal to the metal in that Audi RS e-tron GT performance that we have here at the office, my interest in that's pretty limited... I actually think that that RS e-tron GT performance is a reasonably fun handling car."

This is a high-performance electric Audi. The host is saying it’s not only fast in a straight line—it also feels fun to drive because it grips well and steers quickly.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

low center of gravity

"Oh, yeah. Very low center of gravity, quick steering, 265 width P0s in the front, 305s in the rear."

Low center of gravity means the car’s mass is concentrated closer to the ground. That typically reduces body roll and helps the car feel more stable and responsive when you turn or change direction.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

265 width P0s

"Very low center of gravity, quick steering, 265 width P0s in the front, 305s in the rear. So it's got a lot of grip."

That “265” is the tire width, measured in millimeters. Wider tires usually grip the road better, which helps the car feel planted when you drive hard.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

305s in the rear

"265 width P0s in the front, 305s in the rear. So it's got a lot of grip."

“305” is the rear tire width in millimeters. Wider rear tires can help the car stick to the road better when you’re driving aggressively.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

straight line acceleration

"it's just the straight line acceleration thing in an EV. Nauseating. Can be a little nauseating."

This is how fast the car speeds up when you go straight. Electric cars can feel especially intense because they deliver power immediately.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

suspension

"The crazy thing about that car is the suspension is apparently pretty wild. Yeah, so it does some crazy things."

Suspension is what helps the car absorb bumps and stay controlled. The host is saying this car’s suspension behaves in a surprising or dramatic way.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

sway bars

"Yeah. [1227.0s] And to my understanding, I think it kind of takes [1229.3s] a place of sway bars."

Sway bars (also called anti-roll bars) are components that reduce body roll by linking the left and right suspension. The host suggests the new suspension system can “take a place” of sway bars, implying it can control roll behavior electronically/actively instead of relying solely on a mechanical bar.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

carbon ceramic brakes

"That plus the package that gets it massive carbon ceramic brakes is $11,000."

These are high-end brake rotors made from a special ceramic material. They’re designed to keep braking strong even when you drive hard, but they cost a lot more than normal brakes.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Porsche Taycan

"So that's probably based on the new second gen Taycan then, right? Yes."

The Porsche Taycan is an electric car made by Porsche. The episode mentions the “second gen” Taycan, meaning a newer version of the same model line. That matters because newer generations can bring changes to how the car drives and what tech it has.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

brutalist

"I would describe it as being brutalist. [1306.6s] It is striking."

“Brutalist” is a style word that usually means a design looks tough, plain, and very geometric. In this case, they’re saying the car looks more industrial than traditionally beautiful.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Ferrari Luce

"...better than like that. Well, it's better than the Luce. And even I think it's better than that new AMG M..."

The Ferrari Luce is mentioned in the episode as part of a comparison. It sounds like the speakers are talking about which car is “better” or “more like” something else. The episode doesn’t provide enough detail here to treat it as the main topic.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

AMG Mercedes

"Well, it's better than the Luce. [1367.1s] And even I think it's better than that new AMG Mercedes [1369.5s] four-door thing, for sure."

AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s performance brand. The host is using it as a comparison point for looks, saying the car they’re talking about looks better than that newer AMG Mercedes four-door.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Audi Tt

"This is a much more attractive car. [1374.1s] It's got a little bit of Audi TT in it, too,"

The Audi TT is a small Audi sports car with a very recognizable look. Saying the design has “a little Audi TT in it” means it borrows some of that familiar Audi styling shape and vibe.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Topic

Formula 1

"I think that this makes a lot of sense for Audi [1380.3s] to do, obviously, their involvement in Formula [1384.8s] 1, infusing some performance and some excitement back into their lineup."

Formula 1 is the highest level of professional race car driving. The hosts are saying Audi’s racing involvement can make its regular cars feel more exciting.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Audi e-tron

"And we were just talking about that e-tron. [1395.3s] And that's obviously a very fast car."

The Audi e-tron is Audi’s electric SUV. The hosts mention it because it’s an example of an Audi that feels quick, not just serious or conservative.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

LED light signatures

"And they had the first cars I remember seeing with the actual LED light signatures, which was super cool."

An LED light signature is the unique “shape” of a car’s lights—like the pattern you see in the headlights or taillights. The hosts say Audi was early in using these recognizable LED patterns.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

first-gen A5

"So that whole generation, first-gen R8, first-gen A5 and S5. [1445.0s] Q7."

The Audi A5 is a compact luxury coupe/fastback line, and “first-gen” here refers to the original generation of that model family. The hosts group it with other early Audi performance/design hits to describe a period when the brand felt more youthful.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Audi S5

"So that whole generation, first-gen R8, first-gen A5 and S5. [1445.0s] Q7."

The Audi S5 is the sport version of the A5. “First-gen S5” means the earliest generation, and the hosts use it as part of a lineup that felt more exciting in the 2000s.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Q7

"So that whole generation, first-gen R8, first-gen A5 and S5. [1445.0s] Q7."

The Audi Q7 is Audi’s larger luxury SUV. The hosts mention it alongside other early Audi models to say the brand felt more characterful back then.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Tesla Cybertruck

"...om slash TFLCar. Chris says the Audi looks like a Cybertruck had a baby with a roadster."

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck. It’s known for its unusual, sharp-edged look. In the episode, it’s used as a reference for how another car’s design resembles it.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Land Rover Discoveries

"So Casey and I both own Land Rover Discoveries that we both haven't driven in about a year."

The Land Rover Discovery is a big SUV that’s built to handle rough roads and still work for everyday life. Here, the hosts are talking about their Discoveries and how they try not to drive them much.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

LS swapping

"So Casey's LS swapping his Land Rover, it's going brilliantly and it's almost done."

An “LS swap” is when someone replaces the original engine with a GM LS V8 engine. People do it because the LS engines are popular, have lots of parts available, and can make the car feel much stronger.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

transmission

"Well, the LS has swapped and it's great. Even at this point, the transmission is great."

The transmission is the gearbox that helps the engine send power to the wheels. In an engine swap, it has to work correctly with the new engine so the car can drive properly.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

transfer case

"Even at this point, the transmission is great. So naturally now the transfer case is. So it's just one thing at a time."

A transfer case is part of a 4-wheel-drive system that sends power to both the front and rear wheels. If you change the engine or transmission, you may need to adjust or work on the transfer case so everything still works together.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

four wheel drive

"if you wanted a four wheel drive SUV with an LS, why didn't you just buy a Tahoe?"

Four wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That helps it grip better on slippery or rough ground like snow, mud, or gravel.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

LS

"if you wanted a four wheel drive SUV with an LS, why didn't you just buy a Tahoe?"

“LS” is a type of GM V8 engine that a lot of people use for engine swaps. It’s popular because it’s relatively easy to work with and there are lots of parts and guides for it.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Chevrolet Tahoe

"...l drive SUV with an LS, why didn't you just buy a Tahoe? Which kind of misses the point."

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV made to carry lots of people and handle bigger tasks like towing. The episode brings it up as a simple, practical option if you want a big SUV. It’s mentioned to highlight what the “point” of a different vehicle might be.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Land Rover Discovery One

"But I bring it up because our friend Joe, who runs a YouTube channel called Lost Cause Ranch, he was the one that did my head gaskets on my Discovery One."

A Land Rover Discovery One is an older Land Rover SUV that people often keep for years and work on themselves. “Head gaskets” are an important engine part, and when they fail it usually means the engine needs repair.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

head gaskets

"he was the one that did my head gaskets on my Discovery One."

The head gasket is a seal inside the engine that keeps fluids and combustion gases in the right places. If it breaks, the engine can start mixing coolant/oil or overheat, and it usually requires a serious repair.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

cooling system

"[1718.2s] So in terms of refining the cooling system [1721.3s] and plenty of other things in the swap, [1725.4s] he actually knows what to do."

The cooling system is what keeps the engine from getting too hot. If you swap in a different engine, you may need to adjust the cooling setup so it runs at the proper temperature.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

flat fender Jeep

"we stuck an engine and a transmission transfer case in your flat fender Jeep. That's right."

A flat fender Jeep is an older Jeep style with distinctive, boxy fenders. They’re describing rebuilding it with the main drivetrain parts so it can actually drive and go off-road.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Willy C.J. 2A

"So like about 150 years ago, I bought this green Willy C.J. 2A and..."

The Willys CJ-2A is an old Jeep model that’s famous for being tough and simple. Here, they’re talking about buying one and using it off-road as a hands-on project.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

plug and play wiring harness

"So I bought like this plug and play wiring harness. I'm trying to find a good picture of it. And the story with the plug and play wiring harness is like it's all pre-labeled"

It’s a wiring kit that’s made to be easier to install. The wires are usually labeled and meant to connect with fewer custom cuts and splices.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

fuse box

"it's all pre-labeled and there's a little fuse box. So the way Jeep had developed the Willys was to catch fire."

A fuse box is where the car’s fuses live. Fuses are safety devices that break the circuit if something electrical is drawing too much power.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Jeep Willys

"...ittle fuse box. So the way Jeep had developed the Willys was to catch fire. So there are very few fuses in..."

The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road SUV that’s built for rough terrain. The episode talks about a design detail related to the vehicle’s electrical system and fuses. That kind of detail matters because it can affect how dependable the car is.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

fuse block

"So now I've got a fuse block and then it's just really overwhelming because you've got like 27 feet of wires that go in every direction."

Think of a fuse block as a structured “home” for multiple fuses. It helps keep the fuses organized instead of having them scattered around the wiring.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

soldering

"and then when you start putting things where they need to go and then when you start soldering things together, it is a genuinely very satisfying experience."

Soldering is when you melt solder to permanently join two wires together. It can make the connection more solid, as long as it’s done correctly and covered so it won’t short.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

carburetor rebuild kit

"So I bought a new old carburetor rebuild kit [2001.8s] for this little Carter carburetor [2003.6s] that was like last milled in the 80s."

A carburetor rebuild kit is a set of replacement rubber parts and small pieces you install to bring an old carburetor back to good working order. It helps stop leaks and restores the carburetor’s ability to mix fuel and air correctly.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Brand

Carter carburetor

"So I bought a new old carburetor rebuild kit [2001.8s] for this little Carter carburetor [2003.6s] that was like last milled in the 80s."

Carter is a company that made carburetors for older cars. Here, the host is working on a Carter carburetor and worrying that the replacement parts may not seal as well after being stored for decades.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

new old stock

"I bought one of the last new old stock ones. [2024.2s] But the problem is, even though it's expensive [2026.5s] and I'm sure the quality of parts was high,"

New old stock means the part is “new” but it was made years or decades ago and just sat in storage. It can still be good, but rubber seals inside can age, so it might not work as perfectly as you’d expect.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

gaskets are quite as sealedy

"after sitting in a box for 45 years, [2030.9s] I'm not sure the gaskets are quite as sealedy [2035.3s] as they once were."

This is about gasket sealing performance—how well the gasket compresses and forms a tight barrier to prevent fuel/air leaks. Old gaskets and seals can harden or lose elasticity after decades in storage, which can lead to seepage even if the parts are “new old stock.”

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

fuel pump

"because I'm gonna hook the fuel pump up to it and see where the gas is coming from."

A fuel pump is the part that sends fuel to the engine. They’re using it like a controlled test to see where the fuel is escaping.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Part

oil filter

"maybe my oil filter is gonna get in the way of the alternator and I gotta take it off for the 19th time."

The oil filter cleans the oil that lubricates the engine. They’re running into a tight-space issue where the oil filter is in the way of another part, so it has to come off repeatedly.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Part

alternator

"maybe my oil filter is gonna get in the way of the alternator and I gotta take it off for the 19th time."

The alternator charges the battery and powers the car’s electrical stuff while the engine is running. In this case, it’s just the part that’s getting in the way.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Chevrolet C10

"So if your wife comes to you and is like, [2128.6s] I need you to put a wiring harness in my Chevy C10. [2132.2s] I will say I know a great guy named Andy."

A Chevy C10 is a classic Chevrolet pickup truck. Here they’re discussing doing electrical work—specifically installing the wiring harness—on one of these older trucks.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

rat's nest

"The wiring. [2146.0s] Who's to know how that was to happen? [2147.7s] The wiring under the dash is a bit of a rat's nest."

“Rat’s nest” just means the wires are messy and tangled. When wiring looks like that, it’s harder to figure out what’s connected to what.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Fiat 500e

"that you'll rewire her 500E? [2190.0s] Her fiat 500E, I let him dead. [2194.0s] That is decidedly a less cinematic picture [2199.4s] that I'm picturing. [2203.4s] Tommy and like his mechanics onesie."

The Fiat 500e is the electric version of the Fiat 500. It doesn’t use a gas engine, so it has lots of electrical wiring, and the dash area can be where technicians need to reach connectors and cables.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

high voltage cables

"Just nipping high voltage cables left and right. [2214.7s] But the thing I'm realizing is you got to embrace"

In an electric car, high voltage cables carry the big electrical power that runs the drivetrain. They’re not like the small wires in a normal car, and they need extra care because they can be dangerous.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

wire nuts

"So yeah, I've seen, I've seen wire nuts under there. [2229.3s] Like, you know, if you pull a light fixture in your house [2233.5s] and there's the wire nut joining wires."

Wire nuts are twist-on electrical connectors commonly used in household wiring to join conductors. The host is comparing them to what they saw under the dash, implying the repair or splicing method may be improvised or not ideal for automotive standards.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

dipstick

"So I put a good quart in it, checked, dipstick, still dry."

A dipstick is a simple tool you pull out to check how much fluid is in a car. Here, they’re using it to see if the transmission has enough fluid.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

carbureted 350

"It runs really well. Carbureted 350. It's snappy."

“Carbureted” means the engine uses a carburetor to blend fuel and air. “350” usually means a V8 engine with a displacement around 350 cubic inches.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Car

Toyota RAV4

"...but I'm like, if someone doesn't, if someone is a RAV4 owner of this podcast and doesn't know that smell..."

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that many people use for everyday driving. The episode mentions a particular smell that RAV4 owners might recognize. That implies there’s a common, noticeable thing people associate with it.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

powertrain

"All the oil that's leaked onto the outside [2417.9s] of your powertrain is getting really warm."

The powertrain is basically the car’s “power system.” It’s everything that helps the engine’s power get to the wheels. If oil leaks onto it, it can get very hot and smell like hot oil.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

coolant temp

"So coolant temp is fine. [2433.3s] That's all you need."

Coolant temp is how hot the car’s cooling liquid is running. If it stays normal, it usually means the engine isn’t overheating and the cooling system is working.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Term

leaks like a sieve

"So I have a transmission to stick in that car [2471.3s] because it leaks like a sieve. [2473.0s] Right."

That phrase means the leak is really bad—like it’s pouring out. With a transmission, low fluid can cause overheating and damage.

Sign in to suggest edits or report issues
Loading more...
34 cars featured

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.

Explore Terms

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.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars

1 community members have helped improve this episode.