Roadster Shop
Roadster Shop is a custom car company that builds and sells special projects. Since they run this podcast, they’re basically setting the stage for the kind of car work and builds you’ll hear about.
Australian sheet metal
“Australian sheet metal” means the body panels/metal parts used on the car came from Australia or were made to match Australian versions. Using different panels can make the car look noticeably different from similar builds.
covid era
The “covid era” is referenced as the time when the speaker had more free time to search Instagram and discover builds. For car enthusiasts, this period often accelerated online communities, which in turn influenced what people built—more inspiration, more networking, and more access to niche parts and metalwork.
bead roller
A bead roller is a tool that presses patterns into sheet metal to make raised lines. Those lines can make the metal stronger and also look really cool.
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is a pickup truck, meaning it’s built to carry cargo and handle rough roads better than many regular cars. It’s often chosen as a first vehicle because it’s tough and can be modified. In the podcast, it’s brought up because the speaker wanted to change it and make it their own.
airbag it
“Airbagging” means putting an air suspension system on the truck so you can change how high or low it sits. People do it for looks and to get the exact stance they want.
bead rolling
Bead rolling is when you press a pattern into thin sheet metal so it becomes stronger. It can also make the metal look more interesting because it creates raised lines.
chop it up
“Chop it up” is slang for cutting and reshaping a vehicle’s body—most commonly lowering the roofline or removing sections to change proportions. In hot-rod and custom circles, it’s a shorthand for aggressive fabrication to achieve a specific look.
mini truck
A “mini truck” is a smaller pickup truck that a lot of people customize. Because it’s smaller, it’s easier to cut, fit, and modify parts to get the look and feel they want.
auto trimmer
An auto trimmer is the person who works on the inside of cars—like seats and interior fabric or leather. They make sure everything fits neatly and looks clean.
metal fabrication
Metal fabrication is making parts out of metal—cutting, shaping, and welding them. On custom cars, it’s how people build custom brackets and structural pieces.
chassis design and chassis building
Chassis design/build is about the car’s “skeleton.” It’s what everything else mounts to, and it affects how the car handles and how strong it is.
notches
In custom builds, “notches” usually means cutting small sections out of the frame so other parts can fit. It’s often done for clearance when lowering a truck, but it has to be done safely.
hot rods
Hot rods are cars that have been modified to look cool and drive better. People often do custom work on the body and mechanical parts to get that classic style.
airbags
Airbags here means an air suspension system that can raise or lower the truck. People like it because you can adjust how low the car sits, but it’s more complex than regular springs.
hydraulics
Hydraulics means the truck’s suspension is controlled by fluid pressure, letting it drop or lift. It can look really cool and be very adjustable, but it’s usually more involved to set up and maintain than simpler suspension.
Stout Toyota Stout
A Toyota Stout is an older Toyota truck. Here, the builder is customizing it heavily—cutting and reshaping parts—so it looks more modern and “luxury-like” instead of like a basic farm truck.
chopped it so much and move things around
“Chopping” is when you cut and reshape parts of the body to change how the truck looks. Moving things around helps the proportions look right, like the truck was designed that way from the start.
heavy modifications
“Heavy modifications” refers to major changes to a vehicle’s body and structure rather than bolt-on upgrades. In custom truck culture, these projects often require careful planning and fabrication because once you cut and weld, you can’t easily revert without redoing work.
section the truck
“Sectioning” means cutting the truck’s body and re-welding it so the shape changes. It’s a big job because it can affect how everything lines up, like the roof and doors.
roof skin
A “roof skin” is the outer sheet-metal panel of the roof. Replacing or fabricating one is common in custom builds because it allows the builder to create new roof contours, integrate a chopped roofline, and match complex curves to the rest of the body.
rockers
Rockers are the metal panels along the bottom sides of the car. They often rust because they get hit by water, salt, and road grime, and they help the car stay stiff.
firewall
The firewall is the big metal wall between the engine area and the inside of the car. If it’s rusty, it needs solid repair because it helps keep the cabin sealed and safe.
pillars
Pillars are the vertical metal supports around the doors and roof. If they rust, you usually have to cut out the bad metal and weld in new pieces so the doors and roof fit correctly again.
rust repair and replacement
Rust repair and replacement means cutting out the rusty metal and putting in new metal. It’s important because it helps stop the rust from coming back and keeps the car solid.
floor work
Floor work means fixing the metal in the bottom of the car—usually the floor pans. It matters a lot because it affects how the car sits and how everything inside mounts, especially if rust is involved.
cab mounts
Cab mounts are the brackets/points that hold the cab to the car’s frame. If you’re rebuilding the frame or swapping sections, you have to place these mounts carefully so everything lines up.
rear clip
A “rear clip” is a replacement section of the car’s rear structure—often including parts of the body and frame rails—swapped in during a restoration or custom build. It affects where mounts and panels line up, which is why the speaker says it will dictate cab mount locations and requires staged welding before the cab can come off.
fitment
Fitment is how well parts align and fit together—panel gaps, mounting positions, and clearances. In fabrication, checking fitment is critical before final welding or finishing because small positioning errors can compound and make later assembly difficult.
safari window
A “safari window” is a style of side/rear window opening (often associated with off-road or classic wagon aesthetics) that’s typically integrated into the inner structure and can be designed for visibility and airflow. Because it requires cutting and welding into the inner structure, the builder needs to plan when the cab can be removed and when welding operations can be completed.
CAD (Fusion 360)
CAD is how you design parts on a computer before you make them. Fusion 360 is one of those programs, and it helps you plan the chassis so the pieces fit together and can be cut accurately.
CNC class
CNC (computer numerical control) machining uses programmed toolpaths to cut or shape metal and other materials with high precision. In a chassis build, CNC work helps ensure the designed parts interlock correctly and can be produced consistently.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a regular everyday car meant for commuting and carrying people. It’s often used as a reference for projects because it’s a common car you can find information and parts for. In a discussion about designing parts, it may be mentioned as the kind of car someone wants to work on.
independently constructed vehicle (ICV)
An ICV is basically a “built-from-scratch or heavily rebuilt” car in the eyes of the law. If you keep the original chassis, the paperwork is usually easier; if you don’t, you may have to follow tougher rules and spend more to get it approved.
four-link
A four-link is a suspension setup that uses multiple arms to hold the rear axle in the right position. It helps the car keep traction and move smoothly when the suspension travels.
wishbone upper
A wishbone is a shaped control arm that helps guide how the suspension moves. Using it on the upper side helps the wheels stay positioned correctly as the car goes over bumps.
three wheel
“Three wheel” means getting one wheel off the ground so the car is supported by only three wheels. To do it reliably, the suspension has to move a lot and still keep the car stable.
articulate
Articulation is how much the suspension can “flex” and let the wheels move up and down. More articulation helps the car handle uneven ground and can lift a wheel, but it’s also harder to engineer safely.
certified by an engineer (sign-off)
For big modifications, an engineer has to review the work and officially approve it. They sign off that it’s safe to drive on public roads, which can make unusual builds harder to get approved.
auto leveling system
An auto leveling system tries to keep the car sitting level even when you add weight or change conditions. That helps the car handle more predictably and keeps things like clearance and lighting more consistent.
coilover
A coilover is a suspension part that uses a spring and shock together. It can often be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits.
bell crank
A bell crank is a lever that helps convert movement from one form into another. In a suspension system, it can help translate hydraulic motion into raising or lowering the car.
hydraulic cylinder
A hydraulic cylinder is like a powered piston that moves in and out using fluid pressure. In this setup, it’s used to raise or lower the car’s suspension height.
lower control arm
The lower control arm is a metal link that holds the wheel in place. When the road gets bumpy, it lets the wheel move up and down while keeping it pointed the right way.
suspension travel
Suspension travel is how much the suspension can move when the car goes over bumps. More travel can help the tires stay in contact, but it also needs to be packaged correctly so parts don’t run out of room.
push rod
A push rod is a link that moves when the wheel moves. Instead of the spring/damper being directly in line, the push rod helps “send” that movement to where the spring and shock are mounted.
trailer stub axle
A trailer stub axle is a wheel-support part from a trailer. Repurposing it for a suspension pivot can save time, but you have to make sure it’s strong enough for the forces on a car.
load rating
Load rating is how much force a part can handle before it’s not safe anymore. For suspension parts, you want a high enough rating because they get hit with big forces every time you drive over bumps.
bearings
Bearings are the parts that let shafts move smoothly with less friction. In a suspension, they take a lot of force, so the right bearing strength matters for reliability.
mock up
A mock-up is a rough test version of a part or assembly. It’s used to make sure it fits and lines up before you build the real thing.
template
A template is a guide you trace or copy so your parts come out the right shape and size. It’s a way to make sure everything lines up before you commit to final fabrication.
A-arm
An A-arm is a suspension link that holds the wheel in the right position. It helps the wheel move smoothly over bumps, and it also affects how the car steers and handles.
ball joint
A ball joint is like a flexible pivot in the suspension. It lets parts move through suspension travel while keeping the wheel pointed the right way.
jig
A jig is a tool that holds things in place while you build or modify parts. It helps you get the alignment right so everything lines up correctly.
upper hat assemblies
Those “upper hat assemblies” are the parts at the top of the suspension strut. They help hold the spring/strut in place and connect it to the car, which affects how the car sits and handles.
90s high-lux arms
“High-lux arms” are suspension control arms—basically the links that locate the wheel. If you change them, the wheel’s position and alignment can change, which can affect steering feel and tire wear.
engineering
Here, “engineering” means getting the car’s modifications approved so they’re legal and safe. If you build parts from scratch, you usually need extra proof (testing or calculations) to satisfy the rules.
use a factory arm and modify it
This is a workaround for approval: instead of making a brand-new suspension arm, you start with an original factory arm and change it. That can sometimes make the approval process easier because the base part is already proven.
modifying it or building it from scratch
They’re talking about two ways to do a project: tweak what already exists, or make the whole thing yourself from the ground up. Each approach can change how expensive and how time-consuming the build is.
new technique
They mean learning a specific method for doing the work. Getting better at the “how” is often what makes the final result look and fit better.
round bar thing
They’re calling out a small part with a round shape. Details like that can make a project look more finished, even if it’s not a big mechanical change.
handmade fabrication
When people say “handmade” in car building, they mean the parts were made by skilled people instead of being stamped out in a factory. It usually shows up in how well the parts fit and how good the finishing looks.
stainless vents
Vents are openings that let air move through or around the car. Using stainless just means the parts are corrosion-resistant and usually look cleaner for longer.
door vents
Door vents are little openings in the door. They can help with airflow, but sometimes they’re mainly there because they look cool.
door visors
Door visors are small pieces that sit above the window/door opening. They can help keep rain out and they also add a finished, custom look.
chrome vs stainless finish
They’re comparing two ways to make metal look shiny: chrome plating versus polishing stainless steel. Chrome can cost a lot and needs special work, while stainless can be made shiny by polishing it yourself.
Model A
The Ford Model A is an old classic car that people often modify or build from at home. In this story, they made a small stainless part for their Model A dash and polished it for a custom look.
stainless switch plate
A switch plate is the little panel where switches are mounted. Using stainless and shaping it to match the dash helps it look clean and last longer.
32 dash
“32 dash” means they were using a 1932-style dashboard shape. They made their metal part fit that dash so it looks like it belongs there.
metal forming tools
They’re talking about the shop tools used to shape metal for car builds and repairs. Different tools are better for different jobs—like making curves, adding strength, or forming metal with consistent force.
shrinker stretcher
A shrinker-stretcher is a tool that helps you reshape sheet metal. It can make a panel “shorter” (shrink) or “longer” (stretch) in specific areas so you can form curves more easily.
power hammer
A power hammer is a hammer that’s driven by a motor or hydraulics, so it hits with steady force. It’s used to shape metal faster and more consistently than doing everything by hand.
spring mode
Spring mode is a setting on a power hammer that makes the action feel more flexible. That can help you shape metal more gently and with better control.
rigid mode
Rigid mode is the power hammer setting that makes the hits feel more firm and direct. It’s useful when you want the metal to move in a more controlled, predictable way.
welding
Welding is how you attach metal pieces together so they become one solid joint. It’s essential for many custom car builds.
metal shaping
Metal shaping is how you form metal into the exact curves and shapes you want. It’s a common step in custom bodywork and fabrication.
bodywork
Bodywork is what makes the outside of the car look right—fixing dents, shaping panels, and getting the surface ready for paint.
low rider kind of engraving
Low-rider engraving is decorative metal artwork—like patterns or designs cut into metal. It’s a style choice that takes practice to do cleanly.
engraver
An engraver is a tool that carves designs into metal. People use it to add custom patterns or lettering to parts like trim or panels.
paneled paint
Paneled paint is when the paint job is done in sections, like different panels or areas with intentional lines or patterns. It usually requires careful taping so everything lines up.
custom paint
Custom paint is a tailored finishing process that goes beyond a basic color change—often involving special colors, clear coats, and unique application techniques. In enthusiast builds, it’s used to create depth, color-shift effects, and show-quality surface finish.
multi-layer
Multi-layer paint means you build the color in steps—layer by layer—so it looks deeper and lasts longer. The key is letting each layer set up correctly before the next.
wrapping up the cab
“Wrapping up the cab” is workshop slang for finishing the cab/bodywork portion of a build—typically meaning the metalwork and fitment are near complete. In restoration and custom projects, the cab is often a major milestone because it sets the overall shape and panel alignment before paint and final assembly.
coach builders
Coach builders are people who specialize in making the car’s body and sometimes the interior. They’re the kind of craftsmen you’d call for custom builds or high-end restorations.
metal shapers
Metal shapers are skilled people who shape sheet metal by hand to make body panels fit and look right. They’re especially important for restoring older cars where original parts aren’t available.
stout build
A “stout build” is basically a custom style goal. The idea is to make the car look like all the parts belong together, with a consistent theme—here, inspired by the 1960s.
airbrush
Airbrushing is a way to spray paint very precisely using a small tool. In this context, it’s being used to “fake” details with paint so the car looks like it has certain trim or styling without doing heavy bodywork.
Chevrolet Bel Air
Bel Air is a classic Chevrolet style people love from the 1950s. The speaker is saying you can paint/airbrush details to make your custom car look like it has that old-school “57 Bel Air” trim.
pro street
“Pro street” is a style of modified car that blends street drivability with performance-oriented upgrades, often paired with aggressive stance and showy visuals. The term is commonly associated with cars built to look like they belong on the street while still being capable and performance-focused.
wild graphics
Wild graphics are the big, loud designs you see on some custom cars—like stripes, decals, or painted artwork meant to stand out.
trend cycles in car styling
They’re basically talking about how car looks go in and out of style. Something can be popular for a while, fade away, and then come back later.
OBS builds
“OBS” is a nickname for an older style of Ford truck body. People say “OBS builds” when they’re building or modifying one of those classic trucks, often with modern upgrades.
Tweed interior
A “tweed interior” refers to using tweed fabric (or tweed-style upholstery) for seats and trim. It’s a classic, heritage-inspired look that’s often chosen to give a truck or car a vintage, upscale vibe.
Lucky Strike
They mention “Lucky Strike” as the person they want to do the airbrushing. It’s basically calling out a specialist who can paint custom designs for cars.
57 bell air trim
They’re referencing the look of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. The idea is to borrow that classic trim style and apply it as a custom paint/trim detail on a modern vehicle.
F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 is a large pickup truck that people use for hauling and daily driving. A “Raptor” is a more performance-oriented version of the F-150, and the podcast mentions customizing it with paint and trim. That’s why it comes up—because it’s a popular truck to personalize.
good guys
“Good Guys” is a well-known organization that puts on classic car shows. In this episode, they’re sponsoring the Q&A segment, tying it to the car-show community.
pre-65 only
“Pre-65 only” means only cars from before 1965 are allowed. So the show focuses on older, classic hot rods rather than newer builds.
Builders' Choice Awards
Builders' Choice Awards are trophies picked by people who build cars. It’s a way to honor the best work and ideas at the show.
York Speed Shop
York Speed Shop is another hot-rod-related business helping with the event. They’re running a special members-only lounge area.
Ethos Craft Brewing
Ethos Craft Brewing is a brewery sponsoring the lounge area. It’s included as part of the event experience, not as a car part.
Hot Rod of the Year
“Hot Rod of the Year” is an award category used by hot-rod event organizers to recognize a standout build. The hosts mention it as a featured competition at the Nashville show.
Tanks, Inc.
Tanks, Inc. is a company sponsoring part of the event. When a sponsor is attached to an award, it usually means they’re helping make that category happen.
BASF
BASF is a big company that’s helping sponsor the event. In cars, BASF is known for materials used in things like coatings and finishing.
Legends of Hot Rodding
They’re talking about a specific car show/event called “Legends of Hot Rodding.” The point is that it’s meant to feel more exclusive and well-curated than a typical big show.
Scraping the Coast
They mention a car/truck event called “Scraping the Coast.” They also say it’s a mini-truck show, so it’s centered on that style of trucks and customization.
Ute
A “ute” is what Australians call a pickup truck. It has a cargo bed in the back for hauling things.
shaved the door handles
“Shaving the door handles” means removing the visible handles and smoothing the door so it looks cleaner. It’s a common custom styling mod, but it has to be done so the doors still work properly.
Brian Tante
They’re talking about a person who builds and reshapes car body metal by hand. The point is that learning how the metal behaves helps you make better-looking parts.
fabrication fundamentals
They mean the basic skills you need before you can start making really nice work. After you can do the basics well, you start leveling up the quality and the look.
throw it in the scrap and start over
Sometimes the best move is to give up on a part that’s gone wrong and build a new one. That can save you from spending hours trying to force a bad piece to work.
scrap vs repair ("throwing it in scrap" / "starting over")
Sometimes it’s tempting to give up and start fresh when something is damaged. But repairing can still be worth it because you learn from the process and the next attempt usually goes better.
hammer it flat
That phrase means pushing a dent back into shape with a hammer. It’s a common first step in fixing body damage before the panel is smoothed and finished.
cruise control
Cruise control lets the car hold a steady speed for you. You set the speed once, and it keeps it there while you drive.
adaptive cruise
Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to help maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. It’s more advanced than basic cruise control because it uses sensors to slow down and speed back up as traffic changes.
tailgating
Tailgating is when you follow the car ahead really closely. If something happens suddenly, you don’t have much time to stop, so it can be unsafe and get you pulled over.
aftermarket components shipped/transported for a project car
They’re talking about bringing car parts for a project from another country and carrying them in the car. Because the parts were sticking out and the car looked odd, police thought it might be a crash.
bumper
A bumper is the part at the front or back of a car meant to take hits in small crashes. Here, they’re talking about carrying a bumper piece in the car.
junkyards
Junkyards (also called wreckers in some regions) are salvage yards where you can buy used parts from cars that have been dismantled. For older or niche builds, they’re often a cost-effective way to source hard-to-find trim, lights, and other exterior components.
JDM
JDM means “the version made for Japan.” People like it because the parts can look a little different or fit differently than the versions sold in other countries.
taillights
Taillights are the lights at the back of the car. If you’re using JDM taillights, they may be shaped or wired differently than the ones your car originally came with.
marker lights
Marker lights are small exterior lights used for visibility and identification, typically located at the front and/or rear corners. The transcript suggests the speaker is comparing how marker lights differ between versions (e.g., Euro-spec vs other markets), which is a common customization/parts topic in import scenes.
BMW
BMW is a car brand from Germany. The host is saying some cars (especially European versions) can have different lighting details than other markets.
Euro spec
“Euro spec” just means the car was made/configured for Europe. Sometimes that changes things like lights and other exterior details compared to the same model sold in the U.S.
Mercedes
Mercedes is a car brand from Germany. They’re using it as an example of European versions that may have different exterior light designs.
Honda
Honda is a Japanese automaker strongly associated with the JDM/import scene. The speaker groups “JDM and Honda stuff,” implying they’re talking about Honda-related parts or builds that come from or resemble Japanese-market culture.
Nopi
NOPI is associated with car shows focused on imports—especially Japanese cars and the culture around them. They’re using it as an example of the kind of events they used to be involved in.
car audio
Car audio is the upgraded sound system in a vehicle—like speakers and subwoofers. The hosts are saying that people who were into mini trucks and imports often also got into car audio.
import world
“Import world” means the community of people who are into non-U.S. brands and customizing them. The hosts are saying those communities overlap, especially around car shows and audio.
drag contest
A drag contest is a race where cars go straight to see which one gets up to speed fastest. It’s more about quick acceleration than turning.
cruising around the area
Cruising around the area refers to informal driving meetups where people drive together through local roads. In car culture, it’s often about community, showing off builds, and enjoying the cars rather than racing.
bikini contest
A bikini contest is a judged event often seen at car shows or themed gatherings. While it’s not automotive-specific, it’s part of the overall event format and atmosphere described in the segment.
commissioning a shop to build your dream
Instead of building the car yourself, you pay a shop to build it for you. You tell them what you want, and they handle the planning and the work to make it happen.
jet black
“Jet black” is a deep, high-gloss black paint color that tends to show reflections and highlights strongly. In automotive styling, it’s often associated with a sleek, dramatic look—especially on cars with chrome or stainless accents.
stainless roof
A “stainless roof” means the roof has a stainless-steel look or finish. It’s usually done to make the car stand out visually.
restomod
They’re talking about a car that looks like it was carefully customized rather than just stock. That kind of project usually means someone paid for a high-end build with special styling and details.
Rutters
They mention a name (“Rutters”) as the person or shop that recently built one. It’s probably worth searching if you want to see the same kind of custom car in photos.