{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Levi Green of HammerFab","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/levi-green-of-hammerfab","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO8500892383.mp3","description":"This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Levi Green of HammerFab, fresh off a major SEMA debut and a whirlwind year for his shop.Levi walks through his path into fabrication, early experiences learning the craft, and what it’s like building a reputation in an industry where quality and trust matter more than hype. From working through challenging projects to knowing when to say yes or no to a build, this conversation gets into the realities of shop life, craftsmanship, and growth.We talk about:Levi’s early days learning fabrication and metal shapingBuilding HammerFab and earning trust in the industryThe pressure and payoff of showing a car at SEMAPicking the right projects and spotting red flags earlyFixing work from other shops and setting standardsWhy solid foundations and proven components matterA real, honest conversation with a builder who’s focused on doing things the right way even when it’s the hard way.\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":45.0,"endTime":49.8,"type":"part","title":"hood sides","url":"/glossary/hood-sides","quote":"I first did was the bead rolled flames on the hood sides. Cool. Yeah, you ever done that?","canonicalId":"part:hood-sides","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The hood sides refer to the outer panels on either side of a car’s front hood. They are part of the vehicle’s bodywork and often receive custom paint or detailing work.","simplifiedExplanation":"The hood sides are the two panels that make up the front part of a car’s body. People sometimes paint or decorate them to look cool."}},{"startTime":86.4,"endTime":90.0,"type":"brand","title":"WeatherTech","url":"/glossary/weather-tech","quote":"[86.4s] by WeatherTech. WeatherTech's roof basket increases vehicle storage capacity.","canonicalId":"brand:weather-tech","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"WeatherTech is a company that designs and manufactures aftermarket accessories for vehicles, such as roof racks, cargo organizers, and protective covers.","simplifiedExplanation":"WeatherTech makes parts that help you carry more stuff on your car, like roof racks and storage boxes."}},{"startTime":245.4,"endTime":260.8,"type":"brand","title":"Viper","url":"/glossary/viper","quote":"[245.4s] oilandwiskey.com, 35% off of all merch. That free Viper chair, dude, that's quite the piece","canonicalId":"brand:viper","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Viper is a high-performance sports car brand originally produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) and later by Chrysler. The Viper line is known for its powerful V8 engines, lightweight construction, and aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Viper is a famous American sports car brand that makes fast, powerful cars. It’s known for its big engines and sharp looks."}},{"startTime":314.2,"endTime":318.5,"type":"car","title":"69 Chevelle","url":"/cars/chevrolet/chevelle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/1970_Chevrolet_Chevelle_Malibu_4-dr%2C_front_left.jpg","quote":"69 Chevelle. Yeah. The white 69 Chevelle with the blue stripes.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:chevelle","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful V8 engines and aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 1969 Chevelle is a popular old American muscle car that was famous for its strong engine and bold look.","imageAttribution":"Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":403.7,"endTime":406.0,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Chevelle","url":"/cars/chevrolet/chevelle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/1970_Chevrolet_Chevelle_Malibu_4-dr%2C_front_left.jpg","quote":"So yeah, I learned a lot about Chevelle's doing this one and I like them.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:chevelle","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car produced by General Motors from 1964 to 1977, known for its powerful V8 engines and aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevelle is a popular muscle car from the 1960s and 70s, famous for its strong V8 engine and bold look. It’s a classic car that many enthusiasts enjoy restoring.","imageAttribution":"Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":917.7,"endTime":921.0,"type":"part","title":"windshield wipers","url":"/glossary/windshield-wipers","quote":"[917.7s] well, any questions I can answer for you? Let me tell you about the windshield wipers.","canonicalId":"part:windshield-wipers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Windshield wipers are the rubber blades that sweep rain, snow, and debris off a car’s windshield to keep the driver’s view clear. They are driven by an electric motor and controlled by a switch inside the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Windshield wipers are the parts that wipe rain and snow off your car’s front window so you can see where you’re driving. They are powered by a small motor inside the car."}},{"startTime":1057.2,"endTime":1062.7,"type":"concept","title":"SEMA","url":"/glossary/sema","quote":"I go to SEMA, as long as it's worthwhile. I like to get in somebody's booth if I'm going to go...","canonicalId":"concept:sema","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is a large annual trade show in Las Vegas that showcases aftermarket automotive parts, accessories, and custom car culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"SEMA is a big event where people who make car parts and accessories show off their products. It’s like a huge auto fair that happens every year in Las Vegas."}},{"startTime":1396.1,"endTime":1400.0,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 488","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Aston_Martin_Vantage%2C_Porsche_911_RSR_%26_Ferrari_488_GTE_%2838416974291%29.jpg","quote":"...and then there's four other guys that are cooler. Kind of F eight and a 488.","canonicalId":"car:porsche-488","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 488 is a high‑performance version of the 911, introduced in 2015, featuring a twin‑turbine flat‑six engine producing up to 620 horsepower.","simplifiedExplanation":"Porsche 488 is a fast German sports car that many people dream of owning. It’s part of the famous 911 family and is known for its speed.","imageAttribution":"emperornie (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":1396.1,"endTime":1400.0,"type":"car","title":"Ferrari F8","url":"/cars/ferrari/f8-tributo","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/2020_Ferrari_F8_Tributo_3.9.jpg","quote":"...and then there's four other guys that are cooler. Kind of F eight and a 488.","canonicalId":"car:ferrari:f8-tributo","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Ferrari F8 Tributo is a mid‑engined sports car introduced in 2019, featuring a 3.9L twin‑turbine V8 that produces around 710 horsepower.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari F8 is a very fast, expensive Italian sports car that many people want to own. It’s known for its powerful engine and sleek design.","imageAttribution":"Sam N (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1817.0,"endTime":1825.2,"type":"car","title":"Ford 1937 slantback coupe","quote":"See, he had a 37 Ford slant back with a 283 that pulled the wheels off the ground.","canonicalId":"car:ford-1937-slantback-coupe","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The 1937 Ford slantback coupe was a compact, lightweight car known for its distinctive slanted rear window and sporty handling. It was popular among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and affordability.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a classic Ford car from 1937 with a slanted rear window. It was a small, fun-to-drive vehicle that many people still enjoy today."}},{"startTime":1898.5,"endTime":1904.0,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Bell Air 53","quote":"He had an old truck and then, remember, there was two bell-airs in the fence row, 53 and 54 Chevy bell-air hardtops.","canonicalId":"car:chevy-bell-air-53","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Bell Air 53 is a mid‑1950s American hardtop coupe known for its distinctive chrome trim and roomy interior. It was part of Chevrolet’s “Bell Air” line, which offered a more upscale look compared to the standard Bel Air models.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevy Bell Air 53 is a classic American car from the 1950s. It’s a stylish, roomy coupe that many collectors love for its shiny chrome and comfortable ride."}},{"startTime":1898.5,"endTime":1904.0,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Bell Air 54","quote":"He had an old truck and then, remember, there was two bell-airs in the fence row, 53 and 54 Chevy bell-air hardtops.","canonicalId":"car:chevy-bell-air-54","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Bell Air 54 is a slightly newer version of the mid‑1950s hardtop coupe, featuring updated styling cues and improved interior amenities. It shares many mechanical components with the 53 but offers a more modern look for its era.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevy Bell Air 54 is another classic American car from the 1950s. It’s similar to the 53 but has a few newer design touches and is also prized by collectors."}},{"startTime":2045.3,"endTime":2050.0,"type":"term","title":"stick welding","url":"/glossary/stick-welding","quote":"[2045.3s] well, I've never stick welded my whole life. But that's what he had. And I would watch [2049.3s] him do it.","canonicalId":"term:stick-welding","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Stick welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to lay the weld. The electrode melts and forms a weld pool, which solidifies into a strong joint.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stick welding is a way to join metal pieces together using a special stick that melts and fuses the metals. It’s common in repair work because it can be done on a variety of surfaces."}},{"startTime":2606.8,"endTime":2610.0,"type":"part","title":"C notch","url":"/glossary/c-notch","quote":"[2606.8s] like a team because he didn't have a project. And then we did a C notch in the back.","canonicalId":"part:c-notch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A C‑notch is a cut or indentation in the rear of a vehicle’s chassis that allows the frame to be split and reassembled, often used in custom truck builds to accommodate larger wheels or suspension upgrades.","simplifiedExplanation":"A C‑notch is a small cut in the back of a truck’s frame that lets builders make changes to the rear part of the car, like adding bigger wheels or better suspension."}},{"startTime":2799.5,"endTime":2807.0,"type":"car","title":"60 Volkswagen truck","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Food_Truck_Amelie_01.jpg","quote":"First vehicle I got to work on there was a 60 Volkswagen truck. And it was just a real basic restoration.","canonicalId":"car:60-volkswagen-truck","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A 1960s Volkswagen commercial truck, often used for light-duty work and known for its simple, boxy design.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a truck made by Volkswagen in 1960. It’s a small, sturdy vehicle that people used for moving stuff around town.","imageAttribution":"Fakia (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":3910.7,"endTime":3915.2,"type":"part","title":"exhaust system","url":"/glossary/exhaust-system","quote":"I remember I did some little jobs here and there exhaust system, kick my butt first exhaust system I ever did out of mandrel bent tubing.","canonicalId":"part:exhaust-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The exhaust system is the set of components that carry engine exhaust gases out of a vehicle, including headers, catalytic converters, mufflers, and tailpipes.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s the part of a car that lets the gases from the engine leave safely and quietly, like the pipes you see on the back of a car."}},{"startTime":4058.8,"endTime":4064.0,"type":"part","title":"laser cutter","url":"/glossary/laser-cutter","quote":"[4058.8s] basically, I mean, that was before laser cutters and plasma cutters.","canonicalId":"part:laser-cutter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A laser cutter uses a focused beam of light to precisely cut or engrave materials, commonly used in automotive fabrication for creating custom panels or components.","simplifiedExplanation":"A laser cutter is a machine that uses a powerful light beam to cut shapes out of metal or other materials, helping builders make parts exactly the way they need."}},{"startTime":4058.8,"endTime":4064.0,"type":"part","title":"plasma cutter","url":"/glossary/plasma-cutter","quote":"[4058.8s] basically, I mean, that was before laser cutters and plasma cutters.","canonicalId":"part:plasma-cutter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A plasma cutter uses ionized gas (plasma) to melt and remove metal, allowing quick cutting of thick sheets in automotive repair or fabrication.","simplifiedExplanation":"A plasma cutter is a tool that shoots a hot gas to slice through metal, making it easier to cut out parts for cars."}},{"startTime":4094.8,"endTime":4102.2,"type":"part","title":"TIG welder","url":"/glossary/tig-welder","quote":"[4094.8s] pull max all the edges a quarter round and then TIG weld it all together.","canonicalId":"part:tig-welder","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert gas to produce precise, high-quality welds on thin or delicate automotive parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"A TIG welder is a machine that uses a special metal tip and gas to melt metal together, giving clean and strong welds for car parts."}},{"startTime":4650.9,"endTime":4661.8,"type":"term","title":"hot rod","url":"/glossary/hot-rod","quote":"[4650.9s] And so and then, you know, Harold Chapman, he's a hot rod the band is he made it really easy to","canonicalId":"term:hot-rod","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A hot rod is a custom-built or heavily modified car, typically from the 1940s-1960s era, designed for high performance and often featuring a powerful engine, lightweight chassis, and aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hot rod is a classic car that people have taken apart and rebuilt to make it faster or look cooler. It’s usually a vintage car with a big engine and lots of custom parts."}},{"startTime":6610.1,"endTime":6625.0,"type":"brand","title":"Pole Max","url":"/glossary/pole-max","quote":"pole max firewall pole max class, how to build a custom firewall, how to build custom floor pans","canonicalId":"brand:pole-max","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Pole Max is a specialty company that designs and manufactures custom firewalls, floor pans, and other aftermarket parts for cars, especially performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pole Max makes custom pieces that fit inside cars, like special panels for the floor and walls of the engine bay. They’re popular with people who want a unique look or extra protection."}},{"startTime":6753.2,"endTime":6763.6,"type":"part","title":"splash pan","url":"/glossary/splash-pan","quote":"I don't want to teach anything that's just on the bench or in thin air like that splash pan. You got to make something fit something.","canonicalId":"part:splash-pan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A splash pan is a metal or plastic tray mounted under the engine that collects oil, coolant, and other fluids that may leak from components. It protects the vehicle’s underbody from damage and keeps the engine bay cleaner.","simplifiedExplanation":"A splash pan is a small container under the engine that catches any oil or coolant that might spill out. It keeps the car’s underside clean and prevents fluids from damaging parts."}},{"startTime":8100.1,"endTime":8104.4,"type":"concept","title":"one eighth scale","url":"/glossary/one-eighth-scale","quote":"I really wanted to do the fenders on this 36 Ford. And it's one eighth scale.","canonicalId":"concept:one-eighth-scale","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A scale model where each dimension is one eighth of the real vehicle’s size.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the model is 1/8th as big as the real car, so a 4‑foot car becomes about 6 inches long."}},{"startTime":9099.3,"endTime":9101.0,"type":"part","title":"Pro charger","url":"/glossary/pro-charger","quote":"[9099.3s] Yeah, it's a pro charger. Independent rear.","canonicalId":"part:pro-charger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A Pro charger is a high‑power electric vehicle charging unit designed for fast, efficient recharging of battery packs. It typically supports multiple connectors and can deliver several kilowatts of power.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Pro charger is a big, fast charger that lets electric cars plug in and get charged quickly. It can handle lots of power so the car doesn’t wait long to be ready again."}},{"startTime":9141.9,"endTime":9153.2,"type":"concept","title":"wheel flares","url":"/glossary/wheel-flares","quote":"Flares are sick on this. It looks good. Customer specified he wanted round wheel flares when he brought us the truck.","canonicalId":"concept:wheel-flares","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Wheel flares are metal extensions that wrap around the wheel arches, giving a vehicle a wider stance and protecting the body from debris.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wheel flares are metal pieces that go around the wheels to make a car look bigger and keep dirt from getting in."}},{"startTime":9336.5,"endTime":9339.0,"type":"part","title":"struts","url":"/glossary/struts","quote":"I see like some big struts in the front. Trailblazer.","canonicalId":"part:struts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Struts are suspension components that combine a shock absorber and a structural support, helping to control vehicle body movement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Struts are parts in a car’s suspension that keep the wheels stable and absorb bumps, making the ride smoother."}},{"startTime":9654.1,"endTime":9663.4,"type":"term","title":"galvanized","url":"/glossary/galvanized","quote":"So you got to get the galvanizing off before you start tig welding. So it's already thin and","canonicalId":"term:galvanized","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Galvanization is a process that coats metal, usually steel or iron, with zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial barrier, sacrificing itself before the underlying metal corrodes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Galvanized means the metal has a protective zinc coating that helps keep it from rusting. It’s like giving the metal a shield against moisture and salt."}},{"startTime":9854.4,"endTime":9860.0,"type":"brand","title":"Pontiac","url":"/glossary/pontiac","quote":"It's Pontiac. It's grand, it's a grand am or grand prix.","canonicalId":"brand:pontiac","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Pontiac was a brand of General Motors that produced cars from 1926 to 2010, known for sporty styling and affordable performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pontiac was a popular American car brand that made cars like the Grand Am and Bonneville. It’s no longer sold but has a dedicated fan base."}},{"startTime":10639.7,"endTime":10640.76,"type":"brand","title":"Invicta","url":"/glossary/invicta","quote":"Like an Invicta.","canonicalId":"brand:invicta","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Invicta was a special edition or trim level of Buick cars, often featuring unique styling and upgraded features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Invicta is a fancy name Buick used for some of its cars, giving them extra style and sometimes better parts."}},{"startTime":10815.9,"endTime":10817.0,"type":"part","title":"air ride","url":"/glossary/air-ride","quote":"Maybe I wouldn't do the air ride. I just let him do like he did on that Cadillac and just walk away.","canonicalId":"part:air-ride","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An air ride suspension uses airbags or air springs instead of traditional steel coil springs to absorb bumps and provide a smoother ride.","simplifiedExplanation":"An air ride is a type of suspension that uses air-filled bags to keep the car level and comfortable, instead of metal springs."}},{"startTime":11655.6,"endTime":11657.72,"type":"part","title":"four post lift","url":"/glossary/four-post-lift","quote":"He had, you know, they only had a four post lift.","canonicalId":"part:four-post-lift","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A four‑post lift is a type of hydraulic suspension system that raises a vehicle by using four separate hydraulic cylinders—one under each wheel. It allows the car to be lifted and lowered smoothly, often used for off‑road or heavy‑duty applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"A four post lift is a way to raise a car using four hydraulic arms, one on each corner. It lets you lift the whole vehicle up and down easily, which is handy for big trucks or off‑road cars."}},{"startTime":11891.6,"endTime":11915.0,"type":"brand","title":"Chrysler","url":"/glossary/chrysler","quote":"In that 75 Chrysler, Broam, what was the go to CD to listen to?","canonicalId":"brand:chrysler","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer known for producing a range of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The brand has a long history dating back to the early 20th century.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chrysler makes cars and trucks in the U.S. It’s a well-known American brand that has been around for many years."}},{"startTime":12379.2,"endTime":12382.5,"type":"car","title":"Camaro SS","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/2017_Chevrolet_Camaro_SS_Convertible.jpg","quote":"[12379.2s] So Camaro SS was a connoisseur's car.","canonicalId":"car:camaro-ss","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Camaro SS (Super Sport) is a high‑performance trim of the Camaro, equipped with larger engines, upgraded suspension, and more aggressive styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Camaro SS is a faster version of the Chevy Camaro, with stronger engines and better handling. It’s popular among car enthusiasts.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"ROADSTERSHOP","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/levi-green-of-hammerfab/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}