Scouting Overcrest / How to Break Everything
About this episode
Sold a Porsche Macan, then the conversation spirals into what “cars have soul” really means—anthropomorphism vs. the character you get when analog machines break and force stories. That idea turns into hands-on scouting and rally logistics across Northern California’s remote Emerald Triangle and Humboldt County, where navigation tools, damaged roads, and improvised repairs (from shocks to bumpers) decide whether you keep moving. The hosts also unpack “mechanical sympathy,” DIY maintenance, and why they don’t scout alone.
Kris recaps scouting Northern California's Lost Coast for the fall Overcrest Rally on remote Emerald Triangle backroads, small-town characters, and a 1983 Mercedes R107 280 SL on some of the most isolated roads in the country. Plus, Jake on Teslas, soul, and whether a new car can ever earn one. (it can't, probably)
Support this Show:
https://www.patreon.com/overcrest
Porsche Macan
"What did you sell? I sold the Macan. Sold the Macan."
The Porsche Macan is a luxury SUV, meaning it’s a bigger, higher-riding car with comfort features. It’s made by Porsche and is designed to drive more like a performance car than a typical family SUV. The podcast mentions it because someone sold their Macan.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV known for its sporty driving feel and strong performance for its class. It’s often discussed because it blends everyday practicality with a more performance-oriented setup, making it a popular choice for buyers who want an SUV that still feels engaging to drive. In the podcast, it’s mentioned simply as something that was sold, highlighting its role as a personal vehicle choice.
new cars don't have soul
"which is like new cars don't have soul, right? [97.3s] They don't have identity. [98.3s] We've talked about it, especially the lecture."
They’re talking about the idea that some cars feel special in a way you can’t measure—like they have “personality.” They’re saying newer cars might not feel that way, but maybe some will win people over later.
“Soul” is a fan term for the intangible character a car feels like it has—things like personality, feedback, and emotional connection. The hosts argue that newer cars may lack that identity, while leaving open the possibility that some future cars could earn it.
Tesla
"So as you know, we have the Tesla and it's parked down in like the detached garage. And so just the other day, oh, first of all, do you know that it's named"
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. In this story, they mention their Tesla sitting in a garage as context for what they’re about to say.
Tesla is the electric-vehicle brand known for building battery-electric cars and pushing software-driven features. Here, the hosts reference a Tesla parked in a detached garage, using it as part of their story about how cars gain (or don’t gain) “soul” over time.
personification
"What is the words like when you humanize human eyes and inanimate object. What is that called? Yeah, that's personification personifying."
Personification means giving human traits to something that isn’t human. In this case, they’re talking about treating a car like it’s a person by naming it.
Personification is a writing/communication term for treating something non-human (like an object or concept) as if it has human qualities. Here, they’re discussing the idea of “humanizing” a car by naming it.
summon mode
"Anyways, Clark likes to party and Tesla does the stupid like party dance thing you can do, you know, or like blinks, lights and opens the doors and windows. And so we had never done the summon mode, you know, where you can see the stupid"
Summon mode is a Tesla feature that lets you move your car using the phone app. It’s meant for slow, controlled parking situations rather than driving normally.
Summon mode is a Tesla feature that uses the car’s software to move the vehicle remotely under certain conditions. It’s typically used for low-speed parking maneuvers when you’re near the car or have line-of-sight, depending on the specific Tesla model and software version.
open the garage door remotely
"So open the garage door remotely and like start driving the car and Rett's watching and it goes down the driveway."
It means using an app or remote control to open your garage door from somewhere else. People do this with smart-home setups so they can move the car without walking over first.
This describes using a phone/app or smart-home control to operate the garage door without being physically at the door. In car ownership, it’s often paired with remote car access so you can move the vehicle before you’re fully present.
plug it in
"But then we like the next day we go to plug it in and Rett goes, oh, that's such a good idea."
“Plug it in” means connecting the car to a charger to add battery power. It’s the normal charging step for electric cars.
“Plug it in” refers to charging an electric vehicle by connecting it to a charger. The next-day comment implies the car is electric and that charging is part of the routine after the earlier remote-driving attempt.
Chevrolet C10
"[545.2s] So I will say his favorite vehicle to drive around though is the C 10. [552.0s] That's probably because windows and he has to do it and he can open the wing window himself"
“C 10” sounds like a classic Chevrolet pickup truck. The host is saying their son loves driving it because it’s easy to interact with inside—like being able to open the window—and it’s a fun, tactile experience.
“C 10” is shorthand for the Chevrolet C10 pickup, a classic American truck known for its simple, mechanical feel and strong enthusiast following. In this segment, it’s described as the host’s son’s favorite vehicle to drive around, tied to the truck’s cabin layout and the way the child can interact with it (like opening the wing window).
wing window
"[552.0s] That's probably because windows and he has to do it and he can open the wing window himself [557.9s] and he gets to sit in the front bench seat because there's only a front bench seat."
A wing window is a small window that can open on a hinge, usually near the front side of the door. The host mentions it because the kid can open it themselves, making the car feel more fun and interactive.
A wing window is a small, hinged side window (often near the front of the door) that opens outward. It’s a common feature on older trucks and cars, and in this segment it’s used to explain why the child enjoys interacting with the vehicle.
front bench seat
"[557.9s] and he gets to sit in the front bench seat because there's only a front bench seat [562.1s] Yeah."
A front bench seat is one long seat across the front of the vehicle. In this case, the host is saying the truck only has that bench seat, so the kid gets to sit in the front in a way that feels different from a car with separate bucket seats.
A front bench seat is a single wide seat in the front row that can accommodate more than one person. The host uses it to describe the truck’s interior layout and why it’s especially engaging for a child to sit in.
engine
"[566.6s] Your engine. [567.2s] I'm taking him with him."
They’re talking about the engine as the part of the car that you can feel and notice. The point here is that it creates a more “real” connection for the kid than a more hands-off, appliance-style vehicle.
In this context, “engine” is being treated as a physical, sensory part of the experience—something the child can notice and connect with. The host contrasts that with the more appliance-like feel they attribute to the Tesla.
mechanical sympathy
"And I and I went through this a little bit and one of the articles I just wrote about mechanical sympathy is I don't think that people."
“Mechanical sympathy” means you drive and maintain your car in a way that respects how the parts work. Instead of beating on it or ignoring warning signs, you treat it gently so it lasts longer.
“Mechanical sympathy” is the idea of treating a car’s mechanical parts with care—understanding how they wear, how they respond to stress, and avoiding abusive driving or neglect. It’s often used by enthusiasts to describe a mindset that helps prevent unnecessary damage and keeps older cars feeling right.
oil
"Mrs. producer can change her own oil. You know what I mean?"
Oil is what keeps the engine parts from grinding against each other. Changing it regularly helps the engine stay healthy.
Oil is the car’s lubricating fluid that reduces friction between moving engine parts and helps carry heat away. The episode mentions changing oil as an example of doing basic maintenance yourself.
top end
"and it was, would be the engine that I sourced and I found and I put in [768.0s] and maybe I did a top end on it and it took me more time and."
“Top end” is a common shorthand for engine work near the top of the motor, like the cylinder head and valves. It’s typically done when the problem is in that upper part rather than the crankshaft area.
“Top end” usually means work focused on the upper portion of the engine—commonly the cylinder head, valves, and related valvetrain components. It’s often done when wear or performance issues are concentrated above the bottom end (crankshaft/rods).
FCP Euro
"the best place to go to get started as FCP Euro, which of course is [806.3s] the online retailer for OEM, genuine aftermarket and performance parts for [810.2s] your European cars."
FCP Euro is a parts website that specializes in European car brands. The hosts mention it because it makes it easier to find the right parts for common jobs like oil changes.
FCP Euro is an online retailer focused on European cars, selling OEM parts, genuine aftermarket parts, and performance parts. In this segment, they’re presented as a starting point for sourcing maintenance and upgrade components without guessing.
crush washer
"Oh, I need the crush washer. [858.9s] I like to use a particular oil. [861.1s] I like a particular oil filter."
A crush washer is a thin gasket that seals the oil drain plug. It gets squished when you tighten the plug, so it’s often replaced each time you change the oil to prevent leaks.
A crush washer is a soft metal gasket used on drain plugs (and sometimes other fittings) that deforms when tightened to create a leak-proof seal. Because it’s designed to compress, it’s commonly replaced during oil changes.
brake pads
"And yes, that even includes wear items like wiper blades, brake pads or oil filters. [880.0s] So check them out. [881.2s] FCP Euro dot com."
Brake pads are the parts that squeeze against the brake rotors to slow the car down. They wear out over time, so they usually need replacement eventually.
Brake pads are the friction material clamped by the calipers to slow the car. They wear down with use, so they’re a common “wear item” that needs periodic replacement.
wiper blades
"And yes, that even includes wear items like wiper blades, brake pads or oil filters. [880.0s] So check them out. [881.2s] FCP Euro dot com."
Wiper blades are the part that actually touches your windshield. Over time they wear out, and when they do, they can smear or leave streaks so you can’t see as well.
Wiper blades are the rubber/silicone contact parts on a windshield wiper system. They’re considered wear items because they degrade over time and can streak or reduce visibility in rain.
polish
"Look how nice this car cleaned up with a little bit of a polish. [919.6s] You have to get that. [920.5s] It looks really good there."
Car polish is a paint-care product used to improve gloss and remove light surface imperfections. It’s typically used after washing and can make older paint look “shiny” again by leveling the clear coat’s surface.
GMC high country
"But on that road, I met a, this guy who was driving like a brand new GMC, [1229.2s] high country, black truck. [1232.0s] Nice."
High Country is a nicer trim level on some GMC trucks. It usually means the truck is equipped more like a premium version, and the host is pointing out the guy was driving a new, upscale GMC.
The GMC High Country is a trim level from GMC that’s typically positioned as a more upscale, comfort-focused version of certain GMC trucks. In this segment, the host uses it to describe a “brand new” black truck they encountered on the road.
shock
"So I drive up and I'm like, oh, the car is kind of doing like a whoo, whoo, whoo, like the shock is floating. Yeah, I'm like, Larsen, you blew the frickin' shock."
A “shock” is a suspension part that helps the car stay controlled over bumps. If it’s blown, the car can start bouncing or wobbling because it can’t calm the suspension movement.
In this context, “shock” means a shock absorber (part of the suspension) that controls how the car moves over bumps. When the shock is blown, the suspension can’t dampen movement, so the car may bounce or feel like it’s “floating.”
Bill Stein
"And my plan was these are these are Coney shocks, which I. I prefer Bill Stein myself, but the bottom of the shock is a Coney"
They mention “Bill Stein” as their preferred shock brand. With shocks, brand choice can affect how the car rides and how easily the parts fit your suspension.
Bill Stein appears to be the speaker’s preferred shock brand. In suspension talk, the brand often implies a particular valving/ride character and—just as importantly—availability of correct mounting hardware for a given car.
U shaped bracket
"Just normal, but on a Mercedes, it has like a little U shaped bracket that bolts to that and then it goes into the control arm."
The “U shaped bracket” is the specific mounting hardware the speaker describes on the Mercedes. It bolts to the shock/strut connection point and then interfaces with the suspension linkages, which is why some shocks can be adapted while others can’t.
control arms
"that bolts to that and then it goes into the control arm. So it's something that you can take off."
The control arm is a main suspension link that holds the wheel in the right position. Shocks and other parts often connect to it, so the mounting points matter.
A control arm (often called an A-arm) is a suspension link that locates the wheel and controls its movement. The shock/strut and other components can mount to the control arm, so the bracket and bolt points determine whether a shock can be swapped or adapted.
air conditioning (AC)
"You know, I grumpy Chris air conditioning, which I fixed later was not great because the, I mean, God bless me, have an air conditioning in the first place. But the auxiliary fan wasn't working."
Car air conditioning is the system that cools the cabin. If parts that help it cool—like fans—aren’t working, the A/C won’t blow cold air properly.
In cars, air conditioning (A/C) is a closed-loop system that removes heat from the cabin using a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. When cooling fans or electrical control issues prevent airflow, A/C performance can drop significantly.
auxiliary fan
"because the, I mean, God bless me, have an air conditioning in the first place. But the auxiliary fan wasn't working. Someone had disconnected the ground from the relay."
An auxiliary fan is an extra cooling fan that helps pull heat away from the car. If it’s not working, the car and/or the air conditioning can’t cool as well because hot air isn’t being pushed out.
An auxiliary fan is an extra cooling fan (separate from the main engine cooling fan) used to move air through the radiator/condenser or cool specific components. If it doesn’t run, the car can overheat or the A/C can struggle because heat isn’t being removed efficiently.
ground from the relay
"But the auxiliary fan wasn't working. Someone had disconnected the ground from the relay. So the fan wouldn't kick on like, come on people."
A relay is like an electrical switch that turns a fan on. If the ground wire for that relay is disconnected, the switch can’t work, so the fan stays off.
A relay is an electrically controlled switch that powers a high-current load like a fan. The “ground” is the electrical return path; if the ground to the relay is disconnected, the relay may never energize, so the fan won’t turn on.
1983 Mercedes SL
"So I go in, I said, Hey, do you have a strut for a 1983 Mercedes SL? And no, no, they did not."
A Mercedes SL from 1983 is an older Mercedes roadster. Here, the host is talking about trying to find a suspension part for it—something called a strut.
The 1983 Mercedes SL is a classic Mercedes-Benz roadster/coupe line known for its luxury touring focus and convertible top (depending on the specific SL variant). In this segment, it matters because the host is trying to source suspension parts—specifically a strut—for that era of SL.
strut
"Hey, do you have a strut for a 1983 Mercedes SL? And no, no, they did not. Yeah, there's me taking a look at something right next to the dumpster"
A strut is part of a car’s suspension that helps smooth out bumps and keeps the wheels planted. It’s also a structural piece that connects the suspension to the car.
A strut is a suspension component that combines a shock absorber with a structural mounting point. On many cars, it helps control ride and steering stability while also supporting the weight of the vehicle.
Napa
"Yeah. Napa. Don't care."
NAPA is a place that sells car parts. The host is basically saying they don’t care where they get it—they just need the part.
NAPA is an aftermarket auto-parts retailer and brand that supplies replacement parts and tools for many vehicle makes and models. In this context, the host is referencing where they might source the suspension part (the strut).
plastic bushing
"It was just that little plastic bushing spinning. The stupidest of stupid. Yeah."
A bushing is a small cushion between parts. If it gets loose or fails, it can cause rattling or rubbing when you drive over bumps.
A bushing is a soft mounting piece that reduces vibration and allows small movement between parts. If a bushing spins or fails, it can let suspension components rub against the wheel or body, creating noise and wear.
reinforce this stuff on rally cars
"He's like, yeah, that's, that's why they reinforce this stuff on rally cars. They just had to read, they just reinforced it. And I'm like, oh, well, that's great."
Rally cars are built to survive rough roads and big hits. So they add extra strengthening around the suspension and body areas so parts don’t rip loose.
Rally cars often get extra reinforcement in suspension mounting and structural areas because they see repeated impacts, high loads, and rough surfaces. Reinforcement helps prevent sheet metal and mounting points from tearing or pulling out.
rust
"But obviously there's, you see, there's rust in there, which is crazy for a, there it is. It just pulled it right out, just pulled it straight out."
Rust is metal corrosion. If it shows up in important mounting areas, it can make the metal weak enough for parts to tear loose.
Rust is corrosion that eats into metal, weakening structural parts over time. When rust appears around suspension mounting areas, it can allow components to pull out or fail under load.
alternator
"someone's car died in like Madison, need an alternator."
The alternator is the part that makes electricity while the engine is running. If it’s bad, the car can lose power and won’t keep running for long.
An alternator is the engine-driven generator that powers a car’s electrical system and recharges the battery. If the alternator fails, the car may “die” because the battery can only supply power for a limited time.
Madison
"I remember back in the day when Euro works was around. I remember taking someone's, someone's car died in like Madison, need an alternator."
Madison is the place they’re talking about where the car broke down. It’s used to show how far they went to get the repair done.
Madison is referenced as the location where the host helped with a car that needed an alternator. The segment uses it as a real-world example of how far someone drove to fix a breakdown.
16 valve
"And it was a, it was like a 16 valve and I had one."
“16 valve” means the engine has 16 valves total. Valves help control airflow into and out of the engine, which can affect how the engine runs.
“16 valve” refers to an engine with 16 total valves—typically 4 per cylinder on a multi-cylinder engine. Valve count affects how the engine breathes (airflow), which can influence responsiveness and power potential.
bottomed out
"I remember going over one dip and I just, the whole bottom of the car bottomed out just like oil pan. You can just tell it just got absolutely railed."
“Bottomed out” means the suspension got fully compressed and the car slammed down. When that happens, parts underneath can hit the ground and get damaged.
“Bottomed out” means the suspension compresses to its limit and the car’s underbody contacts the road. That’s a common way to damage components like the oil pan, exhaust, or floor, especially when shocks/struts or springs are missing or worn.
washers
"And I'm looking at the washer that goes on top of the strut. [2817.6s] And I set it in there and it's absolutely perfect."
In this context, the washer is a suspension mounting hardware piece that sits between the strut and the body. Its job is to spread load and help the strut sit at the correct location and height so the suspension can function as designed.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
"...he was a test pilot in the Korean War and a, wow, phantoms and he flew all kinds of other things. And he was..."
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a very large, very luxurious car made for comfort and a smooth ride. It’s known for being a top-tier model from Rolls-Royce. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because the word “Phantom” is being talked about in connection with aircraft.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a full-size luxury sedan that’s built for maximum comfort, quietness, and prestige. It’s significant because it represents the brand’s flagship approach to high-end motoring, and it often comes up in stories where the name “Phantom” is used as a reference point. In the podcast context, the Phantom name is likely being discussed for its connection to the “phantoms” aircraft reference rather than specific car details.
large sidewalls
"Because I had no, I had large sidewalls and I had Nokia tires."
The sidewall is the part of the tire that’s between the wheel and the tread. A taller (bigger) sidewall can act like a cushion over bumps and potholes, which helps on rough rally-style roads.
“Sidewalls” are the vertical rubber sections on the tire between the tread and the wheel. “Large sidewalls” usually means a taller tire profile, which can better absorb impacts and reduce the chance of punctures or damage on rough roads.
Nokia tires
"Because I had no, I had large sidewalls and I had Nokia tires."
They’re talking about tires from Nokia. In this story, the point is that these tires are built to handle rough roads better and help prevent flats.
“Nokia tires” refers to tires made by Nokia (as a tire brand/line in this context). The speaker is specifically tying Nokia’s tire construction to puncture resistance via large sidewalls and aramid sidewalls.
Aramid sidewalls
"Yeah. [3571.7s] Aramid sidewalls. [3573.5s] That's right."
Aramid is a very tough material that can be built into the tire’s sidewall. The idea is that it helps the tire resist cuts and punctures when you’re driving over rough stuff.
Aramid sidewalls use aramid fibers (a strong, heat- and impact-resistant material) in the tire’s construction to improve puncture resistance and toughness. In rally/off-road contexts, this is meant to help protect the tire when you hit sharp rocks or debris.
50,000 mile replacement guarantee
"[3573.5s] Nokia has also a 50,000 mile replacement guarantee."
That phrase means the tire company promises to replace the tire if something happens within a certain mileage range (here, 50,000 miles). It’s basically a coverage promise to the buyer.
A “50,000 mile replacement guarantee” is a warranty-style promise that provides replacement coverage for a tire within a stated mileage limit. It’s being used here as evidence that the tire is designed to survive long use and potential damage scenarios.
puncture
"If you had have, if you had damaged your tire, Breon repair, such as could have [3585.1s] easily happened with the bumper and strut, I'm kind of surprised that didn't [3588.9s] add a puncture or anything."
A puncture is when the tire gets pierced by something sharp, causing air to leak. That’s what leads to flats in many cases.
A “puncture” is when something sharp pierces the tire tread or sidewall, creating a leak that can lead to a flat. The speaker is saying that even though they were at risk of damage (bumper/strut contact), they didn’t experience a puncture.
ASO
"Yes. [3605.4s] Yes. [3605.7s] ASO. [3606.2s] Surpass ASO one."
ASO is the name of a tire type/line the hosts are talking about. They’re saying it’s designed to handle a mix of conditions, not just one kind of driving.
ASO here refers to a specific tire line/model the hosts are discussing. It’s positioned as a tire that blends traits from multiple tire categories rather than being a single-purpose tire.
dedicated performance tire
"It is a basically an awesome tire that combines both the durability of an all [3615.5s] season tire and the capability of an all season tire with the performance of a [3620.8s] dedicated performance tire."
A dedicated performance tire is made to give better grip and more precise handling. The tradeoff is that it may wear faster and not handle bad weather as well as an all-season tire.
A dedicated performance tire is designed primarily for sharper handling and higher grip, often prioritizing dry traction and responsiveness. These tires usually trade away some tread life and all-weather capability compared with all-season tires.
summer performance tires
"They're not like a [3657.0s] a super sticky like tire, you know, like a summer performance tire. [3661.7s] They're a great high performance all season tire, which is what I like to use."
A summer performance tire is built for warm weather driving. It usually grips best when it’s hot, but it’s not meant for cold weather or heavy winter conditions.
A summer performance tire is optimized for warm weather, focusing on maximum dry and wet grip and quick steering response. Because rubber compounds and tread designs are tuned for heat, they generally don’t perform as well in cold temperatures or severe winter conditions.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.