Thomas Dickerson | 2025 Oil & Whiskey On The Gas Award
About this episode
Thomas Dickerson shares his journey in the automotive industry, detailing his recent success with his C10 truck showcased at SEMA. He discusses the challenges of building high-quality vehicles, the importance of networking, and the supportive community among builders. Thomas emphasizes the significance of learning from mentors and the value of collaboration in the industry. He also touches on his plans for future projects, including a Corvette build, and the lessons learned from his experiences in both engineering and automotive design.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Thomas Dickerson, the winner of the Oil & Whiskey On The Gas Award.
The award recognizes individuals who are pushing forward, showing consistency, passion, and effort in what they do. Thomas joins us to talk about his path, the mindset behind staying “on the gas,” and what it means to keep moving forward when no one’s watching.
We talk about:
What the On The Gas Award represents
Thomas’s journey and perspective
Staying motivated and consistent over time
Lessons learned through experience
Why momentum matters more than recognition
A grounded conversation about effort, direction, and continuing to push forward.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...hecked Chevelle fenders to make sure they weren't Camaro fenders. When we reassembled it, you're like, th..."
Chevrolet Chevelle
"Like never. I've checked Chevelle fenders to make sure they weren't Camaro fenders...."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car that was made a long time ago, and it's famous for being fast and stylish. People really like the special versions called SS because they are even more powerful and sought after.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1977, known for its powerful performance and classic muscle car appeal. It holds significant value among collectors and enthusiasts, particularly the SS (Super Sport) models, which are celebrated for their speed and style.
Chevrolet C10S
"C10s are a little more forgiving than some of the 50s stuff. Yes. Like 47 to 54 trucks."
The Chevrolet C10 is a type of pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It's loved by many car fans for its classic look and the ability to be modified easily.
The Chevrolet C10 is a series of pickup trucks produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1998. Known for their classic styling and versatility, C10s are popular among enthusiasts for restoration and customization.
Chevrolet 47-54 trucks
"Like 47 to 54 trucks. 47, 54 Chevy will kick your ass trying to get it."
These are older Chevrolet trucks made between 1947 and 1954. They have a unique style but can be harder to drive than newer models.
The Chevrolet trucks produced between 1947 and 1954 are known for their distinctive styling and robust construction. They are often sought after by collectors and restorers, but can be challenging to handle due to their age and design.
Ford F150S
"Yeah, those hoods are. But the F-150s, F-100s are not much better either. No, that's a tough one to build."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people in the U.S. love to buy. It's strong and can be used for many things, like carrying heavy loads or just driving around town.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of America's best-selling vehicles for decades. Known for its durability and versatility, it is often used for both work and personal purposes, making it a popular choice among truck buyers.
SEMA
"...I did not expect that that car would have gone to SEMA."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where people display custom cars and parts. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest in car modifications and accessories.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and custom vehicles. It's a major event for car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Chassisworks
"I was looking at Chris Austin, Chassisworks on their wheel tubs are very basic. I'm like, I don't know if it's going to fit what I want to do."
Chassisworks is a company that makes parts for cars, especially for people who want to customize or improve their vehicles. They focus on things like the frame and suspension.
Chassisworks is a company that specializes in aftermarket chassis components and fabrication parts for custom vehicles. They provide various products that help enthusiasts build or modify their cars for better performance and handling.
bead roller
"...he showed me how to do the wheel tubs and use this power max, the bead roller, a lot of that equipment."
A bead roller is a machine that shapes metal by creating raised edges. It's often used in car customization to make the metal stronger.
A bead roller is a tool used in metalworking to create a raised ridge or bead in sheet metal. This process adds strength and rigidity to the metal, making it useful for custom automotive work.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...I had purchased that 67 fast bag. It was a shell and I knew all the mechanical stuff."
The 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is a famous old car with a unique round shape. It was very popular in the 1960s and is still loved by many car enthusiasts today.
The 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is a classic car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It was part of the iconic Beetle line that became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture.
Gabriel's Engines
"...who ran engine shops, mainly Gabriel's engines who were near me. He did a lot of the dry car stuff, Volkswagen stuff."
Gabriel's Engines is a local shop that works on car engines. They help people fix and build engines for different types of cars, including Volkswagens.
Gabriel's Engines is a local engine shop mentioned in the transcript, known for its work on various automotive projects, including Volkswagen vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"I wanted to basically made that would accommodate 2018 Mustang seats because I want to do a modern seat with the old vintage style on the interior."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for decades. The 2018 version has updated features and a sleek design.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and style. The 2018 model features modern technology and design while retaining the Mustang's iconic look.
Mercedes
"...who used to do this kind of work. He was a tech at Mercedes, but he also like he's got a truck that he's working on..."
Mercedes is a famous car brand that makes luxury cars. They are known for being very well-made and have a lot of advanced features.
Mercedes is a well-known luxury automotive brand that produces high-quality vehicles, known for their performance, safety, and technology.
Buick Grand National
"...going to like show it in February, maybe at like Grand National. And that's, that's a lot of money going out jus..."
The Buick Grand National is a special version of a Buick car that was made in the 1980s. It's famous for being really fast and has a cool black look that many people love.
The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal, produced in the 1980s, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and blacked-out styling. It has become a classic among muscle car enthusiasts for its impressive speed and unique design.
LT4
"...sold him that LT for, I bought two LT for assault him one..."
The LT4 is a powerful engine made by General Motors. It's used in some fast cars and is known for being very strong and efficient.
The LT4 is a supercharged V8 engine produced by General Motors, known for its high performance and power output. It's commonly found in high-performance models like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...his buddy that's got the Corvette that I'm going to be building,..."
The Corvette is a famous sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has a long history in American automotive culture, often associated with speed and performance.
HP tuners
"...you mentioned about tuning and you specifically asked, Hey, what's the deal with HP tuners?"
HP Tuners is a company that makes tools to help car owners change how their engines work. This can make cars faster or more efficient.
HP Tuners is a company that provides tuning software and hardware for automotive enthusiasts, allowing them to modify and optimize the performance of their vehicles. Their products are widely used for adjusting engine parameters and improving vehicle performance.
VCM Suite
"Um, they've got the VCM suite, which is specifically the software package. That's the VCM scanner and VCM editor. That's the diagnose scan review data, recalibrate those modern vehicles."
The VCM Suite is a software program that helps you check and change settings in your car's computer. It helps you fix problems and improve how your car runs.
The VCM Suite is a software package developed by HP Tuners that includes tools for scanning and editing vehicle calibrations. It allows users to diagnose issues and make performance adjustments to modern vehicles.
OBD-II interface
"The MP VI four is the actual interface. That's the newest OBD two interface, which is a great piece that we typically will send out to customers when we deliver cars or we can mail them out as needed because when a car goes to California, if it goes to New York, you don't ever know where it's going and sometimes"
An OBD-II interface is a plug in your car that lets mechanics and tuners connect their tools to check how the car is running and fix any problems. It's like a computer connection for your car.
An OBD-II interface is a standardized connection point in vehicles that allows diagnostic tools to communicate with the car's onboard computer. It is essential for reading error codes and tuning vehicles.
MPVI4
"...with along with that RTD for, which is that remote tuning thing. So you do the MPVI for and the RTD for it allows that person to begin..."
MPVI4 is a tool that helps you change how your car's engine works. It connects to the car and lets you adjust settings to improve performance.
MPVI4 is a device used for vehicle tuning that allows users to modify the engine's performance parameters. It connects to the vehicle's OBD-II port and works in conjunction with software to make adjustments to the engine's ECU.
RTD
"...with along with that RTD for, which is that remote tuning thing. So you do the MPVI for and the RTD for it allows that person to begin..."
RTD is a device that lets you change your car's engine settings from a distance. It works together with another tool called MPVI4.
RTD stands for Remote Tuning Device, which allows users to tune their vehicle's engine remotely. It works with the MPVI4 to provide a convenient way to adjust engine settings without needing to be physically present at a tuning shop.
ECU
"...around the core ECU, which is their newest, fully configurable standalone engine control solution..."
The ECU is like the brain of your car's engine. It controls how the engine runs and can be adjusted for better performance.
ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, which is the computer that manages the engine's performance by controlling various parameters such as fuel injection and ignition timing. A fully configurable standalone ECU allows for extensive customization of these settings.
Core
"...around the core ECU, which is their newest, fully configurable standalone engine control solution..."
Core is a company that makes advanced tools to help improve car engines. They are respected in the car tuning world for their quality work.
Core is a company that specializes in high-performance engine control solutions, including standalone ECUs. They are known for their professionalism and quality in the automotive tuning industry.
BMW New Bmw
"...like, you know, the bell rings and it's like the new BMW one, we cracked it, right? I'm still waiting on t..."
The BMW New Class is a group of cars made by BMW a long time ago that helped the company become well-known for luxury cars. They are important because they introduced new ideas in car design.
The BMW New Class refers to a series of compact sedans produced in the 1960s and 1970s that helped establish BMW as a leading luxury brand. These models are significant for their innovative engineering and design, paving the way for future BMW vehicles.
10-speed transmission
"...tune that LT four with that 10 speed. There's, it's great or it's good..."
A 10-speed transmission is a type of automatic gearbox that has ten different gears. This helps the car accelerate smoothly and can make it more fuel-efficient.
A 10-speed transmission is an automatic transmission that has ten gear ratios, allowing for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to fewer gear ratios. It is commonly used in high-performance vehicles.
throttle response
"...the throttle response and some of the fueling was really, really difficult to work through. It took us some time, but once you sort of master that, it's a lot of torque management on the, on the transmission too, right?"
Throttle response is how fast a car speeds up when you press the gas pedal. If it's good, the car reacts quickly and smoothly.
Throttle response refers to how quickly and effectively an engine responds to the driver's input on the accelerator pedal. A good throttle response means the car accelerates smoothly and predictably when the driver presses the gas pedal.
shrinker
"...the two pieces that you just sort of have to have is going to be a bead roller and a shrink or stretcher..."
A shrinker is a tool that helps make metal pieces smaller by squeezing them. It's used to shape metal for car parts.
A shrinker is a tool used in metal fabrication to reduce the size of a piece of metal by shrinking it. This is particularly useful for creating curves and complex shapes in automotive bodywork.
Mazda Miata
"...Lock cylinder on the Miata jammed up. So I couldn't get the pickleball equipment out of the trunk..."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that's fun to drive. It's known for being light and easy to handle, making it a favorite among people who love driving.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seat roadster known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its debut in the late 1980s, particularly for its affordability and sporty character.
quarter panel
"...I've never built a whole quarter panel from scratch. You know, that's something where we're going to be getting..."
The quarter panel is the part of the car's body that covers the back side, usually near the trunk. If it gets damaged, it might need to be replaced to keep the car looking good and safe.
A quarter panel is the section of a car's body that extends from the rear door to the trunk. It's a crucial part of the vehicle's structure and aesthetics, often needing replacement in collision repairs or restorations.
Pontiac GTO
"...if you want to do a GTO, you want to do a Mustang or a Camaro, let's start with a body..."
The Pontiac GTO is a famous muscle car that was popular in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and having a powerful engine.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It was first introduced in the 1960s and has become a symbol of the muscle car era.
Renault Wind
"...t's just it's nothing wrong with the truck. No, I wind the spanner. Someone's got bust my balls every n..."
The Renault Wind is a small car that can turn into a convertible, meaning you can drive it with the top down. It's designed to be fun to drive and looks stylish.
The Renault Wind is a compact convertible sports car produced from 2010 to 2012, known for its unique design and fun driving experience. It was aimed at drivers looking for an affordable and stylish open-top car.
Roadster Shop
"...we ended up going with Morrison just because the show aspect we knew it was gonna be a show car..."
Roadster Shop is a business that builds special frames and parts for classic cars. They help make these cars faster and better to drive.
Roadster Shop is a company that specializes in custom chassis and performance parts for classic cars. They are known for their high-quality builds and innovative designs, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Plymouth Cuda
"...l look at like, bring out, bring out the G-Force Cuda again. I'll look at it again. It's badass. Yeah...."
The Plymouth Cuda is a classic muscle car that people love for its speed and cool look. It's a favorite among collectors because of its powerful engines.
The Plymouth Cuda, officially known as the Plymouth Barracuda, is a classic muscle car that gained fame for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. It is highly sought after by collectors, especially the high-performance versions.
Pontiac Firebird
"...mple. If Allen would have showed up with Angie's Firebird and also been like, oh dude, you know, we brought..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic car that many people love because it's fast and has a unique look. It was popular in the muscle car days and still has a lot of fans today.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It became an icon of the muscle car era, especially the Trans Am models.
Land Defenders
"...t paint and body. How did you approach the doors defenders on that? Yeah, those trucks, they're not exactly..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough SUV that can go almost anywhere, making it great for outdoor adventures. It looks cool and has a lot of fans who love its classic style.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and iconic design. It has a strong following among adventure enthusiasts and has been reintroduced with modern features while retaining its classic charm.
Ford Edge
"...they're not exactly like, you can lay a straight edge on them, right? They're not meant to be that way..."
The Ford Edge is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive. It comes with many features to keep you safe and entertained on the road.
The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that combines a spacious interior with a comfortable ride. It is designed for families and offers a range of features for safety and entertainment.
Toyota Hilux
"Volvo and sob didn't do a truck. Hilux. Yeah."
The Toyota Hilux is a small truck that is known for being very strong and able to handle rough roads. Many people trust it because it lasts a long time and works well in tough conditions.
The Toyota Hilux is a compact pickup truck renowned for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a strong reputation in various markets, particularly in Australia and Asia, for being reliable and tough.
Honda Ridgeline
"... you were tooling around North Georgia in a Honda Ridgeline. Hell no."
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that drives more like a car, making it comfortable to ride in. It has some cool features, like a special trunk in the bed for extra storage.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique midsize pickup truck known for its car-like ride and innovative features, such as a dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. It offers a comfortable interior and is designed for both utility and everyday use.
Nissan Titan
"What was the full. Nissan Titan. Full size."
The Nissan Titan Crew Cab is a big truck that has a lot of room inside for passengers and cargo. It's built to handle tough jobs and is comfortable for everyday driving.
The Nissan Titan Crew Cab is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust build and spacious interior. It is designed for both work and leisure, offering a strong towing capacity and a comfortable ride.
Toyota Tundra
"2006. Tundra. Oh, I was right there."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck that people use for work and towing things. It's known for being very reliable, so many people trust it to get the job done.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that is known for its reliability and strong performance. It has a reputation for being durable and is often favored for towing and heavy-duty tasks.
Ford GT40
"Maybe GT 40. Yeah GT 40. That's the that's the race car Ford the one they won Le Mans with and all that stuff engines in the back..."
The Ford GT40 is a famous race car that won a big race called Le Mans. It's known for being very fast and having a unique shape.
The Ford GT40 is a high-performance race car that gained fame for its victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. It was designed to compete against Ferrari and is known for its distinctive low profile and powerful engine.
Ford Gt
"I don't know if you know much about the Ford GT's and stuff a little bit I like the A6 GT a frien..."
The Ford GT is a super-fast sports car that looks really cool and is built for racing. It's a special car that many people admire because of its speed and design.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car that pays homage to the original GT40, known for its racing pedigree and stunning design. It features cutting-edge technology and is a symbol of Ford's engineering prowess.
Ford F450
"...can't turn around all this other crowd this guy's f450 sitting there to nowhere in sight not even there..."
The Ford F-450 is a really big truck made for carrying heavy loads and towing things. It's built tough and is often used by businesses that need a powerful vehicle.
The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for extreme towing and hauling capabilities. It is part of Ford's Super Duty lineup and is often used for commercial purposes due to its robust performance.
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