About this episode
Downhill banter kicks off the episode, then the hosts pivot from train-town stories to Jeep ownership realities—projects that stall, budgets that blow up, and hidden damage that forces deeper repairs. The core message lands as “The concept of trusting the process,” backed by examples from diagnostics, long restorations, and rebuilding after setbacks. Along the way, they share community event teases, talk about Jeep projects evolving over years, and close with a question about patience versus instant gratification.
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In this episode the team breaks down why sometimes you just have to trust the process. Sometimes things take longer than expected, but a good process always ends well.
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Acura CSX
"We actually have both At this point in time CSX and Norfolk Southern Running through our town"
The Acura CSX is a compact car made by Acura, which is Honda’s luxury brand. It’s the kind of car you’d see for regular driving, not an off-road or heavy-duty vehicle. In the episode, it’s mentioned because it was spotted in town.
The Acura CSX is a compact car from Acura, typically associated with a sporty, practical layout rather than full-size luxury. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside other vehicles running through town, which points to it being observed in everyday life rather than discussed for performance specs. It’s brought up because it’s a recognizable model that stands out in a local setting.
Right hand drive
"And for those that don't know Right hand drive You kind of get what you get with that"
Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. That’s how many cars are made for countries where people drive on the left.
“Right hand drive” means the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle, with the steering wheel and controls positioned for left-side traffic markets. It’s common in some countries and can affect how a Jeep feels and how easy it is to find parts or service.
fleet inspired paint job
"They're always a mishmash And honestly, most of the time They're like white or red So the fact that she has two That are not just colors Interesting colors I think there was a couple of silvers I think there were silvers in the older models But what I'm saying is more of that fleet Fleet inspired paint job"
A fleet-inspired paint job is a car paint scheme that looks like it came from a company or city vehicle fleet. It usually uses practical, easy-to-spot colors and patterns.
A “fleet inspired paint job” is a livery style that looks like it belongs on vehicles used by fleets (like municipal, utility, or service fleets). It often uses bold, utilitarian color blocking or multiple colors to make vehicles easy to identify.
long in the tooth
"But ultimately after a sorted affair of life The Jeep is long in the tooth to say the least And she gets into an accident"
“Long in the tooth” just means it’s getting old. With a car, it usually means it’s showing its age and may not feel as modern anymore.
“Long in the tooth” is an idiom meaning something is old and showing its age. In a car context, it usually implies the vehicle is getting dated—whether that’s design, technology, or wear from time and use.
throwing parts at
" [789.8s] And having a process behind dyag [792.4s] Versus just throwing parts at [796.6s] What is that term?"
This means swapping parts without really knowing what’s broken. It usually wastes time and money because you might replace the wrong thing first.
“Throwing parts at” a problem is the opposite of proper troubleshooting: replacing parts randomly in hopes the issue goes away. It’s inefficient and can lead to multiple parts being wrong before the real cause is found.
Triagnostics
" [796.6s] But you trust the process of the dyag [787.6s] You're going to find the problem [789.8s] And having a process behind dyag [792.4s] Versus just throwing parts at [796.6s] What is that term? [800.8s] Triagnostics [801.2s] Instead of just triagnostics"
They’re talking about “diagnostics,” meaning figuring out the real cause of a problem. The idea is to test things instead of just swapping parts and hoping it fixes it.
“Triagnostics” is being used as a misspoken/garbled reference to diagnostics—systematic troubleshooting to identify what’s actually wrong. Instead of guessing, you test and verify which component is failing.
diagnostics
" [801.2s] Instead of just triagnostics [803.3s] It's actually doing diagnostics [805.2s] To verify components and workmanship"
Diagnostics means figuring out what’s causing the problem by checking the car carefully. Instead of guessing, you test and confirm what’s really wrong.
Diagnostics is the process of testing a vehicle to pinpoint the root cause of a fault. In practice, it often means checking sensors, codes, and related systems to verify which component is actually responsible.
Ford Taurus
"Anyway They took a picture of this Ford Taurus With its fancy paint job"
The Ford Taurus is a passenger car meant for everyday driving, like commuting and family trips. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because it has a special-looking paint job. That usually means it’s a visually notable example of the car.
The Ford Taurus is a family sedan that became well known for its mainstream, comfortable design and broad appeal. The podcast mentions a Taurus specifically because of a “fancy paint job,” which suggests it’s being shown or photographed as a standout example. It’s a common car to see in the real world, so it often comes up in local or enthusiast stories.
Jeep M38
"...ess example Sitting right in front of us with the M38 That's true"
The Jeep CJ is an older Jeep model that’s known for being built for off-road driving. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of a group of vintage vehicles. People often talk about CJs because they’re classic and commonly restored.
The Jeep CJ is an early Jeep model line that helped define the brand’s classic, open-off-road style. The podcast context places it next to an M38, implying a comparison or lineup of vintage military-style Jeeps. CJs are often discussed because they’re historically important and popular with collectors and restorers.
paint jail
"It's those stories you read about Paint jail It's paint jail"
“Paint jail” is slang for when your car gets stuck waiting at a body shop for paint work. Instead of being finished quickly, it just sits there longer than you hoped.
“Paint jail” is a hobbyist/industry nickname for a body shop or paint department that keeps a car longer than expected—often because of backlog, scheduling, or rework. It’s used to describe the frustration of waiting while the car sits in the paint process.
sandblasted
"But they sandblasted The drive line In its entirety"
Sandblasting is a method where a shop blasts abrasive material at a surface to strip off old paint or grime. It can be a problem if it gets into places it shouldn’t, like around seals.
Sandblasting is an abrasive blasting process where pressurized media is used to strip paint, rust, or coatings from a surface. In restoration work, it can be risky if it gets into precision areas, because it may damage seals or bearings and force additional disassembly and re-sealing.
drive line
"The drive line In its entirety As an assembly"
The “driveline” is the parts that send power from the gearbox to the wheels. If those parts get blasted or contaminated, it can cause problems later, especially around seals.
The “driveline” is the set of components that transmit power from the transmission to the wheels—commonly including shafts and the axle assembly. When the driveline is blasted or contaminated, it can affect how well seals and joints hold up over time.
seal surfaces
"The blast media Penetrated all the seal surfaces"
Seal surfaces are the tight-fitting areas that help keep oil or other fluids from leaking. If grit gets into those areas, the seal may not work properly and you can end up with leaks.
“Seal surfaces” are the precision contact areas where a seal (like a gasket or oil seal) mates to keep fluids in and contaminants out. If abrasive blast media penetrates these surfaces, it can compromise sealing and lead to leaks or accelerated wear.
gaskets
"Gaskets Every part of that vehicle"
Gaskets are thin sealing pieces that stop fluids from leaking where parts meet. They’re important because they keep the engine/drivetrain from leaking.
Gaskets are sealing parts used to prevent leaks between engine/drivetrain components. When someone says “all the original gaskets,” they’re emphasizing that the vehicle’s seals were preserved or referenced as part of the restoration/cleanup.
blast media
"Had blast media in it The axles, the transfer case, the transmission"
“Blast media” is the gritty stuff used to blast a surface clean, kind of like sandblasting. It helps remove old grime/paint so you can repaint the parts.
“Blast media” is the abrasive material used in sandblasting or other abrasive blasting processes to strip paint and clean surfaces. In this story, it was used to clean the Jeep’s parts before repainting.
transfer case
"The axles, the transfer case, the transmission Everything"
The transfer case is the part that sends power to the front and rear wheels on a 4x4. It can also provide low gearing for slow, tough off-road driving.
A transfer case is the gearbox that routes power from the transmission to the front and rear axles, especially in 4x4 drivetrains. It often includes low-range gearing for crawling and off-road control.
axles
"The axles, the transfer case, the transmission Everything"
Axles are the parts that connect the drivetrain to the wheels so the wheels can turn. They’re a key part of how power gets to the ground.
Axles are the shafts that connect the differential/drive components to the wheels, transmitting torque to move the vehicle. In a 4x4, they’re central to how power reaches each wheel.
transmission
"The axles, the transfer case, the transmission Everything"
The transmission is what changes gears so the engine can deliver power effectively. It helps the vehicle move smoothly and efficiently.
The transmission is the gear system that changes engine speed and torque before sending power onward to the drivetrain. In this context, it’s listed as one of the components that got cleaned and repainted.
flatbed
"At that point in time it had ended up on a flatbed"
A flatbed is a tow truck/trailer that carries a vehicle on a flat platform. It’s used when the car isn’t safe or possible to drive.
A flatbed is a tow truck or trailer with a flat, open deck used to transport a vehicle that can’t be driven. Here it indicates the Jeep ended up being hauled away during the shop’s failure.
SEMA 2025
"And eventually that becomes one of the most notable Gladiators That certainly was at SEMA 2025"
SEMA is a big car-parts show where companies and builders show off their newest upgrades. Saying “SEMA 2025” means this build was shown there in 2025.
SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s annual trade show, where aftermarket companies and builders showcase off-road and performance parts. Mentioning “SEMA 2025” signals that this Jeep build or concept was publicly presented to the industry that year.
Gladiators
"One of the most notable Gladiators That certainly was at SEMA 2025"
The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck. It’s basically a Jeep that you can also use like a truck, and it’s popular for off-road upgrades.
The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck built on a Wrangler-based platform, known for taking off-road upgrades well while still being usable as a truck. In this segment, “Gladiators” refers to the specific Jeep model line that the builder was developing and showcasing.
Mickey Thompson
"It goes on to have a direct Relationship with Mickey Thompson Repping their 44 inch Baja bosses"
Mickey Thompson is a brand that makes off-road tires. In this context, they’re connected to the Jeep build through the specific tire setup mentioned right after.
Mickey Thompson is a well-known off-road tire and wheel brand, especially associated with aggressive tread patterns for desert and rock crawling. Here, the host ties the Gladiator build to Mickey Thompson via their “44 inch Baja bosses,” implying a tire size/line used to support extreme off-road capability.
44 inch Baja bosses
"Relationship with Mickey Thompson Repping their 44 inch Baja bosses"
This is talking about extremely big off-road tires—44 inches tall. Bigger tires help a Jeep roll over rough terrain, but they usually require other upgrades to fit and work correctly.
“44 inch Baja bosses” refers to a very large off-road tire size (44 inches) and a specific tire model/line (“Baja Bosses”) associated with Mickey Thompson. Tire diameter like this is a major part of how a Jeep can clear obstacles and maintain off-road traction, but it also drives the need for suspension and gearing changes.
8 inch iron rock long arm
"It's got a stunning 8 inch iron rock long arm on it It kind of pushed"
This is a suspension upgrade from Iron Rock Off Road. “Long arm” usually means the suspension is designed to move more over bumps, and “8 inch” means it lifts the Jeep a lot for bigger tires and tougher off-road driving.
An “8 inch Iron Rock long arm” refers to a long-arm suspension lift kit from Iron Rock Off Road, designed to increase suspension travel and improve ride/handling over rough terrain. The “8 inch” indicates the lift height, while “long arm” typically means longer control arms that help keep tire contact and geometry more favorable when the suspension is flexing.
pushed the bounds of what could be done to these Jeeps
"It kind of pushed The bounds of What could be done to these Jeeps"
They’re basically saying the builder kept pushing the Jeep farther than usual. The idea is to make it handle extreme off-road stuff without giving up the ability to drive it normally too.
This is describing the engineering goal of pushing a platform beyond its typical limits—usually meaning larger tires, more suspension travel, and more extreme packaging while still keeping the vehicle drivable on-road. It frames the build as a development process where each change enables the next.
1964 CJ6
"And it had been [3054.4s] Passed over and thrown into a pasture [3057.1s] In [3058.0s] A rural western PA [3060.0s] Or eastern Ohio I don't exactly recall [3061.7s] At this point but regardless [3062.8s] My goal there was to [3064.8s] Have [3066.9s] I don't want to say as little invested [3069.0s] Because it wasn't that [3070.1s] But I wasn't going to get [3071.8s] Stuck on the fact that [3074.0s] The glazing of the glass"
A 1964 Jeep CJ6 is an older Jeep model built for tough, practical use. People often restore these because they’re simple and capable off-road, and this one is a long version of the CJ line.
The Jeep CJ6 is a classic Jeep “Civilian Jeep” model from the early CJ era, and the 1964 version is known for its simple, rugged, off-road-friendly design. It’s a long-wheelbase CJ variant, so it’s especially associated with utility and restoration projects like the one described here.
glazing of the glass
"But I wasn't going to get [3071.8s] Stuck on the fact that [3074.0s] The glazing of the glass [3075.8s] Was going and that the seal [3078.7s] Of the windshield was bad"
“Glazing of the glass” means the windshield glass has turned hazy or cloudy over the years. It’s a sign the glass may be worn out and might need more than just cleaning.
“Glazing” here refers to the glass surface becoming hazy or coated over time, often from oxidation, heat, or contaminants. In an old Jeep restoration, that’s a visible sign the windshield may need replacement or careful restoration rather than just a quick cleaning.
seal of the windshield
"The glazing of the glass [3075.8s] Was going and that the seal [3078.7s] Of the windshield was bad [3080.4s] Or that the body work"
The windshield seal is the rubber gasket that seals the windshield to the body. If it’s bad, water can get in, which can cause rust and damage inside the Jeep.
The windshield seal is the rubber gasket and bonding interface that keeps water and wind out around the glass. If it’s “bad,” it can lead to leaks, rust, and interior water damage—common issues when reviving an older Jeep that’s been sitting outdoors.
turnkey
"So if any of our listening audience wants a turnkey SEMA rig Basically you know both of these"
“Turnkey” means you can buy it and drive it without having to do a bunch of extra work first. It’s basically ready to go as-is.
“Turnkey” means the vehicle is essentially finished and ready to use right away, with the major work already done. In off-road circles, it often implies a built setup (wheels/tires, suspension, and other upgrades) rather than a stock car you’d need to modify yourself.
SEMA rig
"So if any of our listening audience wants a turnkey SEMA rig Basically you know both of these"
A “SEMA rig” means a Jeep that’s been customized in a show-style way—like the kind of builds you see at the SEMA event. It’s usually more than stock and meant to stand out.
A “SEMA rig” refers to a vehicle built to the style and attention-to-detail typically seen at SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association show). These rigs are usually heavily customized and meant to look impressive and perform well in the real world.
Ford Model T
"What I did make floorboards For the Model T project Which are originally made out of wood"
The Ford Model T is a very old car from the early days of mass-produced vehicles. In the episode, it sounds like someone is restoring or building parts for it, including floorboards. Because it’s an older design, parts and materials often need to match the original style.
The Ford Model T is an early 20th-century car that’s historically significant for helping popularize affordable mass-produced automobiles. In the podcast context, it’s being worked on as a project, specifically with floorboards originally made from wood. That kind of restoration or fabrication is often discussed because it requires careful attention to period-correct materials and fitment.
planishing hammer
"I took it off the car Put the planishing hammer Got some of the dents overstretched it"
A planishing hammer is a special hammer used for fixing dents in sheet metal. You use it to gently reshape the metal so the panel ends up smoother and closer to its original shape.
A planishing hammer is a bodywork tool used to smooth and reshape metal after it’s been dented. In this context, it’s being used to “overstretch” and then refine the door skin so the panel looks straighter.
dents overstretched
"Got some of the dents overstretched it In the course of doing that"
Overstretching means you stretch the dented metal a little too far on purpose. Then you use other steps to pull it back so it ends up looking right.
Overstretching is a bodywork approach where the metal is intentionally stretched past its final target position. The idea is that subsequent hammering and/or heat-shrink contraction can bring it back into alignment.
hand Dolly hammering
"Hand Dolly hammering Lots of that"
Dolly hammering is how you fix dents by using a hammer plus a backing tool (the dolly). The dolly supports the metal so you can reshape the dent more accurately.
Dolly hammering is a traditional sheet-metal repair method where a hammer strikes the metal while a dolly (an anvil-like backing tool) supports it. This helps control the shape and reduce distortion while working dents out.
heat shrink
"Ended up having to heat shrink it So you literally take a torch And you warm up the panel"
Heat shrink is a dent-repair method where you heat the metal and let it cool so it tightens up. It helps pull stretched or wavy metal back closer to the original shape.
Heat shrink is a metal-straightening technique where you warm a panel so the metal contracts as it cools. It’s often used after stretching dents, because the shrinking action can help pull the metal back toward the correct shape.
Diesel gladiator
"[3925.2s] In my own geeky nature it is a [3927.3s] Diesel gladiator [3929.4s] And so"
Diesel engines work differently than gas engines: they use compression to ignite the fuel. They often provide strong pulling power at low RPM, which is useful for heavy work and off-road driving.
A diesel engine is an internal-combustion engine that uses compression ignition rather than spark ignition. Compared with gasoline, diesels typically emphasize low-end torque, which can make them feel more effortless for towing and crawling.
platform
"[3935.2s] Since the [3937.2s] Platform became available in the [3938.8s] Wrangler and then in the gladiators [3941.2s] I'm glad to bring"
A "platform" is the shared foundation a car is built on. It can include the main structure and how key parts are mounted, so different models can use the same basic design.
In automotive talk, a "platform" is the shared set of engineering underpinnings—like the chassis architecture, mounting points, and major systems—that multiple models can use. The host is describing how a diesel-capable platform was rolled out across Jeep models (Wrangler first, then Gladiator).
Jeep Wrangler
"Platform became available in the Wrangler and then in the gladiators I'm glad to bring"
The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road SUV made for rough roads and trails. It’s designed to be tough and capable where normal cars struggle. It’s also a popular vehicle for people who like customizing and upgrading their cars.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact off-road SUV known for its rugged design and strong aftermarket support. The podcast context suggests the same underlying platform approach that showed up in the Wrangler also carried over to the Gladiator, which is why it’s mentioned together. Wranglers are frequently discussed because they’re a benchmark for Jeep’s off-road identity.
Diesels... bogged down with the number of components
"[3957.5s] You know modern day [3959.3s] Diesels [3961.3s] They're bogged down with the number [3962.6s] Of components [3964.4s] But otherwise pretty cool platform"
The host is saying modern diesel engines can have lots of extra parts to meet emissions rules. That can make them more complicated to service and troubleshoot than older designs.
The host is referring to how modern diesel engines can have many emissions- and control-related components. More parts can mean more complexity to maintain and diagnose, even if the underlying driving feel is still appealing.
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