Will TRUE CUSTOM PAINT Ever Come Back? | F_cking Cars Podcast Ep 24

They’re working on a Ford Mustang that’s been fitted with a different engine (a “coyote” swap). In this context, the Mustang is the chassis/platform the swap is being engineered around, so packaging constraints drive what parts and adapters are needed.

A “coyote swap” usually means installing a Ford Coyote V8 (from the Mustang GT/other Coyote applications) into a different vehicle or chassis. The term matters because swap kits exist, but the fitment and clearance issues can vary a lot depending on the chassis and accessories.

They’re pointing out that the engine’s physical packaging and accessory layout create constraints. In swaps, “motor limitations” often means where the accessories sit relative to the frame, which then forces changes to cooling, A/C, and routing.

Art Morrison Enterprises is known for building custom chassis for hot rods and restomods. Here, the “Art Morrison chassis” is relevant because its geometry and placement of structural members determine how close the engine and A/C components can sit.

The A/C compressor is the component that pressurizes the refrigerant system. In this build, it’s “so close to the frame” that standard vintage A/C adapter parts don’t fit, forcing them to use different adapters and reroute connections.

“Vintage A/C adapters” refers to aftermarket bracket/adapter pieces designed to mate older A/C components or systems to newer compressor mounting points. The key point is that adapter design is often specific to compressor models and mounting geometry, so swap fitment can break the intended compatibility.

Remote mounting means relocating components away from their usual location, typically to gain clearance or improve hose/routing geometry. Here, they’re remote-mounting parts of the A/C “charging system” so the fittings and connectors can be installed despite tight space near the frame and compressor.

An oil cooler is an aftermarket heat exchanger that helps control engine oil temperature. They mention an oil cooler because the aftermarket initially said it wasn’t necessary, but their decision-making suggests the swap’s operating conditions or packaging/heat management needs changed their plan.

“Pro-charge” here refers to adding a supercharger system (often a belt-driven forced-induction setup) to increase engine airflow and power. It’s typically paired with additional cooling hardware because the extra boost raises temperatures.

“Lines to the cooler” refers to the plumbing/hose routing for a cooling system (commonly charge-air cooling or oil/coolant cooling depending on the setup). Proper line routing matters for avoiding heat soak, leaks, and interference with other underbody components.

An immobilizer is an anti-theft system that prevents the engine from starting unless it recognizes the correct key/transponder. When swapping parts between cars, immobilizer components (key/ECU/receiver) often must be matched or re-paired, or you’ll get a crank/no-start with no fuel/ignition.

A “donor car” is a second vehicle used as a parts source for swaps—here, immobilizer/key components. Using a donor can solve compatibility issues, but it also introduces wiring/pinning and immobilizer matching challenges.

Wiring diagrams and pin charts map which wires connect to which connector pins on ECUs and modules. For immobilizer/no-start issues, getting the correct pin-to-pin connections is critical—mis-pinning can prevent the car from authorizing fuel/ignition.

“E25 pin” appears to be a specific connector pin on a module/ECU referenced during troubleshooting. The key idea is that the speaker is checking for a “hot power” feed at that exact pin, which can determine whether the immobilizer/ignition/fuel systems get authorization.

NEP is referenced as a designation for a specific diagnostic pin/signal, but the transcript doesn’t clearly define the acronym. The context implies it’s related to an ignition-related pulse/injector signal used during troubleshooting.

A tachometer measures engine RPM (revolutions per minute). The transcript suggests a specific pin signal is associated with tach output, which is useful for diagnosing whether the engine is generating ignition events.

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit. It’s the car’s main computer that controls engine functions like fuel delivery and ignition timing by grounding or powering specific circuits.

A fuel pump relay is an electrically controlled switch that supplies power to the fuel pump. When the ECU grounds the relay control circuit, it closes the relay and the pump runs to build fuel pressure.

An ignition problem means the engine isn’t producing the spark (or correct ignition signal) needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Even with fuel pressure present, if the ignition system isn’t firing, the engine may crank but never start or pop.

“Fuel injector pulse” refers to the short electrical signal that tells a fuel injector when to spray fuel. If the ECU stops injector pulsing, the engine may crank but won’t start because the cylinders aren’t getting fuel at the right time.

“Spark” is the high-voltage electrical event that ignites the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder. No spark (or weak spark) can mimic fuel problems, which is why checking spark is a key step in troubleshooting a no-start condition.

“Coil-on plugs” (COP) is an ignition setup where each spark plug has its own ignition coil mounted directly on top of the plug. It improves packaging and can help with ignition accuracy, but diagnosing misfires often means testing individual coils and plug/boot connections.

“Fuel pressure” is the amount of pressure in the fuel rail that feeds the injectors. It can be normal even when injectors aren’t pulsing, so pressure alone isn’t proof that the engine is actually receiving fuel during cranking.

A “mechanics shortage” means there aren’t enough trained technicians to service and repair vehicles. In the transcript, it’s used to argue that automation (robots) could fill some gaps, but heavy-duty vehicles still require real-world service.

“Change oil” is a routine maintenance task that keeps an engine lubricated and helps remove contaminants. The hosts are using it as an example of work that could be automated by robots in a future with fewer mechanics.

“Disposable cars” is the idea that vehicles are designed and priced so that, when something breaks or wears out, owners replace the car rather than repair it. That mindset reduces demand for traditional mechanical repair work and shifts the industry toward replacement and fleet-level service.

The Tesla Semi is an electric semi truck concept aimed at long-haul freight. The discussion ties it to the idea that electrifying heavy trucks requires more than just vehicles—it needs charging and operational infrastructure to keep trucks earning money.

Charging infrastructure refers to the availability, capacity, and placement of charging stations needed to support electric vehicles—especially commercial fleets. For semis, the key is minimizing downtime so vehicles stay on the road and generate revenue.

The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine sports car produced by Pontiac, best known for being an affordable entry into a “sports car” layout. The podcast references a “1996 Fiero concept car,” which points to how the model name and design direction were explored in later concept form. It comes up because the Fiero has a strong enthusiast following and a reputation tied to its unusual mid-engine packaging for the era.

A mid-engine layout places the engine near the center of the car, typically behind the front seats and ahead of the rear axle. This can improve balance and handling because the weight distribution is closer to the middle, which is why mid-engine designs are often associated with sports cars.

An electromagnetic braking system slows a vehicle using magnetic forces instead of traditional friction between brake pads and rotors. The idea is to reduce wear and potentially cut down on brake dust. In practice, it’s still a developing technology and depends on the vehicle’s powertrain and hardware design.

The hosts discuss how car-centric cities can be dominated by parking lots, which take up large areas of space. They reference a simulation where early city layouts looked “ridiculous” because they were mostly parking, leading to a more walkable-looking representation. It’s a commentary on how vehicle infrastructure shapes what cities look like.

Kia is a major automaker known for rapidly evolving styling and tech-forward design cues. In this segment, the hosts mention Kia’s newer “future-looking” design language as part of how brands are trying to look more modern and electric. It’s a styling trend rather than a specific mechanical change.

“Tron stuff” is a pop-culture reference to the neon, futuristic look associated with the TRON franchise. Here it’s used to describe modern lighting and styling elements that make cars appear more “future” or techy. It’s not a technical automotive term, but it helps listeners understand the aesthetic being discussed.

A projector light is a headlamp/lighting module that uses a lens and reflector to focus light into a defined beam pattern. It’s often used for sharper cutoff and more controlled illumination compared with older reflector-only designs.

A turn signal is the vehicle’s indicator light used to communicate intended direction changes to other drivers. The hosts mention it in the context of modern lighting layouts that can make signals look visually confusing or overly integrated.

Running lights (often called daytime running lights, DRLs) are lights that stay on during normal driving to improve visibility. The hosts are reacting to how some modern designs make DRLs visually dominant—sometimes larger than the main headlights.

The clear coat is the transparent top layer that provides gloss and protects the color coat underneath. When it gets thinner, it can lose shine faster and show defects more easily, especially after washing, polishing, or sanding.

Wet sanding is a controlled sanding process using water to reduce heat and clogging, often used to level paint defects. Sanding a fresh clear coat too aggressively can reveal texture and imperfections because the clear layer is thin and not as forgiving.

Work hardening (strain hardening) means a metal becomes harder and more resistant to deformation after it’s plastically deformed. Aluminum can change its properties depending on how it’s formed, which affects how it behaves during bending and fabrication.

Extrusion and stamping are manufacturing processes that shape metal into parts. The way aluminum is produced (and how long it sits between forming steps) can influence its final strength and how it responds to bending or repair.

Aluminum tubing refers to formed aluminum pipe used for structural or fluid-carrying applications. The speaker is correcting terminology (“pipe” vs “tubing”), which matters because different products/specs can have different wall thicknesses and forming characteristics.

Aluminum aging refers to time-dependent changes in the alloy’s microstructure after it’s been extruded or processed. Those changes can increase stiffness and strength, which is why older stock may bend differently than fresh material.

Extrusion is a manufacturing process where heated metal is pushed through a die to create a specific cross-sectional shape (like a pipe or profile). The segment ties extrusion to later aging behavior and how that affects bending.

Stamping is a metal-forming process where presses force sheet metal into a die to create a specific shape. Here, they’re describing how a fresh aluminum panel is formed at the factory before it’s folded and joined.

A U-bend is a simple forming shape where material is bent into a U profile. The hosts use it to illustrate how newly made aluminum bends smoothly into a round radius, while older stock tends to deform differently.

When thin-walled aluminum is bent after aging, it can lose its ability to maintain the intended cross-section and may collapse or deform into an oval shape. This is a practical forming/manufacturing issue that affects fit and structural consistency.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In a car build, HVAC components and ducting can constrain where exhaust-related parts can be routed, because space near the firewall and engine bay is limited.

A controller in this context is an electronic module that manages part of the system they’re installing (likely tied to the HVAC/refrigeration components). The key point is packaging: they don’t have enough room for it in the original location, so they relocate the setup.

The apron is a body panel area (often near the engine bay) used as a reference point for where components and lines can be routed or mounted. Custom installs frequently require careful line routing through/around the apron to maintain clearance and avoid interference.

“Cooler lines” refers to the tubing/hoses that move cooled fluid or refrigerant through the vehicle. The speaker is describing how they routed the system so the lines pass through the apron area, which is a common packaging challenge in custom work.

The dryer (often called an A/C receiver-drier) removes moisture and contaminants from the refrigerant system. In custom installs, it’s typically mounted near the compressor/lines so the refrigerant path and packaging work correctly.

The inner fender is the structural/inner panel behind the wheel area. They’re planning to hide components underneath it, which is a common approach to keep custom plumbing tidy and protected from damage.

They’re describing a common reality of custom automotive installs: even if you buy a “kit,” it may not fit perfectly because fittings, line lengths, and mounting points vary by car and setup. The result is extra work identifying which fittings work on each end and adapting the installation rather than following the kit blindly.

Headlight trim rings are the decorative bezel pieces that frame a headlight in a specific vehicle. They’re often needed when swapping to a different headlight type or bulb style so the light sits correctly and looks factory-correct.

Body filler (commonly fiberglass or polyester filler) is used to smooth gaps and reshape panels before sanding and paint. In this context, it’s being used to blend a trim ring to a slightly mismatched headlight opening.

A gas door is the exterior panel that covers the fuel filler opening. Moving it changes the bodywork and can affect how the car looks and how the fuel system is routed and sealed.

“Collector plates” here sounds like a reference to license plates/plate placement or possibly decorative plate covers, but the transcript context is about fuel filler location and legality. Because the term is ambiguous, it’s best treated as a general “plate/registration” compliance question rather than a specific automotive part.

“Small block Chevy” is a family of compact V8 engines from Chevrolet, commonly swapped into older cars. The mention ties engine swaps to how the car is registered/inspected and what details the DMV expects to match.

“Registration every year” refers to the recurring state process and fees required to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. For hobbyists and older cars, the cost and paperwork can be a major part of ownership.

A “hobbyist plate” is a special license plate category some states offer for vehicles that are owned as projects or for limited use. It’s typically meant to reduce the burden of standard annual registration while still keeping the car legal.

“Rhoda America” is mentioned as a plate option in Wisconsin for getting a black plate. It sounds like a specific plate design/issuer or program name, but the exact entity isn’t fully clear from the segment.

“Yellow retro” appears to be a Wisconsin license plate style meant to evoke a 1970s look. The hosts are comparing plate colors/styles and how people react to them.

A custom plate is a personalized license plate where you choose specific characters/wording, often for an extra fee. The discussion highlights how custom plates can become another cost and time sink during a car project.

This describes the application process for custom plates, where you may submit multiple acceptable character combinations and preferences. If your first choice isn’t available, the state can use the next acceptable option.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck. In this segment, it’s being discussed in the context of re-registering the truck and how its value has changed from a cheap, beat-up vehicle to a more expensive one.

A vehicle title is the legal document proving ownership of a car. When a title is lost or needs to be transferred, states often require forms and sometimes allow an authorized person to pick up the replacement or new title on someone else’s behalf.

Picking up a “new title” usually means the state has issued a replacement or updated title after a transfer, correction, or lost-title situation. The key detail here is authorization—someone else can do it for you if the forms are completed correctly.

“Working on paint” in a custom context usually implies planning the finish process—prep, masking, and applying coatings—rather than just a quick respray. The episode’s title suggests they’re discussing whether true custom paint work can return, which often depends on materials, labor availability, and shop practices.

Chameleon paint is a specialty automotive coating that changes color depending on viewing angle and lighting. It’s often achieved with multi-layer pigments and clearcoat, which is why it can be more expensive and harder to match than standard single-color paint.

Airbrushing is a fine-detail painting technique that uses compressed air to atomize paint for smooth gradients and intricate graphics. In custom paint builds, airbrush work is often used for show-car graphics, fades, and layered artwork that’s difficult to replicate with spray guns alone.

Tribal-style pinstriping uses flowing, angular shapes to create a graphic that looks like it’s “woven” into the body lines. It’s typically done by hand or with masking/airbrushing, and it can be layered under clear to create a custom, integrated look.

Flat sanding is sanding a surface to level it so it’s smooth and even, usually after paint or graphic layers create texture or edges. In custom paint, it’s used to avoid ridges that would show through the clear or to prep for polishing.

A dropped shadow is a graphic effect where an offset darker/lighter layer is added behind text or shapes to make them look raised. In custom paint, it’s often created with careful layering so the shadow reads correctly over metallic/chameleon base colors.

This segment is about using custom paint and graphics as the main styling statement—specifically asymmetrical hood graphics that visually interact with engine bay elements like the valve cover. It’s a “paint-first” approach where the body remains mostly stock and the artwork does the branding.

The valve cover is the housing over the engine’s valve train components. In custom paint/graphics, people sometimes design visuals to “match” or highlight the valve cover area for a cohesive engine bay look.

The speaker is talking about styling a Honda Civic, specifically keeping the stock body shape while adding small aero pieces. They’re aiming for a clean look where the paint and graphics are the main visual focus rather than a full body kit.

A front lip is a small aerodynamic extension at the bottom edge of the front bumper. It can improve airflow and add a more aggressive look without the coverage of a full body kit.

A ducktail spoiler is a compact, upward-curving rear spoiler shape often associated with classic sports-car styling. It can add downforce and changes the rear profile, even when kept subtle.

Coilovers are adjustable suspension components that combine a coil spring and shock into one unit. Swapping to coilovers is a common way to lower a car and fine-tune ride height and handling.

Control arms (often called A-arms) locate the wheels and help manage suspension geometry. When upgrading or replacing them—especially alongside coilovers—it can affect alignment, ride quality, and handling.

“Slam it” is slang for lowering a car aggressively so the suspension sits very close to the ground. It’s a common stance-culture goal, but it can increase the chance of rubbing, reduced ride comfort, and more wear on components.

A paint scheme is the overall design plan for a vehicle’s paint—colors, placement, and patterns (like stripes, fades, and graphics). The speaker is describing a specific multi-stripe layout they had in mind for their S10.

Tack paper is used in paint prep to pick up dust and fine debris from the surface before painting or clear coating. It helps improve finish quality by reducing contamination that can cause defects in the final coat.

Fine line tape is a narrow masking tape used to create crisp, straight edges between different paint colors. Custom painters use it to mask stripes and graphic lines so the colors don’t bleed into each other.

Instagram is mentioned as another platform where the custom painter shows their work. Social media can be a major part of how custom paint shops build credibility and attract customers.

The speaker references YouTube as a place where the custom painter shares work and process. For enthusiasts, this matters because paint techniques, masking methods, and product choices are often demonstrated in detail online.

Masking tape is used to protect areas you don’t want painted and to help create crisp edges. In custom paintwork, it’s especially important when you’re moving across multiple body panels so paint doesn’t creep into gaps or seams.

A door jamb is the recessed area around the door opening where the door edge meets the body. When painting stripes or graphics, overspray can land in the jamb and make masking/edge cleanup more difficult.

Stencils are templates used to control where paint goes, allowing repeatable shapes and textures. Custom paint jobs often combine stencils with masking tape to keep edges clean between colors and layers.

“Retro futuristic” is a design style that blends past visions of the future with modern execution. In custom paint, it often shows up as tech motifs (circuits, microchip patterns) and bold, slightly nostalgic color/graphic choices.

Hexagon-based graphics are a common motif in custom paint because they create a strong, geometric visual structure. When the hosts say “warped hexagons,” they’re implying the shapes are distorted for a more dynamic, tech/retro-futuristic look.

A “circuit board” graphic theme uses repeating traces and geometric patterns to mimic electronics. In paint work, it typically requires stencil-like precision and layering so the pattern reads clearly from a distance.

The Porsche 944 is a classic front-engine, rear-transaxle sports car from Porsche’s 1980s–early 1990s era. It’s often remembered for its near-50/50-ish balance and, in some versions, turbocharged performance. When people say Porsche is “bringing back the 944,” they’re usually talking about a modern spiritual successor using today’s tech and packaging.

The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine sports car line known for compact dimensions and a strong driving feel. In recent years, rumors about a new MR2 have circulated because the MR2 name fits the “small, fun, mid-engine” niche. The hosts are discussing whether recent teasers or internet posts about an MR2 revival are credible.

“2.4 liter” refers to engine displacement, meaning the total volume of all cylinders combined. Displacement is one factor that influences how much air/fuel an engine can move, which affects potential power and torque. In the segment, it’s part of a rumored spec for a future Toyota sports car.

Horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output—how much work it can do over time. The hosts are discussing a rumored power range, which would strongly affect performance expectations like acceleration and top speed. They’re treating it as speculative internet information rather than confirmed specs.

A “tunable motor” usually means an engine platform that responds well to aftermarket modifications—such as ECU tuning, intake/exhaust changes, and forced-induction setups—without becoming unreliable. The hosts are implying they want a modern sports car whose powertrain is especially friendly to tuning. This is a common way enthusiasts describe engines that have strong aftermarket support and predictable behavior.

The Toyota 86 (often discussed alongside the Subaru BRZ) is a lightweight, affordable sports coupe designed around a naturally aspirated boxer engine and balanced handling. The hosts mention it as an example of a platform that didn’t get the kind of “bigger” engine or performance direction they expected. It’s used here to compare what a rumored new MR2-like car could do differently.

The BRZ is Subaru’s sports coupe that shares its platform and engine architecture with the Toyota 86. It’s commonly discussed in the same breath because both cars were designed to be affordable, lightweight, and driver-focused. The hosts reference it to criticize how the engine/performance direction turned out versus what they hoped for.

A twin-turbo V8 uses two turbochargers to force more air into a V8 engine, boosting power and improving responsiveness. The “twin” part typically helps reduce lag and can broaden the usable power band compared with a single turbo setup.

“Design language” refers to the consistent visual cues a brand uses across models—shapes, proportions, lighting, and styling themes. The hosts argue that the discussed car carries Lexus design language, but that it’s too subtle for what the car is meant to be.

The Lexus LFA is a limited-production, high-performance supercar from Lexus, built to deliver an exciting driving experience and showcase advanced engineering. The podcast highlights it as “understated,” even though it’s known for having a V10 engine. It’s discussed because it’s a rare, special-purpose car that stands out more for its technical character than for loud styling.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a long-running American muscle car. In this segment, the hosts connect the Camaro’s “bring back” moment to GM’s partnership with Holden, which is relevant because some Camaro-era platforms and designs were influenced by Holden models.

Holden Commodore is an Australian GM model line that served as the basis for several GM performance and export cars. The hosts mention it in the context of the Pontiac G8, implying the G8’s underlying platform and engineering heritage came from the Commodore.

The Holden Caprice is a full-size sedan from Holden, known for being a more upscale, comfort-oriented alternative within the brand’s lineup. The podcast notes it as being “kind of cool,” and it’s mentioned in the context of the Holden Commodore, suggesting discussion about different trims or related models. It comes up because the Caprice name is associated with a distinctive, comfort-focused style and presence.

The Chevrolet SSR is a distinctive GM “sport truck” from the mid-2000s, known for its retro styling and unusual retractable hardtop concept. The hosts debate whether a Holden-based pickup idea would have sold better than the SSR, using it as a benchmark for how niche/quirky the SSR was.

A “six-speed” refers to a manual transmission with six forward gears. Gear count affects how the engine stays in its power band and how the car drives at different speeds.

Mounting suspension components low in the chassis affects ground clearance and limits how far you can lower the vehicle. It also changes how easily the car can be modified with aftermarket suspension parts.

This is about how modern packaging constraints can reduce how easily a car can be modified. If the body, frame, and underbody are designed tightly around components, aftermarket changes (like lowering) become more difficult.

The speaker is talking about the Plymouth Prowler, a late-1990s retro-styled roadster known for its distinctive look and limited factory power. They’re specifically discussing how adding a V8 (or even just the sound) would make it more appealing, and how people modify them today.

A V8 is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. In this segment, the V8 is discussed as a swap/modification to make the Prowler more exciting—both for power potential and for the sound.

“Ditch those headlights” refers to replacing the factory headlight units with different aftermarket or custom lighting. The speaker calls the stock headlights terrible and suggests changing the front lighting as the first modification.

The hosts are talking about a trend toward “analog” driving experiences—mechanical feel, simpler controls, and less reliance on digital interfaces. In practice, that can mean fewer electronic driver aids, more traditional gauge layouts, and more direct steering/throttle/brake response.

“Hypercar stuff” refers to the ultra-high-performance, high-tech approach many brands used to chase—often with extreme power, complex aero, and heavy electronics. The discussion suggests some companies are shifting away from that formula because it didn’t always translate into a satisfying enthusiast ownership experience.

“1500 horse” is shorthand for extremely high horsepower output, typically achieved with major engine upgrades like forced induction and extensive tuning. The hosts use it to illustrate how some niche performance builds can be marketed with big numbers and warranty coverage.

A “three-year warranty” is a manufacturer or seller-backed coverage period that can reduce risk when buying a highly modified or specialty vehicle. In performance contexts, warranty terms can be especially important because extreme builds may be more complex and expensive to repair.

A pushrod engine uses pushrods to transfer motion from the camshaft (in the engine block) to the rocker arms that actuate the valves. The hosts mention it while discussing a high-output build, highlighting that even with big power, the underlying engine architecture can be something relatively common.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a long-running American sports car line from Chevrolet (General Motors). In this segment, the hosts compare its “shut the door” feel and sound to more exotic supercars, emphasizing that it’s not in the same league as ultra-expensive custom-built exotics.

A “custom made body” implies a vehicle with bespoke bodywork—often one-off panels or extensive fabrication—rather than standard production sheet metal. The hosts use it to contrast true supercars (with expensive, highly tailored bodywork) against more mass-produced sports cars.

The Audi R8 is a mid-engine supercar from Audi. The hosts specifically say they’d consider buying an R8 if it were a V10, which refers to the engine configuration that many enthusiasts prefer for sound and character.

A V10 is an engine with ten cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically producing high-revving power and a distinctive sound. In this segment, the hosts emphasize the V10 paired with a six-speed manual as part of why the car is so exciting.

A drag strip is a straight track designed for drag racing, where cars accelerate over a short distance to measure performance. Mentioning wheelies “at the drag strip” frames the conversation around real-world acceleration behavior rather than just showroom specs.