cahartley Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 "One off"........One off of WHAT?....... .......I cringe every time I hear or see it. All my life the expression was "one of" as in one of a kind. Did this bastardized expression originate at some car auction house? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Tires do not have "thread". They have "tread" though it's ok to say "Her tires were threadbare". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 So we can all picture an ad like this: "BUICK FOR SALE: I'm thinking of selling my all-original 1928 Buick sedan. Expertly repainted, rechromed, rebuilt tranny. A perfect gangster car. Very rare, wow! A real Classic. Bullet-proof mechanically, with just the right amount of patina. Remember, they're only original once. Add your own Tommy gun to get attention at shows. A great investment at only $25,000. Will trade for a 1969-70 deuce-and-a-quarter 'vert." So how much does such a wordy ad actually tell the buyer? Perhaps it's like fingers on a blackboard, as Bernie described. 😄 1 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) How about "balls to the wall" as in going as fast as you can? I suspect most folks make a testicular association but my guess is it actually has it's roots in aviation. The throttle levers in an airplane typically have a ball shaped handle and pushing them forward, towards the firewall, opens the throttles. Gotta love this forum. It wasn't for it I would actually have to be doing some work....Bob Edited August 10, 2021 by Bhigdog (see edit history) 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) 39 minutes ago, Bhigdog said: How about "balls to the wall" as in going as fast as you can? I suspect most folks make a testicular association but my guess is it actually has it's roots in aviation. The throttle levers in an airplane typically have a ball shaped handle and pushing them forward, towards the firewall, opens the throttles. Gotta love this forum. It wasn't for it I would actually have to be doing some work....Bob One story that I heard was, it came from the flyball governors as used in steam engines. When the balls were all the way out or "to the wall" the engine was at full speed Edited August 10, 2021 by CarlLaFong (see edit history) 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 16 minutes ago, CarlLaFong said: One story that I heard was, it came from the flyball governors as used in steam engines. When the balls were all the way out or "to the wall" the engine was at full speed I could buy that story too................Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryankazmer Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 17 minutes ago, CarlLaFong said: One story that I heard was, it came from the flyball governors as used in steam engines. When the balls were all the way out or "to the wall" the engine was at full speed The flyball governor was the basis for "going balls out" - the balls would be slid the furthest from the center at maximum speed 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) 14 minutes ago, bryankazmer said: The flyball governor was the basis for "going balls out" - the balls would be slid the furthest from the center at maximum speed Possibly "balls out" for steam and "balls to the wall" for aviation?... Possible.... There are a few others possibilities that might get the moderators "b**ls in an uproar" if I mentioned..................Bob Edited August 10, 2021 by Bhigdog (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fox H. Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Anytime someone says "gangster car," quotes the Godfather cannoli scene, or anything remotely about a Thompson. Yes, I agree that some cars can look sinister, but let's just leave it at that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersix Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 All '58 Plymouths (and some '57s) "Christine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 1 hour ago, Bhigdog said: Possibly "balls out" for steam and "balls to the wall" for aviation?... This is how I always knew these terms. Not related but kind of mean the same thing. I get mine in an uproar on occasion. (not really) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 So many of these terms just came about for no particular reason. I think it might have been on The HAMB a few years ago, somone wondered about :Three on the Tree'. One expert opined that in the 50s and 60s people called the steering column "the Tree". I said that was nonsense. I was there and we called it a steering column. Three on the tree came from a silly response to people bragging or commenting that their car had "four on the Floor. OH Yeah?? I got three on the tree. I think my Model T had two on the shoe 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensenracing77 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 I just hate it when I misspell something or not use the proper grammar and someone jumps all over it like they are so superior. I am 47 years old and can't spell to save my life. Maybe 5th grade level. Some people are good at some things and other people are good at other things. I always wanted to see one of their restorations and start making fun of them on the flaws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachJC Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) I have a lady a work that would come and let me know that she drove her "classic" in to work today, Its a 1977 Chevy PU. I cringe every time she says it. I have also thought about correcting her on her terminology but I just don't think it is worth my time. She is very proud of her truck so I let it be. Edited August 10, 2021 by coachJC (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 On 8/7/2021 at 11:45 AM, Bhigdog said: Not actually a "term" but hearing it gets old. Spectator while looking at my red 57 Buick convertible: " My father had one just like this only his was a Ford and it was blue." Or: "Boy that's when they made real cars. Those big old Buicks rode like a dream." Sorry. No they didn't unless you liked under/over steer, bias ply tire wander, and just adequate brakes............Bob Or, these cars are great in a crash. Real steel. Actually, these cars are horrible in a crash and I advise the person same. Nothing like a steering column that does not collapse or a nice chrome door handle that penetrates one's thigh as the are projected forward in to said impaling steering column. My daily driver has 8 air bags and crumple zones. No sir, the older cars are killers. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 My favorite and sometimes I use it. Instead of a gearbox, gearbag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 8 minutes ago, avgwarhawk said: Or, these cars are great in a crash. Real steel. Actually, these cars are horrible in a crash and I advise the person same. Nothing like a steering column that does not collapse or a nice chrome door handle that penetrates one's thigh as the are projected forward in to said impaling steering column. My daily driver has 8 air bags and crumple zones. No sir, the older cars are killers. I will be the last guy fighting the Classic battle. Although I typically save my energy for car people. Civilians can’t tell or care and think we are all insane anyways. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) 21 minutes ago, alsancle said: I will be the last guy fighting the Classic battle. Although I typically save my energy for car people. Civilians can’t tell or care and think we are all insane anyways. Why would anyone think that about us? Edited August 10, 2021 by Steve_Mack_CT (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 On 8/6/2021 at 8:57 PM, Matt Harwood said: "Gangster car." Enough already. Gangsters needed cars, too. They took what was available. All cars of the era were potentially gangster cars. Hearse: Hurst: Get it right. Please. So...what's a hearse with a Hurst? 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 On 8/7/2021 at 12:04 PM, Frank DuVal said: Hmm, seems a phobia is coming out here. 😉 I like spiders when they are smaller, keep other insects at bay. The ones with the 2"+ leg span do not belong IN the house. I'll take spiders over tomato horn worms any day. Those are butt-ugly and need to be steeped on after removing them from the plant. GROSS!🤬 As the owner of several Corvair Spyders, I like them too!😁 You soak your tomato worms??!! 🤣 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, CHuDWah said: You soak your tomato worms??!! 🤣 Great with a squeeze of lemon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 2 hours ago, Steve_Mack_CT said: Why would anyone think that about us? Who would think that about us?; 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 (edited) 3 hours ago, Pfeil said: Who would think that about us?; Thomas Jefferson probably had more intellectual "horsepower" than everyone in that picture combined. Edited August 11, 2021 by Larry Schramm (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 On 8/9/2021 at 12:35 PM, CarlLaFong said: We referred to them as lacking a certain part of the female anatomy, knowhamsayin? Yep, the 4-4-2 and SX were pretty macho. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 2 hours ago, Steve_Mack_CT said: Why would anyone think that about us? Lessee, Model A roadster - 28-29 from the looks of the cowl and the instrument panel. Yeah, bring on the net and straitjacket. 🤣 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 1 hour ago, CHuDWah said: So...what's a hearse with a Hurst? 😁 I don't know ......but here's a hearse with a Hearst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bamford Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 5 hours ago, CarlLaFong said: ...I think my Model T had two on the shoe Oh, I'll be using that one. Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Like most special interest groups, car people have their own jargon and definitions vary even within the group. So it doesn't bother me when "civilians" misuse terms. But I do have some peeves about car-for-sale ads: 1. Only one sentence and it describes little or nothing about the car. Even worse when combined with a whole page detailing the history of the marque back to when it was horse-drawn. 2. I just chalk terms like rare, barn find, survivor, etc up to sales "puffing." But a car with roll-up windows, more than one row of seat(s), and even a fixed roof is not a roadster, and a 2-door may have two doors but that doesn't make it a coupe. Then there is the ultra-rare 1935 Model T Ford. Or the one that's identified as a marque it's not - jeez, the name usually is plastered all over it in shiny chrome. If one is selling a car, at least know what it is. 3. Only a few out of focus pix or worse, none at all. 4. "Call for price" - it's so overpriced the seller is ashamed to even state it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 26 minutes ago, GregLaR said: I don't know ......but here's a hearse with a Hearst. A Hearst Hurst hearse! 🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Kingsley Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 26 minutes ago, CHuDWah said: 2. I just chalk terms like rare, barn find, survivor, etc up to sales "puffing." But a car with roll-up windows, more than one row of seat(s), and even a fixed roof is not a roadster, and a 2-door may have two doors but that doesn't make it a coupe. Then there is the ultra-rare 1935 Model T Ford. Or the one that's identified as a marque it's not - jeez, the name usually is plastered all over it in shiny chrome. If one is selling a car, at least know what it is. Like the dealer in Hemmings who advertises having literature for 1970s and 80s Edsels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 You guys want car lingo. You should have lived in L.A. or Orange County. There was a amazing guy on the T.V. back then with his dog spot. go see cal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 Another pet automotive peeve of mine is "Cummings Diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 35 minutes ago, CarlLaFong said: Another pet automotive peeve of mine is "Cummings Diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 12 minutes ago, Pfeil said: Bob built engines? Was Schultzie his head mechanic? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 (edited) "My next build" give me a f'n break Edited August 11, 2021 by John348 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 (edited) On 8/10/2021 at 7:13 PM, CarlLaFong said: Bob built engines? Was Schultzie his head mechanic? No, she was his bodyguard, but said that her trench broom was better than a M1921 because her MG42 was a better bone saw. Edited August 12, 2021 by Pfeil (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cahartley Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 13 hours ago, Fox H. said: Anytime someone says "gangster car," quotes the Godfather cannoli scene, or anything remotely about a Thompson. Yes, I agree that some cars can look sinister, but let's just leave it at that. When I first got the '24 Dodge Brothers sedan I had my wife named it the "Gangster Car" about 3 minutes after it rolled off of the trailer it came on....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 My number one stupid term is “3/4 cam”. What the hell is that? Three quarters of what for gods sake? Every time I see that written I know that guy has no clue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 1 hour ago, Steve9 said: My number one stupid term is “3/4 cam”. What the hell is that? Three quarters of what for gods sake? Every time I see that written I know that guy has no clue! It's an old term fom the 40s and 50s. Cam grinders offered cams in half, 3/4 or full rage. Half was a good street grind, 3/4 was for the guy looking for s lot more power but still somewhat streetable. The grinders usually recommended multiple carburetors and a hotter ignition with the 3/4 grind and was pretty much required for the full race cam. 3/4 was a perfectly good term in it's day but is obsolete now. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 4 minutes ago, CarlLaFong said: It's an old term fom the 40s and 50s. Cam grinders offered cams in half, 3/4 or full rage. Half was a good street grind, 3/4 was for the guy looking for s lot more power but still somewhat streetable. The grinders usually recommended multiple carburetors and a hotter ignition with the 3/4 grind and was pretty much required for the full race cam. 3/4 was a perfectly good term in it's day but is obsolete now. Right. It’s like when I hear a sports announcer say “The New York Football Giants”. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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