Dictionary

tach: Short for Tachometer; a device to read engine RPM.

T-Bucket: Slang term for a short, fender-less opened T body hot rod.

three on the tree: Slang term that refers to a column-mounted three-speed transmission shifter.

tiller: A tiller was sometimes used to steer early automobiles rather than a steering wheel.

tonneau: Originally used to describe an early car body style that had an rear passenger compartment, tonneau today defines the bed cover for a pickup truck.

touring car: An early 20th century car model which was open, although some models had convertible tops. Touring cars eventually became today’s sedans.

trad rad: Slang term for a street rod built in the styles of the 1950s and 1960s rods.

tranny: Slang term that is short for transmission.

tub: A touring car or Phaeton. This can also refer to enlarging the wheel well size to accommodate very large tires, usually in the rear.

tubbed: To increase the wheel well size to accommodate very large tires, usually at the rear axel.

tuck and roll: A term referring to a specific style of upholstery.

tudor: Ford name for a two-door sedan.

turbocharger: A turbocharger adds to the power output of a car.

u joints: Short for Universal Joints, located on each end of a drive shaft.

uncorked: Slang term for running without mufflers.

V4: A V4, or V-4, engine has four cylinders.

V6: A V6, or V-6, engine has six cylinders.

V8: A V8, or V-8, engine has eight cylinders.

victoria: Also known as Vicky; refers to a sporty two-door sedan body that features a different rear body panel style.

wedge: A type of Chrysler engine with wedge shaped combustion chambers in the heads.

wide weenies: Slang term referring to large rear tires.

wide whites: Slang term referring to wide whitewall tires.

wires: Slang term referring to spoked wire wheels.

woodie: A station wagon with wood paneling.

x member: The center portion of a frame where the frame rails meet or cross.

y block: A cylinder block with deep pan rails.

z'ed: Frame rails altered in a Z shape to lower the front of a hot rod.

zoomy: A wild street rod with open exhaust pipes.