***THE WECRASH DICTIONARY***
Dec 3, 2014 18:53:47 GMT -5
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Post by T-Brell on Dec 3, 2014 18:53:47 GMT -5
A/B/C/ Pillars- On the body of a car the pillars connect the roof to the rest of the car body. “A” by the
windshield, “B” between the doors on 4 door cars and between the rear door seam and front seam of the rear side windows on 2 door cars("no post" cars do not have a "B" pillar), and “C” by the rear window – one on each side.
Banger Racing- A racing event similar to demolition derby that is done in the United Kingdom. Instead of being in an open arena, they race in an oval. Some try to complete the race while others cause complete havoc, forcing racers to crash into the walls in corners or pile driving stopped cars with as much speed as possible, sometimes many doing so in a row, causing a line of several cars packed into each other. These cars are not typically built to be tough, but built to take a huge impact with cushion as to not harm the drivers. They often give major awards for the most destroyed car, most destructive hit, and best paint jobs.
Belly Bars- Steel tubes from trans cross member to the engine cradle.
Bellying- A term used to describe a car that has bent in between the front and back wheels giving it a resemblance to the belly of a pig. Bellying usually leads to the center of the car dragging the ground, slowing it, or immobilizing it entirely.
BFH- Big F*#$ing Hammer. A very important tool.
BIA- Bolt In Axles. Often preferred over C-Clip axles, as they are bolted in at the end of the axle tubes where the brake drums are located. This will keep the axle in the housing if the axle snaps within the axle tube, whereas a C Clip axle will slide out of the housing if it snaps within the axle tube.
Body Creasing- The technique of strengthening the car by hammering the sheet metal with a combination of a sledge hammer, mini sledge, and, most of all, a ball peen hammer. This is said to structurally strengthen the sheet metal itself, and also forms the body so that it will crumple in on itself, making it a hard, tight ball of steel once packed in.
Bone Stock- Class which typically allows very little modifications. No performance parts or protectors are allowed. Body pucks must be left in and little sheet metal shaping or frame modifying is allowed. This is a brief general description though opinions vary as to what really is Bone Stock.
“Break the Stick"- Every car has a yard-stick sized stick tapped to the “A” Pillar of the car. When the car doesn't make contact with another active opponent within a certain allotted time (usually the time is stated in the show rules) officials will require the driver to reach out and literally break the stick, indicating that they are no longer an active participant.
CAT Battery/Semi Battery- A large battery that powers Caterpillar vehicles or semi trucks. Used by some drivers
instead of car batteries (if allowed by rules) because of their increased power storage. This is usually desired for drivers that choose not to run an alternator charging system, or for stronger and longer cranking when the engine is hot.
Cat’s Ass- Derby slang for Imperial Class cars.
Chained Humps- Running a chain between the frame rails behind the axle so that they do not blow outward into the tires, which would cause much friction on the tires, slowing the car down. Also, it can mean to run a chain vertically from the rear end to the frame rails to keep them from tee-peeing upwards on a leafed car.
Class Rules- A set of rules compiled by the promoter or borrowed from another promoter that the certain class should abide to. They are usually 3-10 pages long, have poor grammar, and can be very vague, allowing for them to be manipulated so that builders can make their cars stronger.
Crash Masters- A professional Demolition Derby management company based in Minnesota.
Cross Member- A factory bracket that goes from frame rail to frame rail that the supports the rear of the transmission. This bracket is often times replaced with heavier steel in modified classes.
Dash Bar- Front width-wise bar of a 4 point cage, located where the dash originally was.
Dimple- Similar to notching, but achieved by heating a spot of the rear frame and hammering a dimple into it.
Dished Trunk (AKA U, V, Canoe)- Beating the center of the trunk down, from side to side, not front to back, leaving the quarter panels verticle. Things normally done to easier acheive dishing are welding the trunk seams solid, cutting out the speaker deck, and removing the trunk spring rods and hinges.
Dog House (AKA Front Clip)- Refers to the front fenders, core support, and hood assembly.
Door Bars- Length-wise bars ran along the doors inside the car, part of a 4 point cage. They attach to the dash and seat bars.
Down Bars/Tubes/Legs- Vertical bars, usually a count of 4, attached to a 4 point cage and the floor or frame. They are different from kickers, as they have no angle and not used to strengthen the car outside of the cabin area.
Dropped Gas Tank- As in removing the stock gas tank entirely and a smaller substitute fuel cell placed behind the seat inside the car cabin. This is common procedure in present times for safety reasons.
D45- A demo derby in Elkhorn, WI in May promoted by Hollywood Motorsports Entertainment
Distributor Protector (AKA DP)- A part that bolts to the back of the motor in some fashion to protect the distributor from coming in contact with the firewall. This is sometimes attached to a midplate, instead of directly to the block.
Engine Cradle- A steel structure that bolts to the bottom of the engine at additional points to help from breaking the engine block. The motor mounts bolt to it, as well as other protectors.
Engine Crossbreeding/Swap- Swapping one engine for a different brand engine. Sometimes not allowed in stock type classes.
Fair Board- The casual term for the Board of Directors of the county Agricultural Society, which
annually hosts a county fair.
Ford 9" - A common Ford rear axle that comes in several spline and rim bolt sizes. Known for it's strength and having bolt in axles.
Frame Horns- The section of a frame that is forward of the “A” Arms and runs to the bumper. Sometimes shortened or cut out and
replaced to reinforce the front of the vehicle.
Frame squaring- Taking the soft rounded corners of the frame and beating them into hard square edges
Frame Stub (AKA Frame clip, Front Clip, Front Stub, Front Sub)- Front frame section of a car firewall forward.
Front Clip- Front sheet metal of any car that includes fenders, hood, and radiator support.
Full Floater Rear End- A rear end that the axleshaft does not carry the weight of the vehicle on the shaft, it only serves to transmit the rotational torque from the differential out to the wheel. Axle can typically be replaced without removing the wheel from the axle.
Full Framer- Body on frame design. Can also be used to designate '66 and older Imperials or G Body cars ran in a compact class.
Functional Brakes- Ideally, this means sufficient function of the brakes to stop the car.
Gas Tank Protector (AKA GTP)- Part of the interior cage, usually welded to the seat bar that runs back to the rear package tray to form a cage around the fuel cell. Some go directly to sheet metal, some rules require a gap.
Halo bar (AKA Roll Loop)- Part of the cage that acts as a rollover bar. It is sometimes attached to the seat bar, door bars, or attached to the floor. It is sometimes required safety equipment. When installed correctly, it will hold the roof down and helps strengthen the rear of the car. When rear window bars are allowed, they are sometimes attached to the halo bar. Littlejohn bars are attached to the halo bar, as well.
Hammerhead - Car with a super strong front end and relatively weak trunk/rear. Typically refers to '67-'73 Imperials but can also include Suicides, '74-'78 Mopars and '74-'78 Fords.
Hard Nosing- A technique for mounting the front bumper on. Typically is referring to welding the bumper directly to the front frame rails as opposed to attaching the bumper to the bumper mount bracket and mount bracket to the frame.
Hard Top/No Post A sedan that does not have the center door post or "B" pillar, in other words, there is no connection from car body to car roof between the posts at the front and rear windshields of a 4 door car. 2 doors can be hard tops as well but will not be reffered to as "no posts." 74-76 GM hard tops/no posts will have the extra window in the "C" pillar.
Heavy Hitter Award (AKA Maddog, Icon Instigator, Best In Show, Crowd Pleaser Award)- An award given to the person who demonstrates destructive driving skill and clear disregard for the preservation of his or her vehicle. It is a promoter’s tactic to give incentive to bad behavior that the crowd loves and compensate a driver for sacrificing their car in ways that may not result in a cash-prize victory.
Hold Downs/Tie Downs- Numerous tactics to keep the hood or trunk in place after hits, including chains, 9 wire, threaded rod with large washers and nuts, welded angle iron with bolt/nuts for the hood, and welding plates on the doors and trunks to close them.
Hood Pins/Bolts- Threaded rods welded to the body that hold the hood down with washers (typically up to 5” washers) and nuts. Also, angles welded to fenders and hood with a bolt through them is a method often used.
Hump Plates- Steel plates that are welded to the outside of the rear humps on the frame. They are often limited to coil sprung cars so that they are equally competitive with leaf sprung cars.
Humps- A part of the rear frame that goes up and over the rear axle to form a "hump."
IBR- If built right.
Kickers- Bars welded from the dash bar and rear bar of the cage to the frame, angled forward and rearward, usually clearing the crush boxes and going to humps to keep frame from bending.
Leaf Spring Conversions- Taking any car with stock rear coil springs and converting the suspension over to leaf springs. New hangers must be installed to the frame to support the leaf springs. Generally speaking, this makes the rear of the vehicle stronger.
Littlejohn Bars- Bars that attach to the halo bar and run along the tops of the doors, down the a pillars, and then attach to the dash bar.
Metric (AKA New Style) -Generally relates to any of the downsized full size American cars from the late 70s or through 80s and early to mid 90s. For General Motor products, it's '77-'96, Ford - '79-'12 and and Mopars ''79-'89. Some of the Mopars that feature the M-Body platform debuted in 1977.
Midplate- A plate between the engine and transmission that the DP is sometimes attached to.
Mighty-Mini- The nickname invented for minivans and compact truck class vehicles.
Modified/Mods- Class that allows extensive frame welding, "tilting", performance parts, hump plates, leaf spring conversions, swapping of parts such as Chevy motors in Fords/Mopars and such, and allowing of drivetrain protectors. For many parts of the country this has become the modern class with the best equipment used.
Nine Wire- Refers to “No. 9 Wire” usually used in fencing that is often used in multiple strands to tie sections of the body together or to the frame and cage. It can be used put upward pressure in the trunk area to keep it from going down, use it to tie together ripped or mangled body panels after running previously, and is often ran to roofs and floors and around frames to help keep the car from "bellying".
Notching Rear Frame- Cutting small chunks out of the rear frame rails behind the humps of the car to insure the frame bends upwards at a desired point in the car.
Outlaw - Class with unlimited reinforcement allowed that can include kickers, unlimited frame plating, truck leaf springs, and adding sheet metal. Mad Max appearing cars can be common and entries in this class can weigh from 7,000 to X pounds. Imperials, Hearses, and Limos are allowed.
Package Tray (In demo derby terms)- The formed steel plate attached between the frame rails in the rear axle arch area that attaches the rear end control arms to the vehicle.
Pinning Frame- A method or strengthening the frame where you drill a hole through the frame, insert a steel rod or bolt, weld, then grind smooth. This is normally a form of cheating.
Pit Pass- A ticket purchased to gain access to the “pit” area where cars are staged at a derby.
Pointy- Refers to '74-'75 Chrysler Imperial & '76-'78 Chrysler New Yorker front bumpers. The only difference between the two is the Imperial bumper has no 'air vents'.
Prebend- The act of bending the rear of a car, often upwards at a specific location, so that the rear packs together in a desired manner, rather than going down into the dirt or straight up like a scorpion.
Promods - Class that generally allows x number inches of plate, kickers, and leaf spring conversions. This class typically has some sort of rules that are followed. Also, Promods can refer to a class of cars that are normally outlawed in other classes, such as Suicide Lincolns, 03 and up Crown Vics, and Imperials, which can all run against each other.
Protest Procedure- The specific process by which any driver may file a complaint as to whether the right call was made, or to check a winning car for cheating that was not caught in inspection or done after inspection.
Pulley Protector (AKA PP)- A product that bolts on to the above cradle to protect the pullies and harmonic balancer of the engine and to "catch" the sway bar so the horns wont bend.
Railroad Bumper- A bumper found on early fullsize Oldsmobiles. Named for being skinny as a piece of rail road track iron.
Rear Bar- A 3rd width-wise bar in a cage behind the seat bar.
Rearend Crossbreeding/Swap- Swapping in a rear axle assembly that has a different manufacturer than the vehicle it is in.
Reclipping- Replacing the front clip on a car after it has been ran and the clip gets bent beyond repair.
Re-Stubbing- Cutting the frame off of the front of the car and welding a new frame on. This is usually done at the transmission cross member or right in front of the a-arms.
Seat Bar- Rear width-wise bar of a 4 point cage, located behind the seat, usually connected in line with the B Pillar.
Sedagon- The act of taking a wagon and pushing the roof down to the quarter panels from the C pillars to the hatch, making it appear as a sedan.
Semi-Floater Rear End- A Rear end that the axleshaft holds the weight of the vehicle, typically by the shaft riding on a bearing at the end of the axle housing by the wheel.
Small Block- Any V-8 that is less than 401 cubic inches
Slider Driveshaft- A type of driveshaft that is custom built with two long tube like pieces of steel, one inside of the other (male/female), that has the ability to shorten or lengthen(telescope). As the car's frame bends at strange angles, it allows the driver to still keep power to his rear axle, other wise a stock drive shaft would slide out of the transmission or rear axle.
Speaker Deck (AKA Package Tray in the autobody world)- The sheet metal section below the rear window area that the rear speakers normally mount to. If allowed per rules, it is sometimes removed to get the trunk lid lower, strengthening the rear of the car.
Spider Gears- The differential assembly in the rear axle is made up of a housing and 4 gears, called spider gears. The differential allows only 1 wheel to get power to the ground so that the vehicle can turn on the road and allow the back tires to travel at different speeds. Welding the gears together gives the car a "posi" traction, meaning both wheels will get power to the ground.
SS Rims- Chevy truck rims that were used in the late '80s and early '90s on full size trucks, Vans and SUVs. They are quite strong and the valve stem is located on the inner side of the rim.
Stacks- Vertical exhaust headers ran directly through the hood from the engine. They direct the exhaust heat straight out of the engine bay and sound GREAT!
Stock/Limited Weld- Class which can loosely allow some plates welded onto the doors, bumpers and shocks to be welded to the frame and some drive train swapping. This is a general description though opinions vary as to what really is Stock/Limited Weld.
Street Stock- Throwback class which typically requires the front dash to be left in, no aftermarket parts added and street tires/rims used. Safety cages or bars sometimes are not allowed. Nothing can be added.
Stub/Sub- The front part of the frame from the firewall mounts forward. On a Mopar car it is referred to as a sub, as it is not a full frame.
Stuffing Frames- The practice of filling voids in a car frame or bumpers with one or more materials to
give additional strength. This practice is considered cheating at most shows, and if caught, you will not be allowed to run.
Stuffing Shocks- drilling and draining the fluid and replacing with cut up pieces of rags or steel shot(BB's) to gain height. Also stuffing rags into the shock skirt to act as a bump stop.
Sub-framer/Uni-Body- Any car that has a smaller frame than a full framer extending from behind the front bumper to typically under the front floorboard area. This can vary a bit depending on the make/model. Uni-Bodies such as '73-'79 B-Body Mopars and most compacts feature frames that are welded to the body of the car at the factory.
Tee-Peed Roof- A method of prebending often used on square back wagons where the roof is pushed up between the C pillar and the hatch so that the rear of the car rolls together better.
Thread Locator- Part of this web forum that directs you to the proper thread for the car you are seeking information about. Usually they are stickied on the top in each tips/tricks section.
Tire Doubling To put a slightly smaller tire inside of another tire to make it very thick to prevent puncture. An inner tube is then used to air the tire up.
Tilted Frame (AKA Pitch, Tip)- To cut the frame in a manner to get the front of the frame sitting level. Usually achieved by cutting crush box seams on a FOMOCO or by cutting a pie slice by the crossmember or out of the "S" curves on a GM or 03+.
Trans Brace/Protector- A cage that bolts to the trans to keep it from breaking the transmission housing, especially on a car with a strengthened transmission cross member. It's secondary purpose is for keeping the frame straight in the front longer, as it presses on the transmission tunnel sheet metal.
Tucking Trunk- Bending the trunk lid down at a 90 degree angle into the trunk and securing it either with #9 wire and/or steel thread to the floor.
Valve Stem Protectors- A washer or 2 pieces of rod welded to the wheel that protects the valve stem of a tire or tube from damage.
Watts Link- Rear suspension design specific to 98+ fords. Known for not being as strong as other suspension designs.
Wedging/Wedge Car- When you flatten the trunk, 1/4 panels, and tail light panel flat to where the rear of the car resembles a wedge or a ramp. The reason most places don't allow this is because it makes it harder to inspect and its easier to roll someone over if they go up the ramp.
Wheel Weights- Lead weights attached to the bead of a wheel that keep a normally functioning wheel/tire in balance. Must be removed for some derbies because they could fly off from being struck.
10 Bolt- Refers to the GM full size rearends with 10 bolts in the covers and an 8.5" ring gear. Metric full sizes and 70s Mid sizes have "10 bolts" also, but they are not as desired as they have a 7.5" ring gear and normally smaller axles.
12 Bolt- Refers to the GM full size rearend with 12 bolts in the cover and 31 spline axles. Not to be confused with the muscle car 12 bolts from the Chevelles, etc. You cannot get aftermarket gear ratios for the fullsize 12 bolt rearend.
14 Bolt FF/SF- Refers to the GM truck rearend with 14 bolts in the cover. There are 2 types: Full Floaters and Semi Floaters. Full floaters have fully floating axles and will have a big hub sticking out of the rim.
4 Point Cage- Type of cage that surrounds a driver, generally consists of a bar behind the seat (Seat Bar), a bar along the dash area (Dash Bar), and door bars ran lengthwise that attaches the dash bar and seat bar.
5 Foot Rule- Similar to Outlaw, but must look like a factory car from 5 foot away. No external cages or protruding items. Meaning behind term is that you can inspect the car from "5 foot away".
Fox Body- Platform used by Ford to produce '79+ Mustangs, Fairmonts, Cougars, Thunderbirds, LTD and a whole host of other 80s cars.
“5 On–5 Off”- This term describes a pattern of how to weld plates over door, trunk, and hatch seams. Plates up to 5” long welded over the seam, a gap of 5”, and then another plate 5" long. They are used to close the body panel.
8 3/4" Axle- Most desired Mopar rear axle.
CAR NAMES
Big GM- Most refer to 71-76 Buick Electras and Olds 98s as "Big GMs" because of their longer wheelbase and boxed side rails. Caddies can be thrown into this category as well but most keep Caddies in their own category.
BOP- Buick, Olds, Pontiac 70s fullsize cars with similar frame design.
Boxcar- '64-'66 Imperials, known for their fully boxed frame from front to rear.
Bubble Lumina- 95 to 01 Chevy Lumina and 95 to 99 Monte Carlos. The bodies have more of a bubble shape than the older "square lumina" bodies, but the structure is very close to the same.
Bubble Top Vic/Caprice- '91+ Ford Crown Vics/Mercury Grand Marquis,'90+ Lincoln Towncars (BTL) as well as '91-'96 Chevy Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, Caddy Fleetwood or Olds Custom Cruiser. Differs the newer bubble shape roof and body compared to older boxy styling.
CDV- Cadillac Coupe Deville
Compact- A class of car that is usually designated by a maximum wheel base and limited to a certain amount of cylinders for the engine. The most popular models are Mustangs, Camaros, Pacers, and W body vehicles.
Deuce/Deuce and a Quarter- Refers to a 1971-1976 Buick 225 or Electra.
Eldo/Toro- Refers to the two front wheel drive full size cars, The Cadillac Eldorado and the Olds Toronado.
Football/Oval Window Lincoln- A Lincoln Continental with an oval window in the rear pillar. Were available in the 70s and 80s cars.
Hydro-Framer/'03s- '03+ Ford Crown Vics. They are called hydro-framers because the front frame section was formed via high water pressure. The engine cradle is aluminum so many drivers will switch over to '80+ Ford cradles, K-Frames off '67-'73 Imperials, Pinch Framers or even Chevy Astros. Some promoters will even allow you to wrap the aluminum cradle with steel instead of swapping it out. Some of these swaps are banned. Furthermore, due to their crash worthiness, some promoters in various parts have already banned '03+ Ford Vics.
Imp- Impala
IMP- Imperial. Like suicide Lincolns, Imperials are often banned.
K car- Compact/midsize Chrysler products (81-95) including the Dodge Aries, Plymouth Reliant, Chrysler LeBaron, and the Dodge 400.
M-Body- '77-'89 Mopar which include the following:
1977-1989 Dodge Diplomat
1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaron
1978-1981 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon
1978-1982 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
1982-1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
1982 Chrysler New Yorker
1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1983-1989 Plymouth Caravelle Salon (Canada)
1984-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Mopar- Any Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, Plymouth, or Imperial.
Old Iron Cars- any of the true full size cars from '77 & older for GMs, '78 & older for Fords, and '78 and older for Mopars.
Panther Platform - Ford based generic platform used for all full size/full frame cars since '79-'12. Crown Victorias, Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars have been based on this frame.
Pinch Framer- Any B-Body Mopar circa '73-'79. Also includes '65ish-'72 mid size cars. The '73-'79 bodstyles include Chrysler Cordobas, Chrysler 300, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Monaco, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Plymouth Fury. This platform would continue on as the R-Body for the '79-'81 model years as the Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler New Yorker and Chrysler Newport.
R-Body- '79-'81 Mopar Pinch Framer sourced models that included the Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler New Yorker and Chrysler Newport.
Roundback Wagon- Refers to any '71-'76 full size GM wagon(Olds, Pontiac, Buick or Chevy)
SDV- Sedan Cadillac Deville
Shocker - Any full size '74-'78 Mopar known for the type of gas-filled shock bumper that was mandated by government safety at the time. This term only applies to Chryslers.
Squareback Wagon- Refers to any '77 & newer full size GM wagon
Suicide- Any '61-'69 Lincoln Continental - have rear hinged back doors making them quite distinct. Among the strongest cars produced within the Ford Motor Company and some promoters/fairboards have banned them.
W-Body- A very popular fwd compact car. 1st generations and 1.5 gens are the most popular, as the later Ws have a longer wheelbase, which usually outlaws them from a compact class. The 1 and 1.5 gens consist of:
'90-'01 Chevy Lumina,
'88–'96 Buick Regal
'88–'97 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
'88–'96 Pontiac Grand Prix
'95–'99 Chevy Monte Carlo
Y-Framer- Any full size Mopar '65-'73 model years, so named as on the front end of the frames is a Y-shaped piece of steel that the bumpers connect to.
windshield, “B” between the doors on 4 door cars and between the rear door seam and front seam of the rear side windows on 2 door cars("no post" cars do not have a "B" pillar), and “C” by the rear window – one on each side.
Banger Racing- A racing event similar to demolition derby that is done in the United Kingdom. Instead of being in an open arena, they race in an oval. Some try to complete the race while others cause complete havoc, forcing racers to crash into the walls in corners or pile driving stopped cars with as much speed as possible, sometimes many doing so in a row, causing a line of several cars packed into each other. These cars are not typically built to be tough, but built to take a huge impact with cushion as to not harm the drivers. They often give major awards for the most destroyed car, most destructive hit, and best paint jobs.
Belly Bars- Steel tubes from trans cross member to the engine cradle.
Bellying- A term used to describe a car that has bent in between the front and back wheels giving it a resemblance to the belly of a pig. Bellying usually leads to the center of the car dragging the ground, slowing it, or immobilizing it entirely.
BFH- Big F*#$ing Hammer. A very important tool.
BIA- Bolt In Axles. Often preferred over C-Clip axles, as they are bolted in at the end of the axle tubes where the brake drums are located. This will keep the axle in the housing if the axle snaps within the axle tube, whereas a C Clip axle will slide out of the housing if it snaps within the axle tube.
Body Creasing- The technique of strengthening the car by hammering the sheet metal with a combination of a sledge hammer, mini sledge, and, most of all, a ball peen hammer. This is said to structurally strengthen the sheet metal itself, and also forms the body so that it will crumple in on itself, making it a hard, tight ball of steel once packed in.
Bone Stock- Class which typically allows very little modifications. No performance parts or protectors are allowed. Body pucks must be left in and little sheet metal shaping or frame modifying is allowed. This is a brief general description though opinions vary as to what really is Bone Stock.
“Break the Stick"- Every car has a yard-stick sized stick tapped to the “A” Pillar of the car. When the car doesn't make contact with another active opponent within a certain allotted time (usually the time is stated in the show rules) officials will require the driver to reach out and literally break the stick, indicating that they are no longer an active participant.
CAT Battery/Semi Battery- A large battery that powers Caterpillar vehicles or semi trucks. Used by some drivers
instead of car batteries (if allowed by rules) because of their increased power storage. This is usually desired for drivers that choose not to run an alternator charging system, or for stronger and longer cranking when the engine is hot.
Cat’s Ass- Derby slang for Imperial Class cars.
Chained Humps- Running a chain between the frame rails behind the axle so that they do not blow outward into the tires, which would cause much friction on the tires, slowing the car down. Also, it can mean to run a chain vertically from the rear end to the frame rails to keep them from tee-peeing upwards on a leafed car.
Class Rules- A set of rules compiled by the promoter or borrowed from another promoter that the certain class should abide to. They are usually 3-10 pages long, have poor grammar, and can be very vague, allowing for them to be manipulated so that builders can make their cars stronger.
Crash Masters- A professional Demolition Derby management company based in Minnesota.
Cross Member- A factory bracket that goes from frame rail to frame rail that the supports the rear of the transmission. This bracket is often times replaced with heavier steel in modified classes.
Dash Bar- Front width-wise bar of a 4 point cage, located where the dash originally was.
Dimple- Similar to notching, but achieved by heating a spot of the rear frame and hammering a dimple into it.
Dished Trunk (AKA U, V, Canoe)- Beating the center of the trunk down, from side to side, not front to back, leaving the quarter panels verticle. Things normally done to easier acheive dishing are welding the trunk seams solid, cutting out the speaker deck, and removing the trunk spring rods and hinges.
Dog House (AKA Front Clip)- Refers to the front fenders, core support, and hood assembly.
Door Bars- Length-wise bars ran along the doors inside the car, part of a 4 point cage. They attach to the dash and seat bars.
Down Bars/Tubes/Legs- Vertical bars, usually a count of 4, attached to a 4 point cage and the floor or frame. They are different from kickers, as they have no angle and not used to strengthen the car outside of the cabin area.
Dropped Gas Tank- As in removing the stock gas tank entirely and a smaller substitute fuel cell placed behind the seat inside the car cabin. This is common procedure in present times for safety reasons.
D45- A demo derby in Elkhorn, WI in May promoted by Hollywood Motorsports Entertainment
Distributor Protector (AKA DP)- A part that bolts to the back of the motor in some fashion to protect the distributor from coming in contact with the firewall. This is sometimes attached to a midplate, instead of directly to the block.
Engine Cradle- A steel structure that bolts to the bottom of the engine at additional points to help from breaking the engine block. The motor mounts bolt to it, as well as other protectors.
Engine Crossbreeding/Swap- Swapping one engine for a different brand engine. Sometimes not allowed in stock type classes.
Fair Board- The casual term for the Board of Directors of the county Agricultural Society, which
annually hosts a county fair.
Ford 9" - A common Ford rear axle that comes in several spline and rim bolt sizes. Known for it's strength and having bolt in axles.
Frame Horns- The section of a frame that is forward of the “A” Arms and runs to the bumper. Sometimes shortened or cut out and
replaced to reinforce the front of the vehicle.
Frame squaring- Taking the soft rounded corners of the frame and beating them into hard square edges
Frame Stub (AKA Frame clip, Front Clip, Front Stub, Front Sub)- Front frame section of a car firewall forward.
Front Clip- Front sheet metal of any car that includes fenders, hood, and radiator support.
Full Floater Rear End- A rear end that the axleshaft does not carry the weight of the vehicle on the shaft, it only serves to transmit the rotational torque from the differential out to the wheel. Axle can typically be replaced without removing the wheel from the axle.
Full Framer- Body on frame design. Can also be used to designate '66 and older Imperials or G Body cars ran in a compact class.
Functional Brakes- Ideally, this means sufficient function of the brakes to stop the car.
Gas Tank Protector (AKA GTP)- Part of the interior cage, usually welded to the seat bar that runs back to the rear package tray to form a cage around the fuel cell. Some go directly to sheet metal, some rules require a gap.
Halo bar (AKA Roll Loop)- Part of the cage that acts as a rollover bar. It is sometimes attached to the seat bar, door bars, or attached to the floor. It is sometimes required safety equipment. When installed correctly, it will hold the roof down and helps strengthen the rear of the car. When rear window bars are allowed, they are sometimes attached to the halo bar. Littlejohn bars are attached to the halo bar, as well.
Hammerhead - Car with a super strong front end and relatively weak trunk/rear. Typically refers to '67-'73 Imperials but can also include Suicides, '74-'78 Mopars and '74-'78 Fords.
Hard Nosing- A technique for mounting the front bumper on. Typically is referring to welding the bumper directly to the front frame rails as opposed to attaching the bumper to the bumper mount bracket and mount bracket to the frame.
Hard Top/No Post A sedan that does not have the center door post or "B" pillar, in other words, there is no connection from car body to car roof between the posts at the front and rear windshields of a 4 door car. 2 doors can be hard tops as well but will not be reffered to as "no posts." 74-76 GM hard tops/no posts will have the extra window in the "C" pillar.
Heavy Hitter Award (AKA Maddog, Icon Instigator, Best In Show, Crowd Pleaser Award)- An award given to the person who demonstrates destructive driving skill and clear disregard for the preservation of his or her vehicle. It is a promoter’s tactic to give incentive to bad behavior that the crowd loves and compensate a driver for sacrificing their car in ways that may not result in a cash-prize victory.
Hold Downs/Tie Downs- Numerous tactics to keep the hood or trunk in place after hits, including chains, 9 wire, threaded rod with large washers and nuts, welded angle iron with bolt/nuts for the hood, and welding plates on the doors and trunks to close them.
Hood Pins/Bolts- Threaded rods welded to the body that hold the hood down with washers (typically up to 5” washers) and nuts. Also, angles welded to fenders and hood with a bolt through them is a method often used.
Hump Plates- Steel plates that are welded to the outside of the rear humps on the frame. They are often limited to coil sprung cars so that they are equally competitive with leaf sprung cars.
Humps- A part of the rear frame that goes up and over the rear axle to form a "hump."
IBR- If built right.
Kickers- Bars welded from the dash bar and rear bar of the cage to the frame, angled forward and rearward, usually clearing the crush boxes and going to humps to keep frame from bending.
Leaf Spring Conversions- Taking any car with stock rear coil springs and converting the suspension over to leaf springs. New hangers must be installed to the frame to support the leaf springs. Generally speaking, this makes the rear of the vehicle stronger.
Littlejohn Bars- Bars that attach to the halo bar and run along the tops of the doors, down the a pillars, and then attach to the dash bar.
Metric (AKA New Style) -Generally relates to any of the downsized full size American cars from the late 70s or through 80s and early to mid 90s. For General Motor products, it's '77-'96, Ford - '79-'12 and and Mopars ''79-'89. Some of the Mopars that feature the M-Body platform debuted in 1977.
Midplate- A plate between the engine and transmission that the DP is sometimes attached to.
Mighty-Mini- The nickname invented for minivans and compact truck class vehicles.
Modified/Mods- Class that allows extensive frame welding, "tilting", performance parts, hump plates, leaf spring conversions, swapping of parts such as Chevy motors in Fords/Mopars and such, and allowing of drivetrain protectors. For many parts of the country this has become the modern class with the best equipment used.
Nine Wire- Refers to “No. 9 Wire” usually used in fencing that is often used in multiple strands to tie sections of the body together or to the frame and cage. It can be used put upward pressure in the trunk area to keep it from going down, use it to tie together ripped or mangled body panels after running previously, and is often ran to roofs and floors and around frames to help keep the car from "bellying".
Notching Rear Frame- Cutting small chunks out of the rear frame rails behind the humps of the car to insure the frame bends upwards at a desired point in the car.
Outlaw - Class with unlimited reinforcement allowed that can include kickers, unlimited frame plating, truck leaf springs, and adding sheet metal. Mad Max appearing cars can be common and entries in this class can weigh from 7,000 to X pounds. Imperials, Hearses, and Limos are allowed.
Package Tray (In demo derby terms)- The formed steel plate attached between the frame rails in the rear axle arch area that attaches the rear end control arms to the vehicle.
Pinning Frame- A method or strengthening the frame where you drill a hole through the frame, insert a steel rod or bolt, weld, then grind smooth. This is normally a form of cheating.
Pit Pass- A ticket purchased to gain access to the “pit” area where cars are staged at a derby.
Pointy- Refers to '74-'75 Chrysler Imperial & '76-'78 Chrysler New Yorker front bumpers. The only difference between the two is the Imperial bumper has no 'air vents'.
Prebend- The act of bending the rear of a car, often upwards at a specific location, so that the rear packs together in a desired manner, rather than going down into the dirt or straight up like a scorpion.
Promods - Class that generally allows x number inches of plate, kickers, and leaf spring conversions. This class typically has some sort of rules that are followed. Also, Promods can refer to a class of cars that are normally outlawed in other classes, such as Suicide Lincolns, 03 and up Crown Vics, and Imperials, which can all run against each other.
Protest Procedure- The specific process by which any driver may file a complaint as to whether the right call was made, or to check a winning car for cheating that was not caught in inspection or done after inspection.
Pulley Protector (AKA PP)- A product that bolts on to the above cradle to protect the pullies and harmonic balancer of the engine and to "catch" the sway bar so the horns wont bend.
Railroad Bumper- A bumper found on early fullsize Oldsmobiles. Named for being skinny as a piece of rail road track iron.
Rear Bar- A 3rd width-wise bar in a cage behind the seat bar.
Rearend Crossbreeding/Swap- Swapping in a rear axle assembly that has a different manufacturer than the vehicle it is in.
Reclipping- Replacing the front clip on a car after it has been ran and the clip gets bent beyond repair.
Re-Stubbing- Cutting the frame off of the front of the car and welding a new frame on. This is usually done at the transmission cross member or right in front of the a-arms.
Seat Bar- Rear width-wise bar of a 4 point cage, located behind the seat, usually connected in line with the B Pillar.
Sedagon- The act of taking a wagon and pushing the roof down to the quarter panels from the C pillars to the hatch, making it appear as a sedan.
Semi-Floater Rear End- A Rear end that the axleshaft holds the weight of the vehicle, typically by the shaft riding on a bearing at the end of the axle housing by the wheel.
Small Block- Any V-8 that is less than 401 cubic inches
Slider Driveshaft- A type of driveshaft that is custom built with two long tube like pieces of steel, one inside of the other (male/female), that has the ability to shorten or lengthen(telescope). As the car's frame bends at strange angles, it allows the driver to still keep power to his rear axle, other wise a stock drive shaft would slide out of the transmission or rear axle.
Speaker Deck (AKA Package Tray in the autobody world)- The sheet metal section below the rear window area that the rear speakers normally mount to. If allowed per rules, it is sometimes removed to get the trunk lid lower, strengthening the rear of the car.
Spider Gears- The differential assembly in the rear axle is made up of a housing and 4 gears, called spider gears. The differential allows only 1 wheel to get power to the ground so that the vehicle can turn on the road and allow the back tires to travel at different speeds. Welding the gears together gives the car a "posi" traction, meaning both wheels will get power to the ground.
SS Rims- Chevy truck rims that were used in the late '80s and early '90s on full size trucks, Vans and SUVs. They are quite strong and the valve stem is located on the inner side of the rim.
Stacks- Vertical exhaust headers ran directly through the hood from the engine. They direct the exhaust heat straight out of the engine bay and sound GREAT!
Stock/Limited Weld- Class which can loosely allow some plates welded onto the doors, bumpers and shocks to be welded to the frame and some drive train swapping. This is a general description though opinions vary as to what really is Stock/Limited Weld.
Street Stock- Throwback class which typically requires the front dash to be left in, no aftermarket parts added and street tires/rims used. Safety cages or bars sometimes are not allowed. Nothing can be added.
Stub/Sub- The front part of the frame from the firewall mounts forward. On a Mopar car it is referred to as a sub, as it is not a full frame.
Stuffing Frames- The practice of filling voids in a car frame or bumpers with one or more materials to
give additional strength. This practice is considered cheating at most shows, and if caught, you will not be allowed to run.
Stuffing Shocks- drilling and draining the fluid and replacing with cut up pieces of rags or steel shot(BB's) to gain height. Also stuffing rags into the shock skirt to act as a bump stop.
Sub-framer/Uni-Body- Any car that has a smaller frame than a full framer extending from behind the front bumper to typically under the front floorboard area. This can vary a bit depending on the make/model. Uni-Bodies such as '73-'79 B-Body Mopars and most compacts feature frames that are welded to the body of the car at the factory.
Tee-Peed Roof- A method of prebending often used on square back wagons where the roof is pushed up between the C pillar and the hatch so that the rear of the car rolls together better.
Thread Locator- Part of this web forum that directs you to the proper thread for the car you are seeking information about. Usually they are stickied on the top in each tips/tricks section.
Tire Doubling To put a slightly smaller tire inside of another tire to make it very thick to prevent puncture. An inner tube is then used to air the tire up.
Tilted Frame (AKA Pitch, Tip)- To cut the frame in a manner to get the front of the frame sitting level. Usually achieved by cutting crush box seams on a FOMOCO or by cutting a pie slice by the crossmember or out of the "S" curves on a GM or 03+.
Trans Brace/Protector- A cage that bolts to the trans to keep it from breaking the transmission housing, especially on a car with a strengthened transmission cross member. It's secondary purpose is for keeping the frame straight in the front longer, as it presses on the transmission tunnel sheet metal.
Tucking Trunk- Bending the trunk lid down at a 90 degree angle into the trunk and securing it either with #9 wire and/or steel thread to the floor.
Valve Stem Protectors- A washer or 2 pieces of rod welded to the wheel that protects the valve stem of a tire or tube from damage.
Watts Link- Rear suspension design specific to 98+ fords. Known for not being as strong as other suspension designs.
Wedging/Wedge Car- When you flatten the trunk, 1/4 panels, and tail light panel flat to where the rear of the car resembles a wedge or a ramp. The reason most places don't allow this is because it makes it harder to inspect and its easier to roll someone over if they go up the ramp.
Wheel Weights- Lead weights attached to the bead of a wheel that keep a normally functioning wheel/tire in balance. Must be removed for some derbies because they could fly off from being struck.
10 Bolt- Refers to the GM full size rearends with 10 bolts in the covers and an 8.5" ring gear. Metric full sizes and 70s Mid sizes have "10 bolts" also, but they are not as desired as they have a 7.5" ring gear and normally smaller axles.
12 Bolt- Refers to the GM full size rearend with 12 bolts in the cover and 31 spline axles. Not to be confused with the muscle car 12 bolts from the Chevelles, etc. You cannot get aftermarket gear ratios for the fullsize 12 bolt rearend.
14 Bolt FF/SF- Refers to the GM truck rearend with 14 bolts in the cover. There are 2 types: Full Floaters and Semi Floaters. Full floaters have fully floating axles and will have a big hub sticking out of the rim.
4 Point Cage- Type of cage that surrounds a driver, generally consists of a bar behind the seat (Seat Bar), a bar along the dash area (Dash Bar), and door bars ran lengthwise that attaches the dash bar and seat bar.
5 Foot Rule- Similar to Outlaw, but must look like a factory car from 5 foot away. No external cages or protruding items. Meaning behind term is that you can inspect the car from "5 foot away".
Fox Body- Platform used by Ford to produce '79+ Mustangs, Fairmonts, Cougars, Thunderbirds, LTD and a whole host of other 80s cars.
“5 On–5 Off”- This term describes a pattern of how to weld plates over door, trunk, and hatch seams. Plates up to 5” long welded over the seam, a gap of 5”, and then another plate 5" long. They are used to close the body panel.
8 3/4" Axle- Most desired Mopar rear axle.
CAR NAMES
Big GM- Most refer to 71-76 Buick Electras and Olds 98s as "Big GMs" because of their longer wheelbase and boxed side rails. Caddies can be thrown into this category as well but most keep Caddies in their own category.
BOP- Buick, Olds, Pontiac 70s fullsize cars with similar frame design.
Boxcar- '64-'66 Imperials, known for their fully boxed frame from front to rear.
Bubble Lumina- 95 to 01 Chevy Lumina and 95 to 99 Monte Carlos. The bodies have more of a bubble shape than the older "square lumina" bodies, but the structure is very close to the same.
Bubble Top Vic/Caprice- '91+ Ford Crown Vics/Mercury Grand Marquis,'90+ Lincoln Towncars (BTL) as well as '91-'96 Chevy Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, Caddy Fleetwood or Olds Custom Cruiser. Differs the newer bubble shape roof and body compared to older boxy styling.
CDV- Cadillac Coupe Deville
Compact- A class of car that is usually designated by a maximum wheel base and limited to a certain amount of cylinders for the engine. The most popular models are Mustangs, Camaros, Pacers, and W body vehicles.
Deuce/Deuce and a Quarter- Refers to a 1971-1976 Buick 225 or Electra.
Eldo/Toro- Refers to the two front wheel drive full size cars, The Cadillac Eldorado and the Olds Toronado.
Football/Oval Window Lincoln- A Lincoln Continental with an oval window in the rear pillar. Were available in the 70s and 80s cars.
Hydro-Framer/'03s- '03+ Ford Crown Vics. They are called hydro-framers because the front frame section was formed via high water pressure. The engine cradle is aluminum so many drivers will switch over to '80+ Ford cradles, K-Frames off '67-'73 Imperials, Pinch Framers or even Chevy Astros. Some promoters will even allow you to wrap the aluminum cradle with steel instead of swapping it out. Some of these swaps are banned. Furthermore, due to their crash worthiness, some promoters in various parts have already banned '03+ Ford Vics.
Imp- Impala
IMP- Imperial. Like suicide Lincolns, Imperials are often banned.
K car- Compact/midsize Chrysler products (81-95) including the Dodge Aries, Plymouth Reliant, Chrysler LeBaron, and the Dodge 400.
M-Body- '77-'89 Mopar which include the following:
1977-1989 Dodge Diplomat
1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaron
1978-1981 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon
1978-1982 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
1982-1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
1982 Chrysler New Yorker
1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1983-1989 Plymouth Caravelle Salon (Canada)
1984-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Mopar- Any Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, Plymouth, or Imperial.
Old Iron Cars- any of the true full size cars from '77 & older for GMs, '78 & older for Fords, and '78 and older for Mopars.
Panther Platform - Ford based generic platform used for all full size/full frame cars since '79-'12. Crown Victorias, Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars have been based on this frame.
Pinch Framer- Any B-Body Mopar circa '73-'79. Also includes '65ish-'72 mid size cars. The '73-'79 bodstyles include Chrysler Cordobas, Chrysler 300, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Monaco, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Plymouth Fury. This platform would continue on as the R-Body for the '79-'81 model years as the Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler New Yorker and Chrysler Newport.
R-Body- '79-'81 Mopar Pinch Framer sourced models that included the Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler New Yorker and Chrysler Newport.
Roundback Wagon- Refers to any '71-'76 full size GM wagon(Olds, Pontiac, Buick or Chevy)
SDV- Sedan Cadillac Deville
Shocker - Any full size '74-'78 Mopar known for the type of gas-filled shock bumper that was mandated by government safety at the time. This term only applies to Chryslers.
Squareback Wagon- Refers to any '77 & newer full size GM wagon
Suicide- Any '61-'69 Lincoln Continental - have rear hinged back doors making them quite distinct. Among the strongest cars produced within the Ford Motor Company and some promoters/fairboards have banned them.
W-Body- A very popular fwd compact car. 1st generations and 1.5 gens are the most popular, as the later Ws have a longer wheelbase, which usually outlaws them from a compact class. The 1 and 1.5 gens consist of:
'90-'01 Chevy Lumina,
'88–'96 Buick Regal
'88–'97 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
'88–'96 Pontiac Grand Prix
'95–'99 Chevy Monte Carlo
Y-Framer- Any full size Mopar '65-'73 model years, so named as on the front end of the frames is a Y-shaped piece of steel that the bumpers connect to.