Glossary of Terms
A
A midsize line of cars at GM including Buick (Skylark), Chevrolet (Chevelle), Oldsmobile (F-85 and Cutlass), and Pontiac (LeMans). Also, within the Chrysler company, the term referred to the Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Dart group of cars, and included the first and second generation Barracuda.
A- Pillar --In a passenger car, support for both the forward most section of the roof as well as the windshield.
AAR 'Cuda --A version of the '70 Plymouth Barracuda that was built with the intention of homogolating it for the SCCA Trans-Am competition. The AAR 'Cuda was mechanically identical to a Challenger T/A and featured a 340ci V-8 with Six-Pack carburetion.
Accelerator Pedal --A foot pedal that allows the driver to control their speed by varying the degree of the opening of the induction system throttle(s).
Adjustable Timing Gear --A camshaft sprocket which allows an adjustment of the outer gear as it relates to the attaching point of the camshaft.
Advance Curve --The degrees of distributor advance from the stationary setting as a function of the rotating velocity, commonly reached through a mechanism of revolving weights, springs, and limit stops within a distributor.
Advance Plate --A plate inside a distributor where the ignition points are attached, the plates rotates around a fix angle in reaction to the advance mechanism(s), thereby changing the phasing of the points and distributor cam.
Advance Springs --Springs capable of providing restoring force against a distributor’s advance mechanism(s).
Air Cleaner --A device used to filter out particulate matter from the air.
Air Dam --A device that diverts some of air at the lower front of the car from passing underneath it when the car is in motion.
Air Grabber --A hood with a mechanical door that was capable of opening and forcing air into the carburetor. This hood was originally introduced on the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner and came standard with the Hemi.
Air Horn --The air inlet portion of the carburetor.
Air Pump --An device intended to assist in the reduction of pollution by providing fuel-less air to the engine.
Airfoil --An aspect of a car in which the flow of air over its surface results in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces, and thus results in a strong vertical force on the car.
Alternator --A part that generates current so that the on-board storage battery will be equipped with the proper level of charge.
AMX --Was a cropped version of the AMC Javelin, this two-seat AMX was built in 1968 with continued production through 1970. In 1971 the AMX was reduced to only a trim package on the new Javelin, the trim package could also be found on the Spirit in 1980 and the Hornet.
Anti-Roll Bar (Sway bar) --A torsion control bar attached to a car’s frame, and to moving portions of the suspension. This bar is designed to manage body roll.
Anti-submarine Strap --A safety belt/device intended to provide additional support for the driver’s lower torso in the event of a crash or abrupt forward motions.
Aspect Ratio --The ratio tire section height to tire section width. The Aspect Ratio is expressed as a percentage.
Attachment Points --The these are the attachment points that the fixed, moving ends of a shock absorber, and the suspension components are attached to the frame or structure of the car.
Axle Housing --Housing containing the axle shafts and providing support for the wheel hubs.
Axle Shaft --A metal shaft that transfers power from the differential or transaxle to the drive wheel or wheels.
Axle Tube --See Axle Housing. The beam that connects the rear wheels on a front wheel drive car is also considered part of the Axle Tube.
