Crazed paint occurs when paint is so damaged, the surface actually develops hairline cracks. These cracks may spread in a spiderweb fashion across the surface of the paint. Crazed paint is unrestorable, and sometimes has to be completely removed when a car is repainted.

One of several horizontal members in a vehicle frame which join the side members and add to overall strength and stability.

Cruising is a driving style whereby the driver maintains a set speed with very little fluctuation.

The volume of the cylinder between the piston top dead center and bottom dead center. Expressed in cubic centimeters or cubic inches.

European, metric, and competition measure of engine displacement 1,000 cc = 1 liter, which equals about 61 cubic inches.

U.S. measure of engine displacement 1 cubic inch = 16.387 cc.

An automobile that has been restyled, or an all-new body fitted on an existing chassis.

Customs duties levied on imported goods under the Customs Tariff.

CV (constant velocity) joints are part of a car's driveline. They allow a wheel to rotate freely in any direction while still receiving power from the axle.

A term used to describe the very light production autos made prior to 1922. Usually made from motorcycle parts and generally powered by single- or twin-cylinder engines. Disappeared when genuine light cars appeared.

The hollow tubular cavity in the cylinder block in which the piston travels and in which combustion takes place. Typically made of cast iron and formed as a part of the block.

The main structural member of an engine in which is found the cylinders, crankshaft and other principal parts. The basic part of the engine to which other engine parts are attached. It is usually a casting and includes engine cylinders and the upper part of the crankcase.

The detachable portion of the engine, usually fastened to the top of the cylinder block and containing all or most of the combustion chambers. On overhead valve engines, it contains the valves and their operating parts. On overhead cam engines, it contains the camshaft as well. The removable part of the engine that attaches to the cylinder block directly above the cylinders. The head is cast from aluminum or iron and houses the combustion chambers, the intake and exhaust ports, spark plugs and much or all of the valve train. It has oil and water passages for cooling and lubrication.

The circular housing that the piston moves in when the cylinder is not an integral part of the block. Also known as a 'sleeve'.

The vertical or sometimes diagonal roof supporting member located at the extreme rear of the roof or greenhouse structure on station wagons and some sedan models.

The nineteenth-century axle principle of Count de Dion. The wheels tied by a transverse tube curved to clear the final drive unit rigidly mounted to the car's chassis frame. Drive to the wheels is by universally jointed half shafts. The tube moves vertically on a slide to allow the wheels to rise and fall independently. General use was dropped in 1914, but still is used on many sports and racing cars.

The extreme top or bottom of the piston stroke.

A footrest found to the left of the leftmost pedal. It provides a place for the driver to brace his left leg during hard cornering.

A firm that buys and sells, adding some value for the consumer in the process. Dealer often means a firm which operates closer in the distribution channel to the consumer than a distributor or wholesaler, and may add more value for consumers than either of the above-mentioned terms.

The amount of an insurance claim that is paid by the insured before insurance payment begins.