Cars - http://maxpages.com/carsinhistory/C

Condition: See air conditioner, cherry condition, conditioner, mint condition, and original condition.

Conditioner: See air conditioner.

Conduction: The transfer of heat from one object to another by having the objects in physical contact.

Conductor: A material forming a path for the flow of current, such as silver, copper, and carbon.

Cone: A bearing race that curves to the inside of a circle of ball bearings and works in conjunction with a cup.

Cone clutch: A clutch using a cone-shaped member that is forced into a cone-shaped depression in the flywheel, or other driving unit, thus locking the two together, although no longer used on cars, the cone clutch finds some applications in small riding tractors, heavy power mowers, etc.

Conformation: The ability of a precision insert bearing to match the shape and contour of a shaft surface even after it has been in use for some time.

Connecting rod: The connecting link or arm between the piston and the crankshaft. It converts the up-and-down (reciprocating) motion of the piston into the circular (rotary) motion of the spinning crankshaft. Often called "con rod." Also see big-end bearing, boxed rod, and throwing a rod.

Connecting rod bearing: A precision insert bearing

Connector: A device which joins two items. See adapter and cell connector.

Con rod: See connecting rod.

Con rod bearing: See connecting rod bearing.

Constant depression: See air-valve carburetor.

Constant-depression: See air-valve carburetor.

Constant mesh gearbox: A type of transmission in which all or most of the gears are always in mesh with one another, as opposed to a sliding-gear transmission, in which engagement is obtained by sliding some of the gears along a shaft into mesh. In a constant-mesh manual gearbox, gear ratios are selected by small clutches that connect the various gearsets to their shafts so that power is transmitted through them.

Constant mesh gear: One of the gears that is always in mesh with another -- whether it is driving or not (i.e., just idling).

Constant mesh gears: Gears that are always in mesh with each other -- whether it is driving or not (i.e., just idling).

Constant vacuum: See air-valve carburetor.

Constant-vacuum: See air-valve carburetor.
Constant velocity joint: (CV joint) A type of universal joint so designed as to create a smooth transfer of torque from the driven shaft to the driving shaft without any fluctuations in the speed of the driven shaft.

Constant velocity universal joint: See constant velocity joint.

Constant volume sampling: See constant-volume sampling.

Constant-volume sampling: An exhaust-emissions measuring technique in which the exhaust gases produced by a vehicle's engine are collected as it is driven through a test sequence of accelerations, decelerations, and cruise modes on a chassis dynamometer. A quantity of air is added to the exhaust gases until a specific volume (the same for all cars) is obtained. Concentrations of pollutants in the total sample are then analyzed for determination of their actual mass.

Consumer factors: demographic characteristics of consumers including age, gender, income and geographic location, affordability.

Contact breaker: See breaker points.

Contact cement: See cement.

Contact controlled electronic ignition: See electronic ignition system.

Contact gap: See point gap.

Contact patch: The area of a tire's tread that touches the ground.

Contact point: See contact points.

Contact points: Two movable points or areas that when pressed together, complete a circuit. These points are usually made of tungsten, platinum, or silver. Also see breaker points.

Contactless ignition: See breakerless.

Containerization: A shipping system where cargo is loaded into a large container at the factory and shipped from truck to train to ship, etc. without rehandling of contents within the container.

Continental: The 1956-57 Mark II models are milestone cars.

Continental tire: The bulge in the rear portion of the trunk which resembles a tire or a rear mounted tire.

Continuously variable transmission: See infinitely variable transmission .

Contract carrier: A shipping company which is transporting goods because of a contract with another shipping company.

Contraction: A thermal action where the size of an object is reduced when cooled; the opposite of expansion.

Control: A device or mechanism for adjusting a component. See cruise control.

Control arm: A metal strut on the suspension which is located at the top and bottom of the wheel spindle. The upper and lower control arms allow the front wheels to change direction. Also called a "wishbone" or "A-arm." See suspension system.

Control arms: See control arm.

Control ring: See oil control ring.

Controlled combustion system: (CCS) A system of reducing unburned hydrocarbon emission from the engine exhaust.

Conv: Abbreviation for "convertible."

Convection: The transfer of heat from one object to another when the hotter object heats the surrounding air and the air in turn heats the other object.

Conventional cross ply: A tire having two or more carcass plies arranged in a criss-cross manner and diagonally to the beads and travels approximately 1/3 the distance around the circumference before attaching to the other bead. Each cord in the next ply is arranged in the same manner, but in the opposite direction.

Conventional ignition: The transfer of heat from one object to another when the hotter object heats the surrounding air and the air in turn heats the other object.

Conventional tire: A bias ply tire.

Converter: 1. When used with LPG (propane), it is a device which turns LPG (propane) from liquid to vapor for use in the engine. 2. Referring to a transmission it is the device that transfers engine torque to the transmission. See catalytic converter and torque converter.

Converter, catalytic: See catalytic converter and three-way catalytic converter.

Converter preheating: An emission control device which increases catalytic action in cold starts when HC and CO are their highest. Although not in use in current cars, it may become necessary in the future. Thus it may mean the following: Take longer to start a vehicle in the morning, require a larger battery, necessitate plugging a vehicle into household circuit, need for frequent replacement of the catalytic converter. Also see preheating.

Convertible: Generally this is a two-door automobile without a fixed roof. Instead, the roof folds up or is removed in some way so that the passenger compartment is exposed to the open air. Some roofs are made of flexible fabric or plastic which folds up behind the passenger compartment. Other roofs are not flexible and retract into the trunk. Some retract automatically while others must be manually removed and placed in the trunk. The term was introduced in the 1930s. In the 1950s, a hardtop convertible was introduced to look like a convertible with its top up; but its fixed roof did not fold or retract. It was also called a "drophead coupé."

Convertible sedan: This is similar to the sedan body type, but with provisions of lowering both the all-weather side windows and the fabric top to create a four-door convertible.

Coolant: Liquid in the cooling system. Usually a mixture of water and antifreeze (ethylene glycol). This mixture lowers the freezing point of the water in the cooling system, prevents rust and corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and picks up heat from the engine and transfers it to the air passing through the radiator.

Coolant recovery system: A small bottle that acts as a reservoir for liquid expelled from the cooling system through the overflow pipe and returns the liquid to the system when it cools down. A special radiator pressure cap is also part of the kit. It is also called a "Closed Cooling System" when it is part of the original equipment.

Cooler: A device for cooling hot liquid or air by passing air through the vanes of a heat sink. See oil cooler.

Cooling system: The system that removes heat from the engine. In a water-cooled engine it includes radiator, pressure cap, fan, water pump, thermostat, and water jackets; in an air-cooled engine it consists of fan and ducting.

Cord: 1. The 1925-1948 model cars are classic cars. 2. A strand of fabric or steel cable used in the ply of a tire.

Cordura: The brand name for a heavy-duty, synthetic material made by DuPont that feels like canvas. It is often used in the manufacture of lightweight clothing, backpacks, and camping gear.

Core: 1. When referring to casting -- a sand unit placed inside of a mold so that when the metal is poured, the core will leave a hollow shape. 2. The magnetic center of a coil usually made of iron. 3. The primary part (engine block, alternator, starter, radiator, etc.) which has malfunctioned, but is still suitable for rebuilding or remanufacturing. You can exchange it for a new or rebuilt part. Thus, instead of paying full price for a new alternator, you can submit your old alternator as a core and pay a lower amount for the new alternator. "Core" is an abbreviation for "cash on return."

Core charge: The word "core" is short for "cash on return." When you purchase a part which is rebuildable, you can return your old part and receive a core charge. Generally a core charge is collected for engines, crankshafts, alternators, radiators, and brake shoes. If the part is beyond repair, there may be no core charge.

Core hole plug: See core plug.

Core hole plugs: See core plug.

Core plug: A metal plug located in the sides of the engine block which can pop out because of excessive pressure or freezing and prevent the engine block from cracking. These plugs can sometimes leak and should then be replaced. Block heaters are installed by removing a core plug and inserting a heating element. Core plugs are also called "freeze plugs" or "expansion plugs."

Core plugs: See core plug.

Corncob: A bicycle term used to describe a cluster of cogs on a racing freewheel because of the small variation in number of teeth on adjacent cogs.

Cornering force: See ultimate cornering force.

Cornering limit: The maximum speed that a vehicle can travel around a particular curve.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy: (CAFE) Regulation enacted in 1975 which requires a motor vehicle manufacturer to classify its U.S. vehicle fleet sales as either domestic or import for the purpose of fuel economy averaging.

Corrode: To eat away, gradually, the surface material from an object by chemical action, such as rust.

Corvair: The 1960-64 Monza models are milestone cars. The 1962-64 Monza Spyder models are milestone cars. The 1965-69 Monza/Corsa models are milestone cars.

Corvette: The 1953-70 models are milestone cars. See also a history of the Corvette .

Cost: The price that a shop charges for a vehicle or one of its components. To the shop, it is the price they pay for the component (i.e., the net price) to which they add an amount to arrive at the selling price.

Cost of production: actual cost to the manufacturer of producing a vehicle (does not include mark-up).

Cost per kilometer: A ratio which is obtained by dividing the total cost of the tire by the distance the tire has gone. The total cost involves adding up the initial price of the tire, price of retreading, repairs, rotation of tires, balancing tires, and other services. From this total any credits such as warranty, rebates, and trade-in value is subtracted. It must be remembered that when calculating the cost per kilometer of summer tires if winter tires were installed for a few months that only the number of kilometers that the summer tires were actually in use should be determined for this ratio. When purchasing tires, it may be helpful to divide the retail cost by the number of expected kilometers in order to compare one brand or one series against another.

Cost per mile: A ratio which is obtained by dividing the total cost of the tire by the distance the tire has gone. The total cost involves adding up the initial price of the tire, price of retreading, repairs, rotation of tires, balancing tires, and other services. From this total any credits such as warranty, rebates, and trade-in value is subtracted. It must be remembered that when calculating the cost per mile of summer tires if winter tires were installed for a few months that only the number of miles that the summer tires were actually in use should be determined for this ratio. When purchasing tires, it may be helpful to divide the retail cost by the number of expected miles in order to compare one brand or one series against another.

Cotter pin: A fastener shaped like a pin, but split up the center. After it is inserted, the legs are bent around the item containing the hole. A length of wire which is folded almost in half and the bend forms an eye.

Cottered crank: A bicycle crankset in which the crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of threaded cotter pins and nuts.

Cotterless crank: A bicycle crankset in which the crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of nuts or bolts instead of cotter pins.

Cotterless crankset: A bicycle crankset in which the crankarms are fastened to the axle by means of nuts or bolts instead of cotter pins.

Counter gear: See cluster gear.

Counter balance: A weight attached to some moving part so that the part will be in balance. Also see crankshaft counter-balance.

Counterbore: Enlarging a hole to a certain depth.

Counterclockwise: Rotation to the left as if the hands of a clock were going backwards. In most cases it is the direction to remove a nut from a bolt. It is the opposite to clockwise.

Countershaft: The shaft in a manual gearbox that carries power by means of gears from the clutch shaft to the driveshaft, turning opposite to them.

Countersink: To make a counterbore so that the head of a screw may set flush, or below the surface.
Counterweight: Weight added to a rotating shaft or wheel to balance normal loads on the part and offset vibration. Counterweights are used on the crankshaft and are often found on the flywheel and driveshaft.

Coupe: An enclosed single-compartment body with two doors and varying passenger capacity depending on seat arrangements. The SAE standard J1100 defines it as having less than 33 cubic feet of interior volume. Larger coupes have rear quarter windows. Coupes have fixed permanent back panels and top, as well as a luggage compartment in the rear deck. Originally it meant a vehicle which was "cut" (thus the French "coupé") by a glass partition behind the front seats so that the driver was exposed to the air while those in the back were enclosed. Also see sport coupé.

Coupler: A device which links two other components.

Coupling: A connecting device used between two objects so motion of one will be imparted to the other; it may be mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical. Also see fluid coupling.

Coupling point: This refers to the point at which both the pump and the turbine in a torque converter are travelling at the same speed, the drive is almost direct at this point.

Courier bag: A flat rectangular-shaped bag with a long strap. They are slung over the head and one shoulder. Called a courier bag because they were originally made for motorcycle and bicycle couriers.

Cover: A protective panel designed to protect or hide components. See tonneau cover and valve cover.

Cowl: The part of the vehicle body between the engine firewall and the front of the dash panel. It usually houses the instruments and the plenum chamber for the heater-ventilation system.

Cowl chassis: A truck chassis with front fenders and hood as well as the instrument panel. It is used for companies want their own custom body and cab.

Cowl shake: This is a vibration or shake of a vehicle, usually a convertible type, in the cowl area due to lack of torsional rigidity of the frame and body. A certain amount is almost unavoidable in convertibles unless frame-strengthening weight penalties are of no concern.

Cowling: A protective covering over a component.

Cpe: Abbreviation for "coupe."

C pillar: See C-post.

C-pillar: See C-post.

C post: See C-post.

C-post: The body post that supports the rear of the roof and to which the left and right sides of the back glass are attached. Also called "C-pillar."

CR: Acronym for "compression ratio."

Crab: The action of a vehicle where the rear wheels are offset from the track of the front wheels.

Crack: 1. A fracture in something which does not split it open. A hairline crack is a very narrow fracture which is often barely visible with the naked eye. 2. To open something just a little.

Cracker: A non-American colloquial term for something that is very enjoyable, e.g., "My car's a cracker."

Cracking groove: A split in the grooves of the tread caused by excessive strain.

Cracking tread: A split in the grooves of the tread caused by excessive strain.

Crank: 1. An arm set at right angles to a shaft or axle, used for converting reciprocal (to-and-fro) motion into circular motion Also see flat crank. 2. The action of trying to start a vehicle engine or an electrical motor.

Crankarm: 1. A part, one end of which is attached to the bottom bracket axle and the other holds a pedal, whose forward rotation provides the leverage needed to power the bicycle. 2. An arm set at right angles to a shaft or axle, used for converting reciprocal (to-and-fro) motion into circular motion.

Crankarm fixing bolt: The bolt that holds a crankarm on the end of the axle in a cotterless crankset of a bicycle.

Crankcase: The lower part of the engine that surrounds the crankshaft. It contains the crankshaft, piston cylinders, connecting rods and other moving parts of the engine. As well, in non-air-cooled engines, it has a number of internal passages for the coolant and oil transfer. In air-cooled engines, it has internal passages for oil transfer; but usually it has fins on the exterior to dissipate the heat. The crankcase is not to be confused with the pan which is a thin steel cover that is bolted to the bottom of the crankcase.

Crankcase dilution: An accumulation of unburned gasoline in the crankcase, an excessively rich fuel mixture or poor combustion will allow a certain amount of gasoline to pass down between the pistons and cylinder walls and dilute the engine oil.

Crankset: A group of components on a bicycle that includes the bottom bracket removable parts, two crankarms, and one or more chainrings.

Cranking: The act of engaging the starter by turning the key in the ignition switch which makes the engine turn over. In the old days, a hand crank was used to do this, thus the term "cranking."

Cranking circuit: See starting system.

Cranking motor: See starter.

Crankpin: The bearing surface on a crank of the crankshaft to which the connecting rod is attached. Also called the "journal" or "crank throw."
Crankshaft: A main rotating shaft running the length of the engine. The crankshaft is supported by main bearings. Portions of the shaft are offset to form throws to which the connecting rods are attached. As the pistons move up and down, the connecting rods move the crankshaft around. The turning motion of the crankshaft is transmitted to the transmission and eventually to the driving wheels. Also see stroked crankshaft.

Crankshaft counter-balance: A series of weights attached to or forged integrally with the crankshaft so placed as to offset the reciprocating weight of each piston and rod assembly.

Crankshaft gear: A gear mounted on the front of the crankshaft. It is used to drive the camshaft gear.

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