What are the lower "fins" in the bottom of the rear 1/4 panels on 61/62 Cadillacs called?

They have a specific name.

This was inspired by the Lincoln Navigator thread and esp. Cadavillac's post. Here's some more 1961 Cadillac porno.

I know; I'll leave it lay for others.

Sixty8- in your confirmation of the answer, please include what you can find on the the meaning behind the term (I don't know offhand/ I've always wondered/ I don't care to look it up).

Are they called "skegs"?

I thought they were called "Skegs" as well....

I'm guessing skegs would be a type of fin like on a fish or boat, then? Dorsal on top, keel on bottom, skegs on the sides towards the bottom, then?

Wooopps.. forgot about this thread in the craziness of the past few days.

Yes, Skegs is correct. I'll look into some of my books but thus far off the top of my head the origin of the name is a mystery to me.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it is an aviation term.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it is an aviation term.

Nope. Lower fins are typically referred to as ventral fins.

Skeg refers to an extension of the keel below a ship's rudder (and with the advent of powered ships, the screw) designed to protect it from ropes, debris, projections from the sea bottom or anything else below the ship.

Simple as that I guess.