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Definition of a Ratrod
posted in: showcase rods & customs garage, news on August 16, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I got into a conversation with a friend about what a Rat rod was. It seems that we have different opinions on what a Rat rod is and how people classify one. All to many times people see a traditional rod and call it a Rat rod and that bothers me a little. Just because a car has primer on it doesnt make it a Rat rod. I was looking at a picture here on the Hub of a vehicle that was in bare metal and people were commenting on how nice a Ratrod that it was. It was about as far from a Ratrod as you could get. What is your take on what a Ratrod is, I would really like to know from many different people on what there take is on this subject. Please dont be disrespectful because anyone who builds a car deserves respect regardless of if they build multimilloin dollar cars or cars in the backyard.
Comments
Fordy Acres Car Farm Garage
August 16, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Here’s my take on it. A “Rat Rod” is something that looks ‘Ratty’ either on purpose or through natural patina. A buddy of mine gets riled up when I call his “traditional Hot Rod” a ‘Rat Rod’, but he’s made it to look alot rougher than it actually is. It has a horn, signals, hydraulic brakes (disc front /drum rear) and even has a functioning emergency brake ! So it’s far from a rolling death trap like some I’ve seen, but it still looks ‘Ratty’ to me. Here is a pic or two.
Wild Bill's Garage
August 16, 2010 at 01:42 PM
a rat rod to me usually has a straight front axle…....is quite old (I don’t believe a mid-late sixties can really be a rat rod in most cases)......the car is pieced together from several cars/trucks…...has a mix-match of parts just to keep it running…...and chrome and shine are almost non-existent on these rolling beasts…open headers….and for some reason I’ve not yet figured out, an awful lot of them have a southwestern style blanket covering the front seat(s) Here’s a few examples found on the hub of what I think personifies a ’Rat-Rod’
Rat Nest Garage
August 16, 2010 at 02:07 PM
This is from a Rat Rod Site .
KillBillet.com “The Rat Rod Forum Dedicated to fun, low budget, traditional, rusty, patina Rat Rods and Old School Hot Rods built with junk yard parts.”
I would add that many are built by their owners and represent the imagination and skill levels of each individual . Some are not so well built and may not be suited for high speed use, but like anything else, if you’re thinking of buying a Rat Rod, look it over good and test drive it. I’ve also seen high end show cars not suited for highway use that I wouldn’t have shoved up my A$$ if I had room for a freight train. JMHO
CruiseMonkey Garage
August 16, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Heinz 57!! A rat rod is a vehicle built from the insode out using a variety of parts pulled from a variety of functioning and non-functioning cars. A rat -rod also has items that give it character than one may never see on a conventional car – ie church lights, beer kegs, drapery fringe and an occasional plastic rat and yes…. the “southwestern style blanket covering the front seat…. :)
Showcase Rods & Customs Garage
August 16, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Ok it sounds we are all in agreement as far as the definition of a Ratrod now if we could just educate everyone else. I also have a friend who gets really upset if someone call his hotrod a rat rod for good reason.
1: It is fiberglass for one
2; It is primered
3; It has a very nice 350 350 combo with a ford nine inch
4: It has independent front suspension
but even still people put it in a Ratrod class at shows.
Showcase Rods & Customs Garage
August 16, 2010 at 07:37 PM
I have also seen high end builds that I wouldnt take out on the road. Another friend of mine said he worked for a shop who built high end cars and the steering fell out of a car he was moving around. The car had been done and at several shows before this happened.
virgil's Garage
August 16, 2010 at 08:23 PM
I agree with wild Bill I think you nailed it. I went to a British show just to rile up the purist, and they called my car a rat rod. I took it as an insult.
tinkerbug Garage
August 16, 2010 at 10:04 PM
I agree with you and the others. As for your first pic you have up. Id like to rat rod with her
27 Willy's Garage
January 05, 2012 at 11:05 PM
I think there is amazing Rat Rods and some that are pure hick, just as there is amazing Hot Rods and pure pieces of crap. Why are we so easily offended? People know if your car is a piece of crap or if it is great. The title doesn’t mean much. If you love it and are having a great time lighten up. :)
Showcase Rods & Customs Garage
January 29, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Wgat ever happened to the term Jolopy. Kinda like it.
DBWells Garage
May 04, 2012 at 07:41 AM
Is it an attitude towards a shiny facade which drives rat-rodders to appreciate the steel itself and patina of 80 year old paint?
I know for one, I have grown tired of preparing fancy paintwork and hearing myself yelling at my kids for dragging handlebars down the side of my freshest panels.
There are proverbs which support the idea of finding most joy in the journey and not in the finishing. A persian rug has deliberate flaws….
