Rat Rod is a Style

vipjames · VVIP Joined: Jul 01, 2007 Posts: 2394

A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates (or exaggerates) the early hot rods of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. It is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related "traditional" hot rod, which is an accurate re-creation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era.

Most rat rods appear "unfinished" (whether they actually are or are not), with just the bare essentials to be driven.

The rat rod is the visualization of the idea of function over form. Rat rods are meant to be driven, not shown off. Sometimes the customization will include using spare parts, or parts from another car altogether.
Contents

* 1 Definition
* 2 General
o 2.1 Chassis
o 2.2 Paint and Finish
o 2.3 Interior
o 2.4 Drive train
o 2.5 Suspension
* 3 Criticism
* 4 Origins
* 5 See also
* 6 References

Definition

Originally a counter-reaction to the traditional hot rod, a label recently applied to undriven cars and super high priced "customs". The rat rod's beginning was a throwback to the hot rods of the earlier days of hot-rodding, built to the best of the owner's abilities and meant to be driven. Rat rods are meant to loosely imitate in form and function, the "traditional" hot rods of the era. Biker, greaser, rockabilly, and punk culture is often credited as influence that shapes of rat-rodding.

The typical rat rod (an early 1920s through 1950s coupe or roadster): Early (pre-World War II) vehicles often have their fenders, hoods, running boards, and bumpers removed. The bodies are frequently channeled over the frame, and sectioned, or the roofs chopped for a lower profile. Later post-war vehicles are rarely constructed without fenders and are often customized in the fashion of Kustoms, leadsleds, and lowriders. Maltese crosses, skulls, and other accessories are often added. Chopped tops, shaved trim, grills, tail lights, and other miscellaneous body parts are swapped between makes and models. Most, if not all of the work and engineering is done by the owner of the vehicle.

Recently, the term "rat rod" has been used to describe almost any vehicle that appears unfinished or is built simply to be driven.

General

Chassis

Frames from older cars or light trucks are preferred for the chassis, because they provide a sturdy base for subsequent alterations. Older cars in poor condition are often advertised as candidates for rat rod conversions. But in many cases the owner will design & build the frame them self.

Paint and Finish
Typical "rough" finish of Rat Rods.

Many Rat Rods appear unfinished with primer paint jobs being common. Other finishes may include “natural patina” (the original paint with rust and blemishes intact), a patchwork of original paint and primer, or bare metal with no finish at all in rusty or oiled varieties.With the thought that "It's only original once." Many rat rods also have free hand pinstriping done by the owners with a pinstriping brush. Contrary to tastes of many car builders, rust is often acceptable and appreciated by a Rat Rodder.
[edit] Interior

Interiors of rat rods vary from fully finished to a spartan, bare bones form. Mexican blankets and bomber seats form the basis of many rat rod interiors. Most are designed to be functional without many comforts although this will vary with the owner’s taste.

Drive train

Though a variety of engines may be used, the most common are to be found in a Rat Rod are Flathead V8's, early Chrysler Hemi engines, or more modern Small Block V8's from any manufacturer, especially Chevrolet. It is not uncommon to see straight-8s straight-6s, straight-4s, V6s or even diesel engines. These engines may exhibit varying displacements and modifications.

Most Rat Rods are rear wheel drive, with an open driveline. The rear-ends are typically passenger vehicle pieces, as are the transmissions. The Ford Banjo rear-end is popular, as is the "Quickchange" type as used in many early hot rods.

[edit] Suspension

A beam axle is commonly accepted as the only type of front suspension that will look right when exposed without fenders on a vehicle with open front suspension. Independent front suspension is discouraged, Most Rat Rods use a 1928-1948 Ford I beam axle with a transverse leaf spring. Although any solid axle is acceptable, the Ford axle is preferred due to the availability of spare parts.

Springs vary from transverse, parallel and coil setups in the front and rear. Parallel is not seen as frequently as the more common single-spring transverse setup, though both are used commonly. Coil springs are often deemed unsightly without fenders, but are still occasionally seen. Rat rods also will often have airbag suspension which allows the driver to raise and lower the car.

Criticism

Preservationists believe that modification of any rare surviving historical vehicle should be discouraged. In addition, traditional Hot Rodders criticize Rat Rods as mere imitations or anachronistic.

Origins

The December 1972 issue of Rod & Custom Magazine was dedicated to the beater, a low-budget alternative to the over-polished, slickly-painted, customized early car. The beater could easily be considered a progenitor of the rat rod. However, owners of these beaters often had a high-dollar machine sitting in their garage: no expensive upholstery, primered if painted at all, no chromed and polished Corvette/Jaguar rear ends.

As with many cultural terms, there are disputes over the origin of the term "rat rod". Some say it first appeared in an article written in Hot Rod Magazine by Gray Baskerville about cars that still sported a coat of primer. Some claim that the first rat rod was owned by artist Robert Williams who had a '32 Ford Roadster that was painted in primer. Although the term likely started out as derogatory or pejorative (and is still used in this way by many), members of the subcultures that build and enjoy these cars have adopted the term in a positive light.

maxiCPF · Super VIP Joined: Sep 15, 2007 Posts: 780

slamming old skool ride!

vipjames · VVIP Joined: Jul 01, 2007 Posts: 2394

what is a rat rod?
Many people have asked me what is a rat rod? Want to know more about what makes a rat rod a rat rod? Click here and let me enlighten you. I have also prepared a simple overview on how to build a rat rod.

Rat rods come in many flavors: coupes, t-buckets, pickups and even newer vehicles are being converted into "unfinished" rat rod style cars. One of the more interesting trends in rat rods is turning VW Beetles into street scraping rat rods! I was skeptical at first but I admit now I do like VW rat rods.

Rat Rod Wheel Buick, Cadillac , Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Studebaker, Volkswagen all are targets for rat rod customizations, trust me I have seen almost every flavor of rat rod and the cool thing is new rat rods are popping up everyday and I am here to find them for you!

Buick, Cadillac , Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Studebaker, Volkswagen all are targets for rat rod customizations, trust me I have seen almost every flavor of rat rod and the cool thing is new rat rods are popping up everyday and I am here to find them for you!

Rat Rod Babes and Posters
Are your garage walls boring? (like mine were) Spice them up with an old-school rat rod poster or a Rat Rod Babe poster. Also, we found some cool vintage car manuals and literature that is fun to toss in your glove box and make your rat rod seem that much more authentic. One thing I really enjoy is browsing through magazines that feature rat rods, we have found great deals on those as well!