Rat Rods
 

Rat rods are the ultimate response to the upward cost of performance over the years. With new technologies and competitive markets, the cost of a mainstream performance car has become anything but affordable for the most interested parties. After high school or college, even with the normal costs of living, a 1969 Camaro SS or Z/28 was an affordable financing option. Today, the average Camaro driver is significantly older than college age. Aside from the obvious alternative of buying used or some other manufacturer with a low-end sport trim, there is a great alternative.

Rat rods represent the worst in automotive design, the laziest attempt at bodywork, and half-hearted cosmetics at best. It is the strict focus on bare essentials that make rat rods awesome, and there is an odd beauty in the rust-laden panels that make up a rat rod's body.

If you have a rat rod, post it here!

No one has a rat rod. I guess we'll go back to Camaros.

i want to do one after i sell the camaro this is what style i like big diesel in little car. i want to do a 50's mack truck frame shortened so it looks funny like this one that floats around pittsburgh https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3744/9...66051713_z.jpg

I'm not a fan of the Rat Rod or even flat black painted/primer cars. They just seem unfinished attempts at a car but I do see with some of the featured ones with some really talented fabrication. I'd be more impressed by a lower quality paint job attempted by a novice than an unfinished car and be told that's the way it's suppose to look.

Mine's an anti-rat rod.

http://joeybsyc.smugmug.com/Other/32.../XL/029-XL.jpg

Are you watching gas monkey too! This is crazy. My wife and I are sitting hear having a conversation about rat rods and this thread popes up. She doesn't get it at all. She was very appalled at the 5th gen rat rod that I showed her.

Not so hasty, now. This combines TWO passions. Intentionally!

I honestly love rat rods. I can appreciate the beauty in a well crafted exotic luxury or sports car just the same as a collage of old random metal pieces coming together to create a bad ass ride. I love that one from Vegas Rat Rods...

It's all about making the stance and chopping the top.
Like so...
http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-conte...at1_1Y6b_1.jpg

I'm less sad that some of you guy share in understanding beauty in these awesome abominations.

Some day, when I get some free time, I would like to build a Rat Rod. I don't have the temperament to do perfect body work, I want to weld it up slap on some paint and go romping. I'm thinking Ranger or S-10 frame, V-10 or 454 motor, Lincoln or Caddie cab, laundry tub or pig trough for a bed. Wife has already turned down the honor of first ride.

That is the definition of a clean, clean looking ride. Very nice car.

A chopped station wagon about 3 ft tall and 5 inches off the ground 7 foot wide and two 12 inch diameter smoke stacks is right there on my list of dream cars righ next to the 458 italia and 599 GTO. Lol
They remind me of that Johnny Cash song, "One Piece at a Time"!!

It's a 50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59 automobile.

It's a 60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69 automobile.

Rods & Rats....I like um!

Check out the Lonestar Roundup...huge weekend gathering of hot rods in Austin Tx.....

Link to some really good photo's of last year's roundup

http://royboyproductions.com/2014/04...oundup-part-1/

Thanks! I always thought traditionally styled hot rods were timeless and cool... "Rat rods" not do much. Surprisingly many do not know the difference.