I think it's cool in a totally 'Mad Max' kind of way. Not for me, but it would turn my head if I saw it go by. Jedi
THAT is called a "Rat Rod". I love 'em. Very ugly/cool. From Wiki: "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. "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 himself. Paint and Finish 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. 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 owners 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. 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." Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Now ya got me Googling the dang things! I wonder what this particular one is built from: Image Unavailable, Please Login
I wanted one a few months back but my attorney buddy talked me out of it. MUCH more interesting than 99.999% of the cars driving around. More... RMX Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
There were two ratrods at "Back to the 50s" with these 12 cylinder Seagrave fire truck engines. Damned cool, dual ignition and all. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've discovered a new interest that everyone else already knew about ...hmmmm... where could I put my OWN totally EVIL Rat Rod with a scull on the bumper....
I've never been found of the "fancied up hot rods" with tons of chrome, 16 layers of pearl paint, swoopy covers for their small block engines, and interiors that would look good on a sofa in a whorehouse. Even worse are those with fibreglass body replica 32 fords underneath all the glitz. But, rat rods are pretty cool, even if they are pretty much fake. The owners make them look this way as if they were made by some kid with no money and spent all of it on speed and none on looks. This one you found looks pretty cool to me. It's clever.
I think it looks pretty cool! Looks like something Batman could've rolled with in early 20th century. I like the pic of the salt flats with the pin up model. Couldn't find one big enough for a desktop background.
Totally digging it. As I've been sort of resurrecting the '60s in my "mini" mid-life crisis (I was born in the 60's), these cars do it for me...especially that truck with the "Smiths Hot Rods" on it. My old man was a rodder and racer - and I spent many a day at Englishtown Raceway Park (as it was known then) - these cars remind me of those days!
Most in SoCal have seen this car at one time or another, I believe it's made it's way to another state and is owned by an Fchat member now. Pretty cool because (if I remember right) it's pretty much a brand new car, and all of the 'rust' is paint. It's sincerely hard to tell though. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have a WTF???? for the OP...this is in his profile. Seriously, WTF????!!!!!???? Image Unavailable, Please Login
