Rat rod in Hollywood | FerrariChat

Rat rod in Hollywood

Discussion in 'American Muscle' started by MCFXX, Jun 20, 2009.

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  1. MCFXX

    MCFXX Karting

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    MCFXX, Jun 20, 2009
    #1
  2. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    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
     
    Jedi, Jun 20, 2009
    #2
  3. REMIX

    REMIX Two Time F1 World Champ

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    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 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.

    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."
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    REMIX, Jun 20, 2009
    #3
  4. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    I like 'em!! - especially the one with AG on the side - EVIL in a most cool way :)
     
    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #4
  5. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #5
  6. REMIX

    REMIX Two Time F1 World Champ

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    REMIX, Jun 21, 2009
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  7. PrettyBoy

    PrettyBoy Karting

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    With the exception of the Cobra, the rest of those hideous looking cars are pos'.
     
    PrettyBoy, Jun 21, 2009
    #7
  8. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

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    2NA, Jun 21, 2009
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  9. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    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....
     
    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #9
  10. REMIX

    REMIX Two Time F1 World Champ

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    Care to post a picture of yourself "PrettyBoy"? LOL.

    RMX
     
    REMIX, Jun 21, 2009
    #10
  11. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    LOL!!!! Guess he won't be adding any rat rods to his diecast collection :)
     
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2009
    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #11
  12. PrettyBoy

    PrettyBoy Karting

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    I'm not a big fan of those things.
     
    PrettyBoy, Jun 21, 2009
    #12
  13. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    Claro que si
     
    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #13
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

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    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.
     
    TheMayor, Jun 21, 2009
    #14
  15. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran Silver Subscribed

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    Meister, Jun 21, 2009
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  16. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

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    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. :(
     
    BMW.SauberF1Team, Jun 21, 2009
    #16
  17. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    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!
     
    rdefabri, Jun 21, 2009
    #17
  18. CMY

    CMY F1 World Champ

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    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.
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    CMY, Jun 21, 2009
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  19. REMIX

    REMIX Two Time F1 World Champ

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    REMIX, Jun 21, 2009
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  20. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    It's a SPYDER. What year?
     
    Jedi, Jun 21, 2009
    #20
  21. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    great thread, love the rat rods.....
     
    thecarreaper, Jun 21, 2009
    #21
  22. 1969 Mangusta

    1969 Mangusta Formula Junior

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    Rat rods are the way!!!
     
    1969 Mangusta, Jun 21, 2009
    #22
  23. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    AGREED 100% !!

    ive always wanted one
     
    anunakki, Jun 21, 2009
    #23
  24. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    Cozmic_Kid, Jun 21, 2009
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  25. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

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    Is it SPYDER or SPIDER?
     
    TheMayor, Jun 21, 2009
    #25
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