Thread: What the ???

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Can anybody tell me what the appeal is in that thing? Honestly, really, I mean it, I don't know why anyone would be interested in paying for something like that. I mean I can get into a mechanically sound rod and it would be a lot of fun to beat around in one. But this is just so out there that I am lost.

I have never felt that I was a snob, maybe I am and just can't see it, I think every body ought to be able to drive any car they want, but the optimum word here is drive. I know there is the trailer queen vs driver issue out there, I own a trailer and I will use it if I want to , but, come on now, it seems fairly obvious to me that this thing cannot and should not be driven.

So is it a piece of art?

confused by it all...
John

Originally Posted by 41willys

Can anybody tell me what the appeal is in that thing? Honestly, really, I mean it, I don't know why anyone would be interested in paying for something like that. I mean I can get into a mechanically sound rod and it would be a lot of fun to beat around in one. But this is just so out there that I am lost.

I have never felt that I was a snob, maybe I am and just can't see it, I think every body ought to be able to drive any car they want, but the optimum word here is drive. I know there is the trailer queen vs driver issue out there, I own a trailer and I will use it if I want to , but, come on now, it seems fairly obvious to me that this thing cannot and should not be driven.

So is it a piece of art?

confused by it all...

John

Your right,my thoughts exactly.
Is that a hemmoroid chop off machine from some sick ratrod doc's office.Just sit in,take the anestesia,and start the machine' the buzzsaw is set at speedbump height!

Originally Posted by 41willys

Can anybody tell me what the appeal is in that thing?

So is it a piece of art?

confused by it all...
John

Well, IMO it's a piece of something---I wouldn't say "art" would be the word I chose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tough question to answer, not sure there is one simple explanation. But here is my take on it. I think there are two kinds of rat rods. The first is a lowbuck, homebuilt rod built by an average guy who just wants to get into rodding and realizes that he will have to sacrifice some of the glitz and polish to accomplish his goal. I can relate to him because we all started right there, doing the best we could with limited funds, equipment, and knowhow.

The second rat rodder is doing it as a statement, and sees it as an extension of a lifestyle. He wants to shock and p*** people off, not maliciously perhaps, but just as an anti-establishment sort of thing. His rat rod is designed to be as far out there as humanly possible, with little regard to comfort or drivability.

I'm not condemning either type, but that is just my opinion of the state of the art. I do see rat rods evolving into more civilized, safe cars, and I think the days of seeing ones like you have pictured are numbered. The one good thing that has come out of this movement is that kids who might have been more interested in ricers are now looking for old American bodies to build into their dream car. That's cool. I am personally glad to see the hobby getting a second wind.

Don