Originally posted by Mike P
And there in lies the difference.

My definition of rat rod "........ poorly constructed and borderline OR totally unsafe vehicles or mehcanically un-road worthy (at the last show I was at there were more "rat rods" trailered in than driven). It's a question of workmanship rather than paint choice, upholestry or particular style......."

Basically, you can add to that if it can't drive 150 miles without breaking down and won't pass a tech inspection at the drag strip it's heading to the Rat Rod catagory. You can add things like slapping together a bunch of structurally questionable/worn out parts (say a staight axel with worn out kinpins, or that "quality" used master cylinder that's put on as is or throwing a quick weld on a 50 year old cracked frame).

Just because a car is in primer or even rusty, uses recycled parts and has a blanket for a seat cover doesn't make it a rat rod IMO.

Things like "....takeing a old sign and making the floor but still be able to read what the sign says, that adds charactor...." May be a matter of opinion, but as long as the welds are good I could care less.

On the other hand "....leaveing the welds unground more charactor......." While many people grind weld strictly for apperance sake the real reason to grind them is to insure you have a good weld and assist in preventing future stess cracks at the weld.

It's a question of workmanship not style. If the car IS safe and road worthy then IMO it's not really a rat rod, no matter what the owner elects to call it.

That being said yes there are some high dollar cars that would fit my catagory of Rat Rod, but so be it.
why do you rewrite what i say you asked and i gave my def. my welds are good and the parts i use are good enough said cant fight a losing battle with you its all IMO