What I like about rat rods...seriously!
I mean this as a constructive thread, so I will focus only on the positives.
What I like about the rat rod style of building is the fact they are accepting of the non popular body styles, that have become less desireable as the "art" of rod building has matured.
Guys of my generation (baby boomers) have certain bodies we've come to favor, and we no longer can fathom the idea of rods built too far outside of what has become the "learned" way thay should look.
This has become an "art form", but we have tended to follow the leader too often, in my opinion.
That new viewpoint would also include the odd choices of engine, wheels, and other parts.
Construction techniques have also demostrated a willingness to do things outside the standardized methods.
I am a big fan of doing things with an unexpected twist, so it is actually refreshing to see something unusual, even if it might not be the optimum choice. Maybe this boredom I have is from looking at many of the same trends for almost 50 years, since I bought my first magazine, and discovered hot rodding.
I applaud the supporters for their artistic freedom.
Re: What I like about rat rods...seriously!
[QUOTE]Originally posted by HOTRODPAINT
[B]I mean this as a constructive thread, so I will focus only on the positives.
What I like about the rat rod style of building is the fact they are accepting of the non popular body styles, that have become less desireable as the "art" of rod building has matured.
Guys of my generation (baby boomers) have certain bodies we've come to favor, and we no longer can fathom the idea of rods built too far outside of what has become the "learned" way thay should look.
This has become an "art form", but we have tended to follow the leader too often, in my opinion.
I nominate HOTRODPAINT for President.
:) :) :)
He has summed up exactly what I feel about this rat rod thing. With his obvious knowledge in automobiles that are finished well, and professionally done, it is refreshing that he "gets" what these cars are about.
I was getting bored with cars, in general. How many car shows can you go to and see the same reds and oranges, and '32's and whatever before you start to get a little tired of it all? Especially if you have been doing this for 45 years, like me. When I started seeing rat rods I saw a return to creativity and "get your hands dirty and do it yourself." True, some of them are pure garbage, unsafe, and butt ugly. But some are not.
If I look back on my "little book" hot rod magazines from the '50's, I see bubblegum welds, crude brackets,and very questionable engineering. But as time went on technology and peer pressure advanced the level of car building to what it is today.
I think we have the chance to improve the breed of rat rods by example. My '39 Dodge pickup will hopefully be one of the cars that motivates some aspiring rat rod builder to build it safe and roadworthy. It will wear some shade of flattened paint, and use some unusual components, and in my mind follow the theme of a rat.
Some people hate the term (my own Son included) but when my car is featured in some rat rod magazine some day (hopefully) it will inspire others to follow suit with a well built rod of their own.
HOTRODPAINT...........you've got my vote.:) :) :)
Don