Nothing is cheap to build....when it's built right.. Good suspension and brakes and a well engineered and well built frame is essential whether you are building a rat or going after the Riddler.....

$300 is cheap for a project car, finding the front end shouldn't be a major challenge. Don't use "it's a rat rod" as a cop out for using junk parts or less then quality build procedures and parts. No matter what you build, it has to be safe.