Hot Rod magazine is dubbing the 'rat rod' title to 60 - 70s muscle cars. Anyone catch that in last month's mag? They are talking about a seventies model camaro with a primer spotted paint job, and the 'felondy conviction stance' ( hiked-up rear end ). Saying they are the 'next generation's' rat rods.

Now to me, a rat rod is a 30s- 50s vehicle which is purposely assembled to the 'rat' theme. But as per Hot Rod's newer generation definition, my 78 firebird is a rat rod. The body is T- tops ,burgandy, with primer gray: nose, formula hood, rear bumper, and spoilers and foilers. It abounds with various colors of primer spots, and a few dents. The front grilles are missing, and I have a guages cowl built into the hood. The wheels are snowflakes, which were painted red and white ( think of bloodshot eyeballs ).

What is my point? Well, I didn't assemble this car on any theme. It started out as a basket case, which out of necessity got put on the road when the firebird I WAS restoring got hit. Since then, it has outlived a second firebird which made it to about 90 % restoration before a ( very nice ) 74 F-100 decided to disregard the laws of the road. it looks as it does because it is a survivor. I am quite convinced that if I try to make it pretty, it will get trashed just like the first two.

So to end my rant, or question, or whatever I am trying to say here:

I really wonder how many 'rat rods' are built on the rat theme, and how many are that way because they are true survivors; road warriors. They look as they do because prime consideration is given to function over fashion, and as the years go by parts get replaced with whatever is handy. Isn't the former how the rat theme got started?

Also I am left with the little question: Is my 78 firebird a rat rod? Maybe I'll send the picture in to Hot Rod and let them decide.