Thread: Rat Rod is a Rat Rod?

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I never thought of the term "rat rod" as a negative. I think it started in the bike hobby, where the term "rat bike" was in use, long before I ever heard it used for cars....but the build style is the same: weathered finish...vintage parts...and minimalistic. :-)

Once the term surfaced in cars, I think the problem was that the younger guys who liked the style seemed to take the name as a criticism or judgement.

Some of the boys in our family (who I love very much) are always looking for someone to insult them so they can make an issue of it. It's a social issue that seems to have gotten worse since another term, "dis" or "disrespect", became popular. I find that if you look for something long enough, you will even find it where it doesn't exist. I believe that "rat rod" is taken as an insult much more often than it is ever meant that way. Too bad. If a guy is really selfconfident, he doesn't even give too much value to others opinions, so it never gets to the point of angering him.

I personally like the term, as it is a funny way of describing the deteriorated or worn look of the car. I also like the imagination I see in them, as the enthusiasts who have long term involvement tend to become more "generic" in their building style.

Originally Posted by dmw56

I don't care what people call it. It's only a name and I call it my truck. I didn't build it to please other people, only myself. If other people don't like it that's fine we all have different tastes. If everyone liked the same type of vehicle it'd get pretty boring.

agreed ,, i built mine cause it was what i wanted,, if can appreciate your ride why cant ya do the same, my taste is very cultured toward all kinds of cars, i have built a 75,000.00 69 mustang, it wasnt no where near as much fun to build the 46 ford i am doing now,,i use to work for harley davidson, i quit because, i had become not to like people who rode them,, i built cars , i stopped working for the public for the same reson, but now i am happy, cause i do what i want,, and it doesnt matter if someone likes it or , cuz i do! but i can like anything that someone puts their heart into.. not just their money!!