Rat rod
A rat rod, as usually known today, is a custom car with a deliberately worn-down, unfinished appearance, typically lacking paint, showing rust, and made from cheap or cast-off parts.
[1] These parts can include non-automotive items that have been repurposed, such as a rifle used as a gear shifter, wrenches as door handles, or hand saws as sun visors.
Later-era post-war vehicles were rarely constructed without fenders and were often customized in the fashion of kustoms, leadsleds, and lowriders; Maltese crosses, skulls, and other accessories were often added.
Recently, using the term "rat rod" has been derided as being incorrect when describing any vehicle that appears unfinished or is built simply to be driven.
The cars are low, loud, chopped ... with giant rear tires, lots of carburetors, open pipes, and tall gearshifts.
Due to the beater's cheap upholstery, primer covering (instead of paint), and lack of chrome or polished metals, it has been considered a progenitor of the rat rod.
started a trend of younger guys that were in to Rockabilly music, dressed in a 1950s Greaser style, and built period correct pre war hot rods, reminiscent of the 1940s, 50's, and early 60s.
Opinions regarding the term's origins were based in one of the following perspectives: Years later, in 1998, one of many articles was written in Hot Rod Magazine, this was done by automotive journalist Gray Baskerville, about cars that, at that time, continued to be covered by primer; or, the first rat rod was owned by artist, Robert Williams, who had a '32 Ford Roadster that was painted in primer.
[4] Gray's use of the term was in relation to "Rat Bikes," motorcycles that were assembled from spare parts, to be enjoyed and ridden, and not necessarily for the display of the builder's skills.
Older cars in poor condition are often advertised as candidates for rat rod conversions and, in some cases, the owner will purchase a custom frame, or design and build it himself/herself.
[3] Rat rods often appear unfinished and, at most, primer-only paint jobs are applied; satin, or matte, black and other flat colors are also common.
Mexican blankets and bomber seats form the basis of many rat rod interiors, and most are designed to be functional without many comforts; although, this will vary in accordance with the owner's taste.
[3] In many cases, the front suspension is mounted a considerable distance forward of the radiator, a practice that may be derived from the construction of early drag racing cars.
The rat rod style of automobile customization enjoyed a resurgence in popularity beginning in the 1990s, initially as a sub-genre of the drifting community.
[6] People at Lateral-g share their perspective as:These DIY-builds, known as rat rods, are an excellent example of the versatility in this industry and a great starting project for newcomers.
