Posts Tagged rat rods
What Exactly is a Rat Rod Authority?
Posted by in Cars And More on June 29th, 2010
Rat Rod, Hot Rod Or Muscle Car?
I’ve read many blogs on “How to build a Rat Rod” and have wondered if any of them have any truth over others. The truth is in fact that many beginners as well as seasoned veterans build these cars and the only “rule” should be, how cool can you make it.
Now, be sure that you don’t confuse them with Hot Rods, which are generally classic hot rods that are pretty and shiny lots of chrome. And don’t confuse them with Muscle Cars. You know, camaros, gtos, corvettes, etc, you get the picture.
Rat Rods or Rust Buckets?
Rat Rods are your old, rust bucket looking car. It can be very primitive, looking like your typical jalopy. Rat Rods are all custom, built to the owners taste. Some say the more of a rust bucket, the better. Others like flat black paint, large whitewalls and red wheels, with zero chrome. As long as its not shiny, its in the Rat Rod class.
Do It Your Way
No one can truly tell you how to build it, but we can give you some ideas. You can turn any car into a Rat Rod, but do it with taste. I wouldn’t go out into your garage and spray flat black paint on your Lexus, if you know what I mean. Some of the more popular vehicles are 20s, through 50’s vehicles. Fords and Chevys are more popular, but dare to be different. Make a statement and build a Hudson or a Metropolitan.
Let It Roar!
Now the majority of these cars do not keep the same engine. Most of the Rat Rod community appreciate the beauty of the older style motors(flatheads are very typical). But who cares what it is powered by. The louder, the better. Make a statement. You don’t want to look like everyone else. You want to stick out in a crowd and really show people that you mean business. Put your mind to it. No junk is too ugly when building your car.
Customize!!!
Use your imagination as well. Go through your shed and look for interesting items to add to your car. Why not have a small shovel as your shifter handle? How about that old bench seat out of your grandmas old Lincoln. If it doesn’t fit, be creative, make it fit. Make it Custom!
How Low Can You Go?
Get the right heights as well. The lower, the cooler. Chopped roofs are awesome. Many people cant chop a roof, but lowering the car is not that hard. Many ideas can be had by simply looking at photos, going to shows, or looking through magazines.
Started by Art Tupaczewski, his experience in the auto body industry lead him to devise a way to find
that “specialty part” for your car quickly, easily, and cost effectively. Whether just starting
out, or a seasoned veteran, http://www.ratrodauthority.com has what you need.
After analyzing the marketplace, Art figured out an efficient way to get what you need fast and correct
from the comfort of your own home.
Article Source: What Exactly is a Rat Rod Authority?
Putting it all together – Rat Rod Style
Posted by in Cars And More on June 29th, 2010
Now that you have your car and drivetrain, lets put it together.
Understand, this is not rocket science, but you do need some general knowledge of how Rat Rods work, or do you? Sometimes some of the most creative ideas come from people who have no idea at all. Ok, so the engine, trans and rear bolt to the frame. but what about linkages, lines, belts, etc
Show how Ratty you can really be!
There are no rules but common sense. Please dont use fishing line for the gas pedal linkage, or bubble gum for gasket sealer. But incorporating other metals like copper, brass, nickel plated metals or conduits into your car is cool! Grandpa’s garage is a great place to shop for door handles, emblems, trim and misc that you never could have imagined would have been attached somewhere on your car!
How do you roll?
Ahhh. Nothing like a big fat whitewall on a red painted steel wheel with a baby moon center cap. Black wheels or “blacked out” wheels offer that stealthy look, and keeping with the Rat Rod tradition. Even keeping a consistant blackwalled tire is fine. White walls accentuate the wheel a bit more. By the way, nothing wrong with the rust bucket wheel look either!
I can see, I can see!
Lighting is something that is necessary, but can be adjusted to your tastes tremendously. Bucket style lights are typical and readily available, any shape, size or style. Location is key is creating the look you want. Traditional height is fine, but wide and low is the way to go! Spread the headlamps as far apart as possible and let them hit the ground. You want to see and be seen. Tailamps can be traditional, or custom. Some motorcycle taillamps fit the application perfectly. Many aftermarket lamps are available for the correct era. And some even loaded with LED lamps so people can see when you stop. Try to keep some safety in mind for your jalopy.
Started by Art Tupaczewski, his experience in the auto body industry lead him to devise a way to find
that “specialty part” for your car quickly, easily, and cost effectively. Whether just starting
out, or a seasoned veteran, http://www.ratrodauthority.com has what you need.
After analyzing the marketplace, Art figured out an efficient way to get what you need fast and correct
from the comfort of your own home.
Article Source: Putting it all together – Rat Rod Style
To Rat Rod or not……. that is the question
Posted by in Cars And More on June 29th, 2010
What style do you favor?
Obviously, we here at The Rat Rod Authority are biased to Rat Rods, there’s no doubt about it. But would be liars if we said we are against Hot Rods and Muscle Cars. Here are some ways for you to decide what route to go.
1. Cost – how LITTLE do I have to spend
Rat Rods are definately the way to go here. they can be built or bought for the least amount of all three. Muscle Cars, depending on their state of originality, vary in price dramatically. Matching numbers can double the value of the car. Lots of parts are available for most brands. Chryslers are a bit more expensive. Hot Rods, depending on how fancy you want, are the most expensive. Extravagant leather interiors, independent suspension, electronic fuel injection are just a few of the creature comforts of a nice Hot Rod.
2. Use – How comfortable do I want to be?
You can still use a Rat Rod if you have a family, it just makes things a little tougher. But it can be accomplished with proper planning. Nope, sorry, still no air conditioning, but seats and seatbelts are necessary. I would do only local crusing because of the comfort level. Hot Rods and Muscle Cars have more complete interiors and some have A/C. Also having all window glass is a plus during those freak summer showers.
3. Maintenance – Take good care of my baby
Nothing like washing and waxing your favorite vehicle. Or is there? You definately need to take are of your car be it simple oil changes, valve adjustments, or just a good cleaning. This also depends on what kind of car you drive. I don’t know of many people who wash and wax a real Rat Rod, or even properly maintain them, but that’s the way it goes with them. a nice Hot Rod or Muscle Car needs its love, especially to keep the value for many years to come.
In conclusion, no matter what you vehicle you choose, whether its the rust bucket style of the Rat Rod, or the Classic American Muscle Car, you need to decide whats best fits you , and in some cases your family, so you can all enjoy a nice drive while keeping everyone happy.
Started by Art Tupaczewski, his experience in the auto body industry lead him to devise a way to find
that “specialty part” for your car quickly, easily, and cost effectively. Whether just starting
out, or a seasoned veteran, http://www.ratrodauthority.com has what you need.
After analyzing the marketplace, Art figured out an efficient way to get what you need fast and correct
from the comfort of your own home.
Article Source: To Rat Rod or not……. that is the question
