What is being tauted as "Rat Rodding", which is nothing more than Hot Rodding, is in fact that the sport has been Invaded by a Counter Culture movement led by the Goths & Punks which is based on a Retro '50s look & they had to call it something to make it their own.
I've yet to run across Any of them that know their Arse from a Knothole, when it comes to real Auto Mechanics.
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Cheers
Colonel Flashman
Vermilion '58 Mercury M-100 HP 312 I-6 w/ HP C-4
Blue '58 Mercury M-100 Panel 223 I-6 w/ M-O-M
Black 1893 Henry Ford Quadra-Cycle (replica) My Replies Are Not Meant In An Offensive Way.... Ever, They Are Merely.... Straight Answers or Comments
one look at a Car Kulture magazine kinda shows me what the "Goth", "rat-rod", and "retro 50's" theme it presents. I checked out a car club a truck-driver delivering to work is a member of, and I have to agree.....mohawks, lowered til they scrape the pavement, rust as a color, etc...
EDIT: I should make note that I don't hate them, but please, call it for what it is. and each of these cars a restore worthy, not a candidate to chop them up.
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"We are holding our own."--Ernest McSorley
The Good1948 F1: Flattie on the stand
The Bad1987 TC: Test fitting drivetrain
And the Ugly1962 Fairlane: Out in the cold
rat rod is a term overused by many. take a look at these links from Epay, and you tell me if they are rat rods or not:
No, no, no, and of course, no....
I think a lot of people figure a lot of people are looking for "rat rod" on the 'bay search. You see a LOT of "rat rod" in descriptions, of just about ANY vehicle part, that's 20 years old or older. Sad. I'll admit, I don't understand the appeal at all.
R
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‹(•¿•)› Roger Phillips Oxford, IN
Be an FTE supporter! Best $20 I EVER spent!! Click the link for pictures of my truck: 1951 Ford F2
Because most of the Unwashed Masses that are attempting to make a buck off of e-Bay are Idiots, who believe that there' a Sucker Born Every Minute.
__________________
Cheers
Colonel Flashman
Vermilion '58 Mercury M-100 HP 312 I-6 w/ HP C-4
Blue '58 Mercury M-100 Panel 223 I-6 w/ M-O-M
Black 1893 Henry Ford Quadra-Cycle (replica) My Replies Are Not Meant In An Offensive Way.... Ever, They Are Merely.... Straight Answers or Comments
Because most of the Unwashed Masses that are attempting to make a buck off of e-Bay are Idiots, who believe that there' a Sucker Born Every Minute.
Unfortunately, there is at least one or more born every minute. The good part is that the suckers are part of the afore mentioned masses. Kinda like a self cleaning gene pool... It just needs tweaked up a bit to inflict declining numbers. I think it needs the lemming factor enhanced.
I think the biggest thing I see, is the original "hot rod" was pieces put together in an attempt to be "appealing"...
Now, it's as if it's put together to be as obnoxious and UNappealing as possible. Bordering on ridiculous. After the war(s) parts were somewhat hard to find, people kept their autos, instead of selling/trading, so parts were combined, to make a fairly decent automobile. I think the people making them were somewhat proud of their work, that's why a true vintage rod, from the 40's and 50's is worth so much, and they are sought after, to restore to their original "rod" appearance. But now, it's like "let's see how much shock I can create, and money I can make". And you are right, there ARE people out there crazy enough to buy them! As I said, the "rat" at the local show, got 10 times the attention than any other vehicle (and there were some NICE ones!!), and it was very, very obvious, that it was "thrown" together, with no real attention to construction and safety! I certainly wouldn't have followed it on the road!
Further, I feel those are the ones that are going to hurt us in the long run - a few deaths directly as a result of unsafe "rats", and the people will be up in arms - "NO old vehicle is safe!!!". For the most part, the people I've seen here, are conscious of the need for safety, with seatbelts, upgraded electrical lighting, etc, etc. Just takes a few bad apples to ruin it for everyone!
R
__________________
‹(•¿•)› Roger Phillips Oxford, IN
Be an FTE supporter! Best $20 I EVER spent!! Click the link for pictures of my truck: 1951 Ford F2
Because most of the Unwashed Masses that are attempting to make a buck off of e-Bay are Idiots, who believe that there' a Sucker Born Every Minute.
I sell on eBay occasionally, and I think I'm not an idiot, and I know I washed today. People who put "rat rod" in their item description are probably not trying to pass their cars off as something they are not. As has been said, they are trying to get the most exposure. That's called marketing.
It is up to the buyer to determine whether the item sold meets their needs and expectations. It is the buyer who decides what they are are willing to pay. It is the buyer who is often the idiot.
My intention was not directed at Ebay, but to the fact anyone is calling anything a rat-rod these days. Ebay was just the quickest examples I could find, since I'm on there everyday.
__________________
"We are holding our own."--Ernest McSorley
The Good1948 F1: Flattie on the stand
The Bad1987 TC: Test fitting drivetrain
And the Ugly1962 Fairlane: Out in the cold
