OT: The problem with rat rods
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 38
From: Valley Center, California
Many (but not all) of the Rats I see at shows are just scary dangerous with cobbed up workmanship. Other than safety concerns, I have no axe to grind.
I remind the younger folks that in the '40s-'50s, the "beaters" weren't built that way on purpose. They just didn't have much dough and often did a "cut & paste" with cheap parts from a wrecking yard.
I guess it's a nostalgia thing. I'm a musician and several years ago. Fender Guitars decided to offer new Stratocasters as "distressed" to pose as vintage guitars. They'd take a new guitar, beat on it with a chain, and sand thru the paint in areas. Then they'd sell it for $3000......
I didn't get that either.
I remind the younger folks that in the '40s-'50s, the "beaters" weren't built that way on purpose. They just didn't have much dough and often did a "cut & paste" with cheap parts from a wrecking yard.
I guess it's a nostalgia thing. I'm a musician and several years ago. Fender Guitars decided to offer new Stratocasters as "distressed" to pose as vintage guitars. They'd take a new guitar, beat on it with a chain, and sand thru the paint in areas. Then they'd sell it for $3000......
I didn't get that either.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
Many (but not all) of the Rats I see at shows are just scary dangerous with cobbed up workmanship. Other than safety concerns, I have no axe to grind.
I remind the younger folks that in the '40s-'50s, the "beaters" weren't built that way on purpose. They just didn't have much dough and often did a "cut & paste" with cheap parts from a wrecking yard.
I guess it's a nostalgia thing. I'm a musician and several years ago. Fender Guitars decided to offer new Stratocasters as "distressed" to pose as vintage guitars. They'd take a new guitar, beat on it with a chain, and sand thru the paint in areas. Then they'd sell it for $3000......
I didn't get that either.
I remind the younger folks that in the '40s-'50s, the "beaters" weren't built that way on purpose. They just didn't have much dough and often did a "cut & paste" with cheap parts from a wrecking yard.
I guess it's a nostalgia thing. I'm a musician and several years ago. Fender Guitars decided to offer new Stratocasters as "distressed" to pose as vintage guitars. They'd take a new guitar, beat on it with a chain, and sand thru the paint in areas. Then they'd sell it for $3000......
I didn't get that either.
I like the old original-painted rides, somewhat still untouched, but the added webs and iron crosses, no thanks. Car or truck's gotta "earn" those stripes, IMO.
Eman, haven't heard from ya in awhile!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
Hi Bob,
It is obvious you are losing sleep over this and are looking for validation for calling all rat rods cobbled death traps, but since you havent gotten it yet I would like to apoligize for calling you a hater. Despite the fact that you have stated you despise all rat rods you are not a hater. I didnt realize that my opinion would have long term effects! It was only my opinion, this is just an internet forum and not real life, so I will no longer post anything about rat rods. Until I build one.
Just picked up another 37 buick last week and a dual carb setup, not going to be a rat rod but it is in the "someday" pile. Needs a pair of running boards, gotta call Tachney again.
Anywho I need to get out to the truck and finish the floor work if I can a free minute.
It is obvious you are losing sleep over this and are looking for validation for calling all rat rods cobbled death traps, but since you havent gotten it yet I would like to apoligize for calling you a hater. Despite the fact that you have stated you despise all rat rods you are not a hater. I didnt realize that my opinion would have long term effects! It was only my opinion, this is just an internet forum and not real life, so I will no longer post anything about rat rods. Until I build one.
Just picked up another 37 buick last week and a dual carb setup, not going to be a rat rod but it is in the "someday" pile. Needs a pair of running boards, gotta call Tachney again.
Anywho I need to get out to the truck and finish the floor work if I can a free minute.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 1,725
From: AKRON ohio
Rat rods are cool, they remind me of my youth going to junk yards with my dad. Now I said cool as in cool to look at not to drive, usually they are one tire revolution from the scrap pile!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
i remember when the "rat rod" craze caught on . they were essentially unfinished , ie no paint minimal interior old school hot rods built with what you had at your disposal . now the term has become some generic envelope that encompasses the pos look at me i'm a retard ***** boxes like in the opening pic , and the death traps that are built without floors and and other things , and the garbage welded on garbage , horns etc. added for some shock factor or just plain ignorance as they think it's cool . so to don and the guy with the unfinished duece coupe . your cars are fantastic , but the P.O.S in the opening pic is a joke , and if it weren't for the do what pleases you mantra i'd say send the builder and owner off to some remote , forgotten land to roam with all the other clown cars and wannabe ricky racers of the world .............
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Dave, I haven't lost a second of sleep, thanks for your concern. I'm also glad you realized people can have opinions about different subjects and are not haters because they differ with others, you've come along way.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 38
From: Valley Center, California
Hey Scott - I've been around but haven't seen a lot of topics lately that are in my wheelhouse. Hope all is well.
You're right, a '59 Les Paul Standard "Barn-Find" would buy you as many vintage vehicles as you could ever want....
Dawg-a-roo
You're right, a '59 Les Paul Standard "Barn-Find" would buy you as many vintage vehicles as you could ever want....
Dawg-a-roo
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