Some people view the term Rat Rod as an insult. Others as a badge of honor. I don’t much care one way or another, but I think you should use the term properly. I think there are cars with rust and patina that are NOT rat rods. And I think there are cars and trucks with rust and patina that ARE rat rods. But what do you think? That’s our question of the day. And to give you some inspiration, or context, look at the photos included above and below. Half of these I DON’T consider rat rods. But the other half I do.
And don’t think this means I don’t like rat rods, because I love some of them and don’t like others. Just like any other cars at a show.
But what do I know? What do you think?
Rat Rods?
Not Rat Rods?
” Agree “
The ones you consider rat rods are rat rods. I don’t like them and never did. They aren’t retro, nothing like that was ever built until recently.
Guys that build cars that look the way hot rods in the 50’s actually looked like are deserving of a different title. I don’t know what to say about the guys who drill holes in fiberglass bodies and pretend it’s rust.
They do have a name. Traditional rods
The old school look with patina should not be in the Rat Rod category .If someone makes an effort to make a car look as if it was a race car or custom from 50 years ago. It should not be called a rat rod. Come on Rat Rods are wild and sometimes just crazy,I have built 2 of them. But if someone goes through the time and effort to make something look dated it should not be called a Rat Rad. All the barn finds you see popping up ,are not Rat Rods . That’s just my opinion
ALL rats. No need to show rust anytime.
I like to see some patina on some cars, it shows they have and are used as intended. Personally I wouldn’t want to own one of the rotted out rat rod, but one showing its age is something i would own if I could. I’m not against rats though, just not my cup of tea but I can appreciate them