The most obvious feature of a Rat Rod is the unfinished look. Another difference from the traditional Hot Rods is that Rat Rods are meant for driving. There is no displaying these cars. Hot Rod cars are meant to be shown of and are considered custom cars. While rat rods are considered to semi- resemble hot rods.
Rat rods have other influences. The biker culture has been known to influences the look of Rat Rods. Another counter culture that has influenced Rat Rods is the Greaser culture. The greaser subculture got started by street gangs of the 1950`s on the east and southern coast. They generally worked at motorcycle shops or gas stations.
Rat Rods also use punk culture. The culture began with the rise of Punk Music in the 1970`s. Rat Rods are generally pre WWII cars. They traditional will have flat head V8`s or small block V8s. Many builders of rat rods make sure to keep them loud and noisy. They are definitely not for display. You can use what ever parts you want to build a Rat Rod. No two are going to be the same. Building is great fun but you can also buy one that is already built.
The retired DeLorean, while not exactly a rat rod, still exists and can be built from left over parts. You can still find fully functional DeLoreans for sale online as well.
Rat Rods
When it comes to vehicles, rat rods are a kind of anti status symbol. While rat rods draw their inspiration and parts from the hot rods of the 1940`s, 50`s and 60`s, they lack the slickness of the original hot rods. Rat rods are custom cars, trucks or bikes that are designed for driving, not for show, as hot rods are.
The phrase rat rods covers stripped down cars, trucks and bikes, or hot rods, that are often custom made by their owner. Rat rods are typically made up of the parts and bodies of vehicles made prior to 1970. Various parts that aren't necessary for driving, such as fenders, hoods and bumpers are removed.
Rat rods tend to have an unfinished look. Primer is often used in place of a new paint job or the original paint job is left intact with no effort made to remove rust or fix blemishes. The interiors of these vintage cars vary from completely furnished to just a few bomber seats with blankets thrown in for function and comfort. Like their owners, rat rods are highly original.
