How to build your rat Rod your way
So you’ve seen hundreds, even thousands of images of Rat Rods and you’ve had enough ideas and decide to build what you want in a Rat Rod. Here are a couple of ways to get some ideas flowing for your Rat Rod.
Everyone seems to have the idea of flat black and steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps. There is nothing wrong with going with a flat metallic silver or a flat metallic garnet. Wearing full moon hubcaps gives it the “salt flats” look and actually makes it look a little more stylish, without taking away from the Rat Rod look.
Engines and transmissions are available. If you want to be able to drive your Rat Rod year-round, there’s nothing wrong with aftermarket fuel injection. Dress it up a bit so the wiring isn’t so obvious. Use some metal conduit or other sheathing to route the cables. Hide computers and electronic devices under the dash. Electronic transmissions are not easily detected as they are located under your vehicle.
Interiors are always another topic of discussion. Most Rat Rods have no interior and have the most basic “boat” type of seat. There is nothing wrong with a complete interior, just keep it relevant. It wouldn’t have a rolled and pleated interior with bright, vibrant colors. Mexican ponchos are great for wrapping or even gluing to existing interior parts. They fit your Rat Rod perfectly.
Add-ons and customization is where many people’s opinions differ. Changing the instrument panels of vehicles from other years is great, but some want to keep their Chevy completely Chevy. It is a matter of personal opinion. The same goes for the headlights and taillights. The fenders and body work are best changed with similar years, as putting a fender from the fifties on a car from the thirties would look a bit of fun. Use common sense here. Just because he looks old and tattered doesn’t make him a true Rat Rod.
Windshields and roofs are also a question of drivability. Local bar jump is fine if you cut through the roof and windshield. Only the staunch Rat Rodders carry them from state to state. Removable hard covers are optimal, but it takes some experience to cut a roof and make it bolt-on. It is not too difficult, but you must have knowledge of welding and metal fabrication.
What all of this means is that variety is the way to go when building your Rat Rod. Take note of what people say, but you determine what the end result of your trip will be.