1066 Cruisers

        Rat Rods are typically interpreted to be the Hot Rods kids build during the 1930s - 1950s, using modern parts, and originality. Rat Rod designs and styles take quirky shapes from any era of car and use these shapes to hopefully build a radically designed car. Rat rods are an existence, it's a way to go overboard, but not be caught in keeping your car pretty. In most cases the uglier the better. Rat rods are big, traditional street rods are bigger, and muscle cars are ridiculously out of sight. But there's still the '33 Ford roadster, the essence of a hot rod and a car that has been done every which way including Sunday.

        Rat rods are for individuals who want to experiment with engine performance and other features while keeping costs to the bare minimum. Rat Rods are one of the most popular concepts going these days. Rat rods are for fun! Rat rods come in many flavors: coupes, t-buckets, pickups and even newer vehicles are being converted into "unfinished" rat rod style cars.

        There's no concern for original or authentic parts or trim, and they're often dotted and splotched with patches of primer -- because hey, a car doesn't need paint to be driven, right? Rat Rods are meant to loosely imitate in form and function, the "Traditional" Hot Rods of the era. Biker, Greaser, Rockabilly, and punk culture is often credited as influence that shapes of Rat Rodding. Rat rods are inexpensive cars put together by street rodders who don't want to spend a fortune on fancy design. Rat rodders spend little money, but their cars turn many heads.

        Rat rods are a throw back to the days when most of us couldn't afford to have a really nice car, so instead of spending money on the appearance, the drive train (motor, tranie, rear end) received the attention. I think maybe wistfulness is the driving force behind the old car craze. Rat rods are hot-rods that looks unfinished and/or old and/or abused and they are often painted only with primer instead of glossy paint like hot-rods usually are. I feel these cars are like punk-rock was/is for the music industry. Rat rods are often powered by flatheads, straight sixes, straight fours and other relatively uncommon engines such as those made by Cadillac and Studebaker.

        What exactly is a rat rod? It is term used to describe the old or traditional way most hot rods are created today. The most common understanding when one mentions the word hot rod - it is that a car that has been modified so that its speed is increased and it is primarily used for racing. It is the same idea but without any common or notions of what it should look like. A hot rod is always unique and reflects the style and tastes of the one designing it.

        It is also known as a vehicle that is built for racing since it uses a barebones type configuration. A rat rod shouldn't be necessarily shiny or pretty. In fact the older the rat rod is, the better it can perform. In building a rat rod, it really takes time and effort but is worth the sweat put into it.

        Things you might need: a car and perhaps it inner working parts. Please note that it can have many parts from different cars. You should also have an engine, a chassis, exhaust manifolds, pistons, and other parts that make the engine work and the car to move. Although you can swap parts, its best to get the parts that are already working to save you time.

Steps to building your own rat rod:
Step One: Choosing the right frame. You can use whatever car frame you want to use. There is no rule against this. Most people like to use old designs since it is cheaper then buying a new one. If you plan to race it, you should choose a light frame to make the car move faster. You may even choose to remove or add any accessories to meet your needs.

Step Two: Selecting an engine. A fast rat rod needs a strong engine. It's always a good idea to get the largest engine that can fit in your engine bay. Some races make the frame a bit bigger to accommodate the huge engine. Any engine will suffice. It doesn't have to be a new one as long as it is a working one. Look for great deals at the junkyard. Sometimes the dealer would be willing to sell it off for a low rate. If you want to race your rat rod, remember that raw engine power is the key.

Step Three: Install the essentials and strip the interiors. If your aim is to race, then only the basic like axle transmission, wheels and other crucial controls will suffice. Any excess items like spare seats, excess consoles areas will all have to go. This is to make the car lighter.

Step Four: Wear the tires and rims. Choose tires that can last long and endure short races. The tires don't have to be the best just as long as they don't melt quickly under stress. Likewise the rims should be in good order so that turns in the race course can be handled.

Step Five: Test the it. Always test before racing. Most rat rods are not allowed on most freeways so you would have to haul it off to a nearby track and have it tested there before the final race.

        Lastly, enjoy racing the hot rod for it's bound to bring you much joy and pride in creating something so race admired. In short, that is how you can effectively build a rat rod.