Rat Rods, generally designed for hobby purposes, are usually built from scratch, or by joining the pieces of two or more car wrecks to create a one-off. The Rat Rods must appear to be on the verge of losing pieces, ruined to the point of almost failing to function. These cars, revered for both aesthetics and practical value, are constantly in need of modifications and minor interventions, thus becoming a fun project for amateur mechanics who have plenty of free time and spare parts available. Read this article to learn how to build your own Rat Rod.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Frame
Step 1. Get an old car
Visit a nearby junkyard to look for intact cars that may be good candidates for your project. There are also many Rat Rod sites where you will find links to the best cars to start from. Look for one that is not too rusty and that still has a fairly intact body. Generally, Rat Rods are built on the basis of American cars, often pickup trucks, prior to the 1960s. The most popular models as a basis for Rat Rods are:
- Chevrolet pickup from the 1950s.
- Ford of the 1930s, especially the "Model A".
- Early Chrysler Hemi engines are very popular, as are the Flathead V8s.
Step 2. Remove the car interior completely
Having to empty it and start from scratch, you will have to remove the seats, implants and all accessories. Usually the cars used as the basis for the Rat Rods have the interior in very bad initial condition, so this step is practically necessary.
Step 3. Completely empty the petrol tank
Place a can under the drain pipe, otherwise disconnect one of the fuel circuit pipes to collect the remaining fuel in the tank. This is an essential step in preparing the car for repairs, as you will have to carry out several welds and any remaining drop of fuel would be very dangerous. Always keep a fire extinguisher handy in your garage or garage while you are at work.
Step 4. Resize the frame according to your preferences
Measure and mark where you want the axles and wheels to be, then cut the frame to the indicated length with a jigsaw. Since the important aspect of a Rat Rod is the aesthetics, you will still have to continue following your inspiration.
Often the rear of the car is shortened to make room for the axle, and elements that you don't want to keep, such as the roof or hood, are eliminated. Take the necessary steps to get the transmission through
Step 5. Improvise
You can also build your own frame, using about 6 meters of 2x4-inch rectangular steel tubing, cut into two equal parts. Weld them together, arranging them like a ladder, as precisely as possible. Use a cross element for the front section, another in the back, and a crisscross arrangement in the center to support the structure. Match the width of the frame to the width of the body you want to use.
Part 2 of 3: Building the Rat Rod From Scratch
Step 1. Aim not to spend more than € 3000
It is a common goal among Rat Rod enthusiasts to keep expenses below this figure to demonstrate their ability to work with cheap materials. If you want to test yourself, use your skills and knowledge to keep expenses as low as possible, perhaps trying to get a lot of parts for free at the car demolition or on eBay.
Step 2. Install the new axles, suspension and shock absorbers
You can customize the suspension by installing the newest and most technological models, so you will make your Rat Rod a mix of old and new elements. What would you say about a Model A that runs like it was on tracks?
- Start by measuring the rear width of the chassis or body and buying an axle of the right size. This should be a bit longer than the measured width, and leaf spring axles are very popular because they allow a lot of modifications. Pieces from the 60s and 70s are also popular, but it depends on the price.
- Install the spring suspensions parallel, welding the upper mounts to the rear cross and the lower mounts to the axle. To keep costs down, use a new or salvaged rigid axle at the front.
- The suspensions of a Mustang II series or a Pinto, AMC Pacer or Corvair are other common and popular choices, but there are also ready-made suspension kits that can cost only a few hundred Euros, already complete with arms and attachments to the frame and of assembly guides. It could be a good investment if you need new parts.
Step 3. Mount the body onto the frame
The bodywork of old pickup trucks is the most common choice, but you can also use the most modern fiberglass, which is easy to manipulate and allows for mistakes to be made right. Modify the bodywork to your preferences, adapting it to the rough, crude style a Rat Rod must have, then weld it to the frame.
Step 4. Overhaul the original engine, or install a new one
Give it a try and remember this: a Rat Rod is a rickety and not entirely legal go-kart, so don't go into debt for the engine and transmission. An old Chevy 350 or a Ford 302 are both common options and are generally cheap, you can find them wherever you want, but most of all you can overhaul and modify them as you please. Just think about making the vehicle work! The nice thing about these modifications is that you can also use an engine that doesn't fit into the bodywork, because there is nothing that can stop your wits and creativity. Try detaching the hood to engage the engine and proceed as you prefer.
- You might think about selling the engine that was originally installed in the car, especially if the cylinder heads are worn, then using the money you earn to buy something from the same era that actually works.
- Fit a new alternator or starter motor while you mount the engine in the frame. Make sure you have cleaned the engine of grease as much as possible, then install the transmission, mount the radiator and the drive shaft. Attach the steering arms and mount the pedals, welding any additional connections that should be used to keep the vehicle intact.
Step 5. Finish the job
At this point you are almost done, but you will still need to fit the brakes and tires to make your car as safe as possible. It will probably not be legal, but you will have to make sure that the vehicle is able to stop. Insert the seat, or cut a sofa and use something homey and fun. At Rat Rods you can apply any weird idea you can think of to personalize them, so have fun!
Part 3 of 3: Customizing the Rat Rod
Step 1. Fit a windshield, side mirrors and center mirror if needed
Often the Rat Rods do not have all the accessories typical of normal cars. Windows, padded seats and even doors are unnecessary trappings. Keep tools close at hand so you can work on your Rat Rod even as you take it for its first ride. Personalize it with creativity.
Step 2. Paint the body using spray paint or matte paints
Some enthusiasts prefer to leave the rusted metal pretty much as it is, to show how durable the original medium was and continues to be. If you prefer a slightly more refined look, but want to keep your car a little rough, you can decide to use a matte paint base with spots of brown paint to recall the rust, but at the same time coat the metal and protect it. from bad weather.
Step 3. Get inspired by a theme
Rat Rods that follow a unique style will draw a lot of crowds at trade shows and rallies. Using weird objects in place of the steering wheel, for example, could be a nice idea that will make people gloat. Check out the other Rat Rods for inspiration and create something unique and original, worth your efforts.
Step 4. Be original
Unlike Hot Rods, Rat Rods are custom craft that don't have to look like an original antique craft. Bring a little sparkle to your car with quirky details and a flashy paint job, or heavily modify the original chassis to give it a whole new shape.
Advice
- Most of the creative work on the Rat Rods is done on the back. Try to find another car's bumper to weld to your vehicle. If you have a pickup truck, try to cut the body off to isolate the cabin.
- Rat Rods often need to be shortened to fit new steering systems.
Warnings
- Be very careful when cutting and welding old metal. The materials can sometimes be weaker than they appear, and if you cut yourself with rusty metal you risk contracting tetanus.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby while working on your Rat Rod. Even if you completely empty the tank, there is always the risk of fire and explosion during welding.
