Читать книгу The Illustrated History of the Rat Rod - Steve Thaemert Jr. - Страница 5

What Is a Rat Rod?

We’ve traced the roots of rat rod culture back to the beginning of the automobile: from the doodlebug to the jalopy and all the way to the hot rod scene of the 1960s. But where does today’s rat rod really come from? The rat rod scene has continued to evolve and has taken on a life of its own in the twenty-first century. Today’s rat rod pays homage to the hot rod of old while bringing its own modern ingenuity and style to the table. Its charm lies in its vintage appeal and its rebellious nature.

Many different sources have claimed to have coined the term “rat rod” or have tried to pin its first usage to a certain person, publication, or club. The fact of the matter is that no one truly knows when the term was first used, how it was first used, or who used it first.

In this book, we won’t even try to track the term’s origins because that effort would be based on unverifiable resources and ultimately would result in more speculation. The early history of the term itself will remain mysterious and debatable until someone develops time travel and we can go back and figure it all out.

For the sake of factual explanation of the history of rat rod culture, we will emphatically declare that the term “rat rod” has its own unique meaning today and that wherever it originated is irrelevant. Because the term is so polarizing, and because what exactly a rat rod is or isn’t has been such a hot topic, let’s delve into a couple of previously published articles from Rat Rod Magazine.

Spectators enjoy the rat rods on display at the annual Lonestar Roundup event in Austin, Texas.

An Open Letter from the Editor

Published in Rat Rod in January 2011, this article was the magazine’s first official response to the question of “what is a rat rod?”

What Is a Rat Rod?

Before I dig into this question, let me start off with a little disclaimer: I appreciate all cars. I’m not a hater. If you’re into shiny restorations or European sports cars, so be it. I don’t understand why people get so bent out of shape about someone else’s tastes … I mean, a little harmless chiding is no big deal, but I’ve seen some pretty aggressive arguments over what kind of car scene someone is into. I myself grew up in a racing family. My dad was racing stock cars from the day I was born, so I grew accustomed to watching him slave away in the garage, trying to get the car ready for the weekends. I’ve always had a love for the classics, especially American muscle, and an appreciation for anything that looks cool or goes fast. But, yes, I do like rat rods the most, and I’ve developed a healthy respect for them and their builders. If you hate rats, you probably shouldn’t be reading a copy of Rat Rod Magazine. As a rat rod guy, and the editor of this magazine, I feel obligated to at least share my opinion with you about what I personally feel that a rat rod is. The truth of the matter is, you can ask ten different people, and they will all give you a different answer. There are a lot of people out there who will tell you matter-of-factly that a rat rod is (whatever they think it is), and some will even tell you exactly where the term originated … some folks have even tried to take credit for creating the term. Internet research will ultimately bring you to a couple of different common definitions. From Wikipedia: “A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates (or exaggerates) the early hot rods of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. It is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related ‘traditional’ hot rod, which is an accurate recreation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era.”

Rat rods have been aptly described as “rough around the edges.”

Or how ‘bout this definition from Fat Tony at RatRodStuff.com: “A rat rod is simply a custom car that is made for driving and hanging out with friends. Rat rods aren’t ultra-glossy show cars. Instead, a rat rod is an ‘unfinished’ street rod that is intentionally left a bit rough around the edges.” Here’s one from streetrods-online.com: “A rat rod is a newly developed name for the original hot rod style of the early 1950s. A rat rod is usually a vehicle that has had many of its non-critical parts removed. They are usually finished in primer or paints that are often period-correct. They are very often a conglomeration of parts and pieces of different makes, models, and aftermarket parts. The term ‘rat rod’ was first used by the high-dollar, show-car guys to describe the low-buck, home-built drivers. Don’t forget the roots of the hobby (street rods); it was the little guy in a garage on a budget (with help from his friends) that started it all.” Then there’s the squidoo.com definition: “A rat rod is an older car or truck that’s still roadworthy but has been stripped down to basics and then rebuilt (usually) with accessories and parts that date approximately from the same period as the original car.”

Using old truck bodies for builds is popular among rat rod enthusiasts.

Rat rodders believe in displaying the artwork of time and nature.

You get the idea. There are definitely some points that just about everyone agrees on, and then we have this massive gray area full of opinions and ideas that can range from traditional thinking to overly creative conceptualism. For the record: this magazine is a product of the entire rat rod scene, from every angle, covering all personalities, ideals, and components. What it really comes down to is the fact that a rat rod can be whatever you want it to be. You might be laughed at for building something goofy or praised for stretching the boundaries. There is a fine line between ridicule and respect, at least in the world of hot rods. The rat rod scene seems to be more accepting, more free-spirited, more rebellious, and more open to individual interpretation. My observation is this—if someone says, “Hey, you can’t do that!,” someone’s gonna do it.

The rat rod culture is more than just building Frankenstein’s ride or a flat black hot rod—it is about that rebellious blue-collar attitude that counteracts the sparkly high-dollar hot rod scene. Where the term “rat rod” really came from is up for debate, but the rat rod mentality has been around since people started modifying, piecing together, and showcasing cars. Wherever there is a high-dollar hobby or movement, you can bet your butt that there will be a counterculture movement representing “the other folks.” So, let me get to the point here and try to explain what I think a rat rod is and isn’t. Flat black paint alone does not make it a rat rod. I know popular belief would say that if it’s flat black, it’s a rat rod … but I beg to differ. Sure, many rats are flat black or painted in primer. I do believe that a rat rod can also be shiny. A rat can have a nice coat of paint, clear coat, some chrome—fine. Having those things doesn’t immediately rule it out in my eyes. You have to look at the whole picture. Your rat rod doesn’t have to have a rat drawing, the words “rat rod” airbrushed on it, or a toy rat zip-tied to the dip stick to be a rat rod. I know, if you’ve got one, you want people to understand that yes, this is a rat rod. But there’s a point where it can become too much, and, in my opinion, if you have to tell people that it’s a rat, it might not be one. Now, I have seen some cool rats with toy rats on them and the words “rat rod” stuck all over, and they looked good, but I am more and more turned off by the blatant “look at me” rat decoration. Trust me, if your rat is cool, there is no need for decoration. Patina is awesome. I love rust, decay, age, and distressed steel. Patina is a beautiful, natural part of decay. A natural rusty patina is like war paint over battle scars and the remnants of a storied past. Patina is something that can’t be reproduced (or reproduced well). Time-worn parts paired with cool road-warriorish modern machinery is mixing past and present for a new level of cool. This is the essence of rat rod creativity.

Rat rods wear their rust with pride.

Mechanical creativity can be downright diabolical. A rat rod in my eyes should be a mixture of mechanical things. Different makes and models, parts from different eras, junkyard collectibles. Part of the rat rodder’s credo is the “use what you got” mentality. Rat rod creativity should never just be on the surface—it should be internal, as a whole. Show me an engine in a car that it was never meant to be in; show me a car built from scavenged parts; show me what you can do with a pile of rusty steel that’s been rotting away in a farmer’s field for fifty years; show me a car that looks like a monster but drives like a cheetah. Build it, don’t buy it. Look, I’ve got nothing against the guy who buys cool stuff for his rat, but anybody with some cash can do that. Get your hands dirty! I’m always amazed by the amount of work that can go into a car, and oftentimes I’m blown away by what people can do, especially with limited resources. I have a ton of respect for a guy who locks himself in the garage for a winter and comes out in the spring with something that’ll kick some serious butt and look cool doing it. Most importantly: drive it. Anything built (or bought) to be hauled around on a trailer isn’t a vehicle, it’s a trophy, a showpiece. I love looking at restored classics, muscle cars, race cars, antiques—I love all of that stuff, and they have their place in automotive history. However, rat rods are not meant to be hauled. I won’t even put a car in this magazine if it’s not used. Rats are really meat-and-potato machines. I need to see bugs in the radiator and burnt rubber on the quarter panels. They should be mean and gritty and have plenty of attitude. Function over flavor, baby.

So what will or won’t I feature in this magazine? After reading all of this, you pretty much know where I stand, but here’s what really turns me on: cars and trucks that represent the rat rod culture. I’m looking for daily drivers. Rats that are built to DO something. Rats that are built by hand, in the backyard, in the local shop, in a rickety old garage. Rats built from salvage-yard treasures. Rats that are made from a bunch of different sources from different generations. Rats that have meaning behind their existence. Rats and owners/builders that have a story.

Creativity, both mechanical and aesthetic. Rust. Patina. Big steel balls to go along with big steel pipes, with engines that churn out thunderous fury, flame-blasting exhausts, and the smell of burnt high-octane fuel. This is my interpretation of what is and what is not a rat rod. I challenge everyone out there to form your own opinions and find your own “cool.” Rat on!

— by Steve Thaemert

I published the following letter in the June/July 2014 issue of Rat Rod Magazine, also in response to the what-is-a-rat rod debate. It sums up “rat rod” as a term, culture, and community. Only three years apart, these two articles share the same basic message.

Ratology, an Editor’s Letter

Four years after the birth of Rat Rod Magazine, the battle of what is and what is not a rat rod still rages on. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just because people like to stir the pot … or maybe need something to argue about. Other times, they might genuinely want to know. Either way, someone is always asking “what is a rat rod?”

I’ve given my definition a bazillion times, and every once in a while I revisit the topic here in the magazine. I used to spend a stupid amount of time trying to explain my stance on what a rat rod is and how I have formulated that opinion, but it all comes down to this: a rat rod is simply a blue-collar hot rod.

You can spin off from that any way you want—talk about years, makes, components, paint, whatever—and it still comes down to that. I don’t care who coined the term or when it was first used. This is what it is now. A rat rod is a blue-collar hot rod. Period. That is fact. It’s not debatable. Everything beyond that? Open to interpretation, and that’s what makes the rat rod scene so fun and inviting.

Underneath the rust lies decades’ worth of history.

The fact of the matter is that a rat rod is the working-class answer to high-buck hot rods and street rods and all of the pageantry and ego that seem to go along with them. Rat rods are about heart, history, and having a good time. They’re not about money, ego, and who has the most seamless clone of the car next to it. Rat rodders embrace imperfection, individuality, and the stories behind what they’re building and driving. That’s the beauty of the rat rod scene … you can create something that represents your personality down to every fine detail, and you can do it within your means. No one can tell you it’s right or wrong.

I know there’s a fine line between traditional hot rods and rats, and there’s always going to be debate surrounding the use of newer vehicles and, many times, newer components—but that’s OK. I see a whole lot of cool creations—rat or not—and they don’t have to be labeled in order to be enjoyed. Someone will always be raising the bar and stirring the pot. So be it. Let’s see your interpretation of cool, whatever you want to call it.

These are some of my own thoughts and opinions—take them how you want. The bottom line? In a cool sort of free-spirited way, rat rodding will define itself and always has.

— by Steve Thaemert, 2014

Here are some other definitions from guys at Rat Rod Magazine

To me, rat rods have been around for decades. I think they started back when people of all ages (mostly young) wanted a car and couldn’t afford one, but they could build one out of parts that were cheap and easy to get. Most didn’t have the money to put into customizing and appearance, so their efforts went into building a hopefully reliable car. I think “jalopies” were the first rat rods, so this is not new. The beauty of rat rods is that almost anything goes. Rust or rattle can, chopped or not, channeled or not, mixture of different makes and models. One thing that I don’t think is a rat rod is a car with stuff welded onto it that serves no purpose and sprayed flat black.

—Craig Lankki, Merchandise Director

Blue collar, family-oriented, low-buck rod. Where self-expression can be explored and is encouraged. No rules to follow other than safety. An excellent entry into the car hobby. No belly-button or cookie-cutter cars; American ingenuity at its finest.

—Bryan Dagel, Head Builder

A rat rod is a car that’s built with the sensibilities and basic style of the original pre-war hot rods with an eye toward creativity and personalization. Older cars with modern drivetrains and suspensions are welcome, separating the rat rods from the “traditional” rods, making the rat rods more accessible and achievable to the average guy or gal.

—Rick Loxton, Senior Writer

Rat rods are low-dollar, affordable hot rods. Just like back in the ‘50s, rat rods are the affordable cars pieced together with what you have or can afford to buy. They are loud, fast, obnoxious, and a blast to drive.

—Chad Truss, Staff Photographer

As you can see, even the people behind the magazine share different opinions, all based on the same basic principles but all slightly different at the same time. In 2015, I wrote an article describing what we were looking for to showcase in the magazine as submissions poured in from around the world. That’s a good thing—unless, of course, you can run only eight to ten features in an issue and become severely backlogged with material. People began grumbling that we were rejecting their vehicles, which was really not the case. Could we or would we publish every rat rod out there? Of course not. But the majority of rat rods do meet our criteria for publication. The following excerpt from my article explains what we look for when considering submissions.

The Rat Rod Magazine mission is — and has always been — to showcase rat rod culture and the builders behind the machines.

Plenty of legitimate rat rods are flat black, but paint (or lack thereof) is not the defining characteristic.

We’re often asked how people can get their cars and trucks into the magazine, so I thought it would be a good time to answer in depth.

This magazine is powered by the rat rod community. We don’t have any agendas other than to promote and support this group of builders and enthusiasts. It’s important to us that anyone can get into this magazine, no matter how rich or poor, whether they’re building in a shop or the backyard. If the vehicle represents rat rod culture and the build itself has merit, it has a shot in Rat Rod.

That being said, there are two common reasons a vehicle won’t make it into the magazine:

1. we receive far more submissions than we can possibly publish, and

2. the vehicle or build just isn’t rat rod relevant.

Now, we’re not here to judge. That’s important, because many times, when a vehicle doesn’t make it into the magazine, the owner assumes that we don’t like it. That’s possible, of course, but not likely. We rarely “reject” anything based on our personal tastes. We do look at the build and the vehicle itself. Is it a rat rod? If not technically a rat rod, is it at least something that fits into rat rod culture? Is it built well? Is it safe?

Our obligation not only to the rat rod community but also to the public as a whole is to stay true to what and who we are: and that is a RAT rod publication, first and foremost. We’ll always capture some fringe elements, stories, and perhaps even vehicles that can’t quite be labeled. But, we won’t deviate from the foundation of this magazine, and that is featuring rat rods and the builders behind them.

The best way to show off a rat rod is to hit the road and drive it.

The build itself is important. There are so many different building styles and methods out there, from a simple chassis swap to a full-blown ground-up creation and everything in between. We’ll feature any build style as long as it’s safe and represents the rat rod mentality in some capacity. Pulling panels off a car, manipulating them, and putting them back on does not constitute a build. That is a modification or customization—not a build. Same with throwing a rusty hood on a modern car—not a build, not a rat rod. There’s nothing wrong with doing these things, but clearly that is not what Rat Rod Magazine is about. Does it have to be rusty? No. Can it be painted? Sure. Can it be a 1995 Toyota? No.

There’s always a gray area surrounding rat rods, and we get it—we’re right in the middle of that and are always talking about it. Because a rat rod is essentially a blue-collar hot rod, and that’s what the heart of the rat rod community is building, that’s what you’re going to see in Rat Rod Magazine. I’ve said it myself many times over: the rat rod community defines what a rat rod is by what is being built and driven.

For instance, we’ve seen some killer ‘60s builds, even some utilizing substantial components from the ‘70s or newer, but if the bulk of the vehicle is too new, it’s obviously straying from the heart of rat rodding, hot rodding, and all of the vintage charm that makes up these scenes. Too new, and it becomes a custom, kustom, derelict, modified, street rod, street machine—whatever you want to call it. But there is definitely a point where year matters and the vehicle can no longer legitimately be considered either a hot rod or rat rod. If you have a bad-ass 1970 Chevy truck that you’ve chopped, channeled, bagged, banged, whooped, welded, and twisted, more power to you. Our motto here has always been to build what you want and drive the hell out of it.

But just because it’s cool, and maybe was built in the style of a rat rod, doesn’t mean it’s a rat rod. You wouldn’t consider a 2000 Mustang with a Corvette engine, no front fenders, and a rusty paint job a rat rod, would you? No. Sure, it’s using different makes and models and has some rust and, hell, could be chopped or whatever … but come on, let’s get real here. The time of calling anything under the sun a rat rod is long gone, and the rat rod community has established what a true-blue rat rod is. It will always evolve, it will always change, but there will always be things at the root of rat rod culture that are definitive and absolute.

We love new parts. There is nothing wrong with using nice, new modern components—especially where safety is concerned, because, above all else, you want your ride to be drivable. Hell, many rat rodders are fabricating their own parts or finding ways to repurpose old parts and make them safer, stronger, better. That’s the ingenuity that this scene is built on. But if your 1930 Model A becomes a 1995 Ford with a Model A title, you’re in a whole different scene. The body and what a vehicle is titled as are very important. Aesthetics are important. If it smells, looks, and drives like a 1995 Ford, it probably is. If it’s a Model A with a modern driveline, it’s still a Model A (makes sense, right?).

A true Model A rat rod.

It comes down to this: Rat Rod Magazine will be featuring rat rod culture in whatever form it becomes. If it changes, we’ll change with it—but because this scene is so rooted in nostalgia and vintage appeal, don’t expect the scene to shift too far one way or the other. At the heart of rat rodding is a whole lot of history, tradition, and multigenerational involvement. As in the hot rod scene, the passion for these machines is usually passed down from father to son and so on, which means that the ideas behind it are always rooted in the generation before and the history that formed it.

This magazine exists to feature the blue-collar builder, the Average Joe, the common person, and so on. Your submissions, stories, creations, and passion are our foundation. Don’t be afraid to show us what you’ve got! We’re here to support and showcase this scene before anything else.

As I have stated in these articles—I am only one voice. The goal of the magazine is to represent rat rod culture in its entirety, as a community voice, and to showcase the men and women driving the scene with their builds. I can only hope that these articles and the other facts and opinions shared in this book can help to eliminate some of the gray areas surrounding rat rod culture and shed some light on the history of the scene.

The reality of today’s rat rod community is this: most differences between rat rods and other automotive scenes are aesthetic. Paint, chrome, and other shiny new components are still often rejected by rat rod enthusiasts. If it’s rusty, has patina, or is just an old survivor, it’s likely to be called a rat rod at some point, by someone.

Rat Rod Magazine has featured many rat rods with paint. Maybe not nice paint, but they’ve had “newer” paint jobs (as opposed to the original weather-worn paint). We have featured rat rods with chrome pieces as well. No full-blown billet-laden street rods, but there have been touches of chrome here and there, mostly as accents.

Even these aesthetic elements that people reject are at least somewhat relevant in today’s rat rod scene. It’s best to look at the whole project—the build, components, historical significance—before determining if it is a rat rod or not.