Rat Rod Parts

“Rat Rod” is a style of custom Hot Rod that usually imitates or radically exaggerates the look of the early hot rods of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. It is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related “Traditional” Hot Rod, which is an accurate restoration or recreation of a Hot Rod from the same eras.

Most “Rat Rods” appear to be “unfinished” and raw (whether they really are or not), with only the bare essentials to be driven.

The “Rat Rod” is the visualization of the idea of functionality over form. Rat Rods are built to be driven, not shown off, although they usually attract a lot of attention!

Recently, the term “Rat Rod” has been used to describe almost any vehicle that appears unfinished or is built simply to be driven, whether or not the vehicle would have been customized or even existed during the 50s.

The typical rat rod has the fenders, hood, running boards, and bumpers removed. The bodies are frequently channeled over the frame, and sectioned, or the roofs “chopped” for a lower profile.

Later post-war vehicles are rarely built without fenders and are usually customized in the fashion of Leadsleds, Kustoms and Low-Riders.

Maltese Crosses, Skulls, and other accessories are typical. Chopped tops, shaved trim, grills, tail lights, and other miscellaneous body parts are swapped between makes and models for an original look. Most, if not all of the work is done by the owner of the vehicle.

Recently, the term “Rat Rod” has been used to describe almost any vehicle that appears unfinished or is built simply to be driven, whether or not the vehicle would have been customized or even existed during the 50s.

Rat Rod Paint & Finish

Many Rat Rods appear unfinished with rough primer paint jobs being typical. Other finishes may include “natural patina” (the original paint with rust and blemishes intact, which looks really cool and rustic), a patchwork of original paint and primer, or bare raw metal with no finish at all in rusty or oiled varieties. Contrary to tastes of many car builders, rust is often acceptable and appreciated by a Rat Rodder!

Typical Rat Rod Interiors

Interiors of rat rods vary from fully finished to a spartan, bare bones form. Mexican blankets and bomber seats form the basis of many rat rod interiors. Most are designed to be functional without many comforts although this will vary with the owner’s taste.

Rat Rod Drive Train

Though a variety of engines may be used, the most common are to be found in a Rat Rod are Flathead V8s, early Chrysler Hemi Engines, or more modern V8 Small Blocks from any manufacturer, commonly Chevrolet. It is not uncommon to see straight 8’s, straight 6’s, straight 4’s, V6’s or even diesels. These engines may exhibit varying displacements and modifications.

Rat Rod Suspension

A beam axle is commonly accepted as the only type of front suspension that will look right when exposed without fenders on a vehicle with open front suspension. Independent front suspension is discouraged, Most Rat Rods use a 1928-1948 Ford I beam axle with a transverse leaf spring. Although any solid axle is acceptable, the Ford axle is preferred due to the availability of spare parts.

Springs vary from transverse, parallel and coil setups in the front and rear. Parallel is not seen as frequently as the more common single-spring transverse setup, though both are used commonly. Coil springs are often deemed unsightly without fenders, but are still occasionally seen.

Most Rat Rods are rear wheel drive, with an open driveline. The rear-ends are typically passenger vehicle pieces, as are the transmissions. The Ford Banjo rear-end is popular, as is the “Quickchange” type as used in many early hot rods.