Thread: Rat Rod Rules

Tweet

Originally Posted by Sickcycles

Hey RatSalad, did you get that from the Black Sabbath song Rat salad. Just wondering,Mike

Pat Boone had that one out a few years back also, as I remember.



Don

As a licensed motor vehicle inspector,I wouldn't even consider putting my name on the paperwork for something like was pictured. Common sense goes out the window sometimes when the wallet gets involved,which I believe is why every vehicle must be inspected every year in this state. Hank

Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

i mean just because its a rat rod does that always automatically make it some form of danger to someone else?

Yes. These things arent built to compete in speed contests. Just for cruising around. Im more concerned with the honda civics riding around on all donuts. Just my opinion but I think that the wrenches are a bad @ss idea.

At the risk of offending you, if you think using a wrench that is spot welded to a steering shaft is bad a$$, you are one of the people who endorse this crap, and you are showing your lack of knowledge about how to build a hot rod. How in the H*** could you even make such a statement?

For the moment I am going to assume you really meant to say "bad" idea, because only a person who has never built any cars from the ground up could make the other comment.


Don

I see no problem ,using the wrench ,but...... It has to be done in a quality type manner.#1 welded by a pro or done in a professional way ,#2 would be to key,spline and bolt it on.The wrench would have to be stripped of its finish to get a good weld and I would want another set up just like it to stress test it just to see if it holds up as good as the factory set up.Then you need to understand nobody ever drove the factory set up that hard,I think one would be hard pressed to get to 80 mph in the 30s on any road and the tires were not 10 inches wide either(creates much more stress).
When those steering components were used 250 hp was top fueler hp.Just a example I would think with 300 hp you could turn the wheels all the way to the right and punch the throttle and let off and I think you would be callin a tow truck to get home!!!The new trucks are loosing wheels right and left from over size tires rippin the ball joints out and snappin the spindels ,because the factory never designed them to take that kinda torture.

I think when a rat rodder makes these dumb statements it is not because they actually believe them, but rather to get a rise out of us older/ wiser rodders. No one in their right mind would actually believe a wrench, no matter how it was afixed, should ever be used for any purpose other than turning bolts.

This is where rat rodders hurt themselves. By even uttering such insanities, they put themselves in a class of rodders who not only do not know anything, but who refuse to learn anything either.

The first time your wrench breaks loose and kills some innocent family, let's see if you still think you are right.

Don

Spot welds won't cut it, but welded up right I don't see any problem using a wrench for whatever reason(maybe not for steering). And I take offense to the learning comment. I'm only 25, but have restored many cars. What I am working on right now is my first rat rod mostly for a tow rig for my rat boat. Its going to look rough, but motor,trans,rear, and brakes all new(or new to me).

I'm sorry, but I get really ticked when I hear someone make a statement that they think something will be ok to use "just because it looks bad a$$." We all like attitude in our rods, but using parts that were never meant to be incorportated into a rod, especially on critical parts like steering, is just dumb, and the guys who do this sort of garbage give all of us a black eye.

I used to support rat rods because I liked the creativity. Now I think most of them are crap, because the builders are substituting "bad a$$" for good sense.


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I'm sorry, but I get really ticked when I hear someone make a statement that they think something will be ok to use "just because it looks bad a$$." We all like attitude in our rods, but using parts that were never meant to be incorportated into a rod, especially on critical parts like steering, is just dumb, and the guys who do this sort of garbage give all of us a black eye.

I used to support rat rods because I liked the creativity. Now I think most of them are crap, because the builders are substituting "bad a$$" for good sense.


Don

Im sure 500 hp big blocks werent meant for t-buckets but they look bad @ss. Drag cars, you name it. most arent meant to do what we do with them. Im just making the point that if done right who cares. Oh well. I will agree to disagree. Im not real sure that we are disagreeing. Unsafe is not cool in my book.

Wrench or no wrench, Its just butted up and welded to a shaft. This is a no no anyways. Maybe a shorter wrench....

Guys, This car is obviously someones show piece and trailer queen,

Originally Posted by RatSalad

Guys, This car is obviously someones show piece and trailer queen,

That's the scary part, I don't think it is. He mentions driving it to a show and how well it performed. Plus, I don't think the new owner laid out $ 7000.00 for this POS and will only want to trailer it to shows.

I certainly don't want to start a rehash of that old rat vs anti rat debate, but how anyone could even begin to say a wrench is in anyway appropriate for a steering arm or brake handle is beyond anything I can understand. It is totally irresponsible and reckless.

Don

Don, I think you are in the same state of mind I was when I reamed the guy who had the fuel tank in front. Take a couple of deep breaths and relax.

Yeah, you're right. Chances are they won't actually build one anyway.


Don

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Don, I think you are in the same state of mind I was when I reamed the guy who had the fuel tank in front. Take a couple of deep breaths and relax.

yeah that was funny wasnt,you guys still cant leave a guy alone , and the gas tank is still in front looking for you

yeah, yeah, yeah.....