Hot Rods Damn,I hate it when someone says nice rat rod!

...who really cares what they call it, at least they liked what they saw...my old cars are just beaters.

 

I must also say and it is a little unfortunate is traditional Hotrods and Customs my way are a rare breed indeed. It is evidenced by my lack of pictures to take at cruises I go to and I'm not going to throw streetrods in as filler. Its no surprise Traditional gets lumped in with one or the other. Even daily driving Hamb friendly is not very common. I am amazed at some of the events elsewhere lots of Hamb worthy but again not here.

Thats why this place is where I find some comfort. We here are a niche group, elitist maybe a bit here and there but it goes both ways.

 

Blasphemers! They obviously watch too much TV, are unable to recognise the difference and need remedial training. A RR is nothing like a traditional hot rod!

 

Smile, nod, say thanks, move on. There's no victory in correcting someone who's trying to compliment you, and doesn't know enough about the terminology.

If the person, however, is inquisitive (ie, "Hey is this what they call a 'rat rod?'"), then they're asking you to correct. Teach them well.

/2 cents

 

They're the guys that Copyrighted "BadAss" right? Bob

 

Cripes, I have long tired of that term, it just comes across as an empty minded response.
I've been "lectured" as to my propensity to paint certain groups with a broad brush.
But to quote a friend of mine "if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck".......................

 

Finally, someone speaking sensibly. I'd venture to say that 99% of the people making a comment
about a rod do it to complement the owner, not to insult him. Many of you guys don't dig smoothie
or billet cars and seem to hate late model muscle. Does that make you a dipshit or a wanker?

 

I would never think "ratrod" if I saw yours. But in all honesty, some "rat rods" are closer to the real hot rods of the '50s than most of what are called hot rods here. Most I see here [ and I like them!] would have been called custom rod or such in my day. Maybe even street rod, although I believe that name came in later, maybe late'60s or so.
Along this same line are those that say rims when they mean wheels. Bugs the shit out of me!

My 2 cents

Ben

 

Nice rat rod.
Thanks, nice Prius

 

Your right I don't like that style,If I did I would find me another site that caters to late models. HRP

 

Danny, I didn't know you had put a big block Chevy in there! That's what a rat rod is, isn't it?

 

Sent from my SM-J727T1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I won best rat rod at a local car show. The prize was $100.00. They can call it a rat rod all they like...

 

Nice ride Rush549.

Sent from my SM-J727T1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Ya know , part of the confusion might be coming from this "preserved patina" fad. (which I don't get, BTW).
A few years ago, I remember Hot Rod featured a 52 De Soto or Chrysler station wagon..Modern hemi, six speed automatic, modern chassis, brakes, electronics, and suspension, AND... original crusty, rusty ,faded body and paint.
Now, would you expect the average neophyte to not want to use the RR moniker on that car, at first glance?

 

Yea Rush549 that is a nice hot rod.
Funny story, did you try to explain the difference or just pick up the hundred bucks and leave?

 

"It don't mean nuthin" Seriously, I once owned a beautiful shiny black '57 Nomad that my dear wife drove to work every day in the summer for 12 years. Once there was a death in the family (her side, close) One of her family members requested that we NOT show up at the funeral driving that "Hearse"....we took it any way. Like I said, It don't mean nuthin, Drive on...

 

This^
I've been asked if my off topic 1980 Triumph spitfire was a rat rod. (has shiny red paint) Sometimes the asker/complimenter just wants to start a conversation and "rat rod" is a term they have heard used in a conversation about old cars. Engage them with a smile and politely explain the differences between your car and a rat rod without making them feel they have mis-spoken or hurt your feelings
You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinagar!

 

That's not the point. Should I call you an a*****e because you don't dig Fox body Mustangs or a
455 horsepower late model Camaro SS? Hell no, you like what you like and know about. Remember
a time when car shows were made up of quality modified cars with a ton of chrome and paint that
shined like new money? I think many people still expect to see that. Anything less is an unfinished
car or a hastily done "rat rod" to them. I'm just saying cut the uninformed some slack.

 

I do,if I get the time,tell them"I think you mean well,but the name "RAT ROD" }may not mean what you think it dose{ RAT= "R"rusty,"A"alfull,"T"trash,that has crap on it.
Thanks,happy you like my" Hot Rod",hope your understanding of the word "RAT" is better now.!!!

 

^^^^ a perfect example of a hot rod and a parts car^^^^

 

Hear it all the time. Sometimes I explain, others I just smile and nod.

 

Tell them you consider that an insult to you and your car, smile and drive away, I do. I hate that term, and it pisses me off when I hear it from people that I know, that should know better.

 

Hey Rats driving a Hotrod...

 

I hear "nice Valiant" when I drive my Falcon.

All I heard was "nice roadster" when I still had my '29 Closed-Cab pickup on the road.

As long as they say nice, and seem like they really are sincere, I just have to let it go.

 

I repainted my roadster black but didnt clear it so it looks like a satin black now. In fact i blacked the whole car out chrome and all.I like it but the number of times people call it a r@# r*$ I hate it.

 

Street Rod is a dependable Hot Rod that is driven on the highway and not a race only machine.

 

An absolute classic!
I think a lot of this came about when the unwashed public went to a "roadster" show and suddenly everything there had to be a roadster in their eyes.

 

Quite a few years ago, A friend of mine was sitting at a stoplight in his fenderless 32 roadster and started hitting on the girl in the car next to him. He asked her if she wanted a ride and she replied, no, she had ridden in a dune buggy before. He shut right up.

 

You know I just posted earlier about a fellow calling the Hotrod a Streetrod. There was an article from the fifties or late forties calling them just that posted in another debate thread. It's just so darn complicated...Rats!!!