An anti-bling movement that I actually really kinda dig:
"The "Rat-Rod" is an evolution of the "'jalopy", which is a dilapidated antique car that appears uncared for or neglected. The Rat-Rod is the same idea, the bodywork is made to look dilapidated, or even completely derelict, whilst the underpinnings, i.e. engine, transmission and braking systems are sometimes upgraded.
Rat rods have become popular with many enthusiasts new to the hobby as a reaction to the professionally built, billet encrusted, high dollar "street rods" at car shows. Many of these "street rods" cost upwards of $50,000 or more to build. Many are powered by a Chevrolet small block engines and automatic transmissions. Some of these cars are trailered to car shows and only driven a short distance before being displayed. The Rat Rod concept reverses this trend. Rat rods are generally hand built by the people who own them using vintage parts and primitive fabrication methods. Some of these vehicles are built using the same parts and methods available to the early hot rodders of the late 1950s and 60s. Although early hot rodders strived to build their cars to the best of their ability, todays rat rodders prefer crude welds and shoddy workmanship. Use of billet parts is frowned upon with original, vintage parts being preferred. Use of original, less common engines is also common. Rat rods are often powered by flatheads, straight sixes, straight fours and other relatively uncommon engines such as those made by Cadillac, Studebaker and Oldsmobile.
Many of these cars appear unfinished with primer paint jobs being common. Other common rat rod finishes include “patina” (the original paint with rust and blemishes intact), a patchwork of original paint and primer, and bare metal with no finish at all in rusty or oiled varieties.
Interiors of rat rods will vary from fully finished to a spartan, bare bones form. Mexican blankets and plywood form the basis of many rat rod interiors. Most are designed to be functional without many creature comforts although this will vary with the owner’s taste.
One main distinguishing characteristic of rat rods is that they are built to be driven. Many of these vehicles are used as daily drivers by their owners. While they are rarely if ever trailered to an event, they are periodically trailered home from events or somewhere en route. All of them are built to have fun with and to be a vehicle that is “cool” and does not require constant care. Although rat rods are often confused with traditional hot rods, they have very little in common." -From deh Wiki, man.
