Rat Rods are the adult version of those pinewood derby cars you raced as a kid. Think of a Rat Rod as a homemade Hot Rod. There are lots of reasons to DIY a custom Rod, including: it can be way less expensive, you can learn a lot in the process, and you get a ridiculous sense of pride and accomplishment having built your own custom!

So, how’s it done? Well, the process from start to finish can be exhausting, but it should be fun and here are a few tips to get you started…

1.  The first thing you need is a bit of vision, a unique dream, an aspiration to learn and create. Whether you’ve got automotive experience or not, you have to have the creative dream and motivation to build a custom car.

1.  The next thing you need is an old engine – either the one that’s been sitting in the yard for a few years, one you’ve found in a junkyard, or one that you’ve pulled from another classic in your garage. Obviously, it’s preferable to find one that runs! Chevy 350 or Ford 302 engines are common, go to power plants for a Rat Rod.

3.  The chassis is the foundation for your creation. It’s your Rod and you can use whatever you want, but Model A or early, pre-1960 pickup trucks are good starting points.

4.  Of course, it helps to have friends who are into cars. Building your own Rat Rod isn’t rocket science, but sometimes more heads (in addition to more hands) makes a job easier. Rat Rods are intentionally left incomplete, whether you’re restoring an old hot rod or building one from scratch. You don’t need a professional garage – but you will need a back yard or a dedicated space in your home garage. And friends can help with the build.

The final thing you need is time – it may take years to complete the Rat Rod of your dreams, but once it’s done it will be part of your legacy! The finished (or unfinished, as it were) product reflects your personality, your vision. Have fun with it, and remember, there are no rules! It’s your custom. Get creative, get dirty, and get to it!