How to Build a Rat Rod

A Rat Rod is a sort of car which is built with the help of old stuff. This is the reason why it does not look like a new car. A Rat Rod is barebones car specifically built for speed racing. The one other interesting fact about a Rat Rod is that, the older the car, the better is the Rat Rod. It is not tough to build a Rat Rod, but it is time consuming and needs full focus and some mechanical skills as well.

You Need

• A car – no all the cars will serve the purpose, look for a model type which you can easily customized
• An engine
• A chassis
• Carburetor, tires, transmission, exhaust headers, pistons, etc
• Other replacements parts

A Rat Rod is basically an average machine whose all parts are replaceable or in other words we can say that a Rat Rod is very much customizable car. You can adjust it according to your needs.

Select a Car Frame

While choosing a frame for your Rat Rod be sure that whatever it is, the frame should be lightweight. A Rat Rod is purely a racing car so lightweight frame would be a best option. You are not limited in your choice, you can choose from an old Mustang; from an old Camaro or from Dodge Dart etc.

An Engine

Rat Rod must have a powerful engine under the hood. As Rat Rods are known for their raw power, so choose the best one according to the space available under the hood. Something big and sloppy is a better option. It is not necessary to buy a new engine for your Rat Rod or spending too much on it, used or rebuilt engine can serve the purpose well.

Installation of Parts

Once you are done with gathering all important components, now is the time to install them. Install each and every component carefully. Adjust the engine into the hood and other components like battery, transmission axles and wheels etc properly. Take your time to install all these items. Make sure each and everything must be in its particular place.

Working with Interior

While working with an interior, remove all the old stuff. Remember you are not building a luxury car, so remove all the unwanted stuff that adds weight to the Rat Rod. Remove all the seats, center console except the important components like driver’s seat, gear shifting stick, pedals.

After removing the unwanted stuff, make sure that the things you want inside are perfectly working like seatbelts. Install a roll cage for safety and remove all the windows and mirrors as well to ensure the safety. Install 5 points gear transmission for high speed driving.

Working on the Body

The body of Rat Rod does not need much attention except the routine paint job. Rat Rods are mostly colored according to the racing tracks flare like spoiler or air vents. No regular paint job is required for your Rat Rod.

Tires and Rims

Tires are always an important part of any vehicle either a normal car or a racing car. Each vehicle requires tires according to the certain driving conditions. Select the best rims for your Rat Rod which are strong enough to hold the pressure and weight during racing sessions. Tires should be selected according to the racing conditions.

Test Drive

It is always necessary to give your newly build vehicle a test drive. Test drive will not only help you to observe the performance but also help you to locate problems with transmission, steering brakes etc which needs to be resolved. Test drive will help you to overcome the minor issues which are left behind while working over it.

Have Fun with Your Rat Rod

Once everything is ready and perfectly working after a test drive, you are ready to enjoy your Rat Rod now. Take your Rat Rod out and have a lot of fun. Better to enjoy on a vacant racing track with maximum speed of your Rat Rods.