12 replies to this topic

[Joe R.]

Hello,I'm a newbie here. I found this site while looking for something else and I'm impressed with the builds. I need to check this place out some more.
I'd like to show off an old build that has been re-done a few times since I was never happy with it. I built it in 1997 and I just restored it this year.
Sorry,I don't have photos of the original build-up.

The chassis and part of the steering and suspension was scratch-built with Evergreen plastic.

The body used to be an AMT 1934 Ford 5 window but it now has a chopped '34 Ford 3 window from the Revell Wheels of Fire '34 Highboy kit.

The Allison V-12 aircraft motor is a Revell Parts Pak kit.

Everything else came from vintage Monogram hot-rod kits like the Green Hornet.

And finally.the paint Is Model Masters Steel Buff with aircraft decals.

The original build was done in less than two days. I already had in mind of what I wanted to build. Thanks for looking.

Attached Files

•  IMG_3640.jpg   133.29K   122 downloads
•  IMG_3635.jpg   105.88K   92 downloads
•  IMG_3636.jpg   122.07K   55 downloads

Edited by Joe R., 06 November 2007 - 03:09 PM.

[Jairus]

Holy ###### Joe, that is way off the cool meter!
Is it a curb side?
Because I would love to see how your resolved the connection between the engine and the rest of the drive-line. I built one of these myself many years ago and just might be persuaded to post it.

However, this is not really a "Rat Rod" as you stated. (I suggest you change that) A Rat Rod is a statement more than a trend. It is "anti-billet", "anti-big bucks", "anti-trailered" and generally unsafe at any speed! :ph34r:

Okay, I will be the first to admit that your car fits all those criteria but it is too clean and too well engineered. I might term it more like a Nostalgia rod or some sort of Period piece rather than a Rat. A Rat is clearly "ratty" like with rusted out floor boards, dangerous engineering, dirt and mismatched panels.

I do not want to end up thrashing you here and sorry if I have, but this is one of my pet peeves and the coffee is talking...

Welcome to MCM forums!
I love how you think and love your Allison powered street rod!
Please put your name in the signature box above the quote and you will make a great addition to this forum.

[Joe R.]

About the title, well, it made you look right?
Actually I wanted to title it Allison Powered Hi Boy but I discovered this site,signed up and posted the photos before leaving the work-site and I wasn't thinking too clearly so I apologize to all the rat rodders and the Rat Rod thing. 'Rat Rod' does get thrown around a lot doesn't it? eBay motors is a good example and it's a pet peeve of mine too.
I built and designed a few rat rods though so I do know about the whole meaning.

About the model,it's not curbside. The engine has a small transmission or special gearbox that connects to the quick change rear banjo.The axle is 'bolted' to the frame.
This is my first scratch-build project and I didn't have anything to go by research wise so I had to wing it.
It's nice to be here. I see Brent is here. He's one of my creative influences along with Custom Mike,if he's a member. Both excellent builders.

And thanks for the compliments. I'll do better on my next project.

[RatRod]

Other than looking a little under powered, I think you did a fantastic job!!! I really like the way your pics look like it's on the salt flats ready to run!!! The name Rat Rod.....Hmmmmm, well.....

[Brent]

Joe! Good to see you. I'm new here myself.
The redo looks great. I liked it the first time, like it even more now.

Edited by Brent, 04 November 2007 - 08:41 AM.

[Jairus]

Hmmmmmm, redo racer X?

[Joe R.]

"Other than looking a little under powered..."

Good to see you too Brent! I need to check out that Mustang Avatar.

[James W]

I think you model looks hot and from the look of it, you found a great place to drive it too. Nothing to run into as far as the eye can see.

I once drove an ATV in a 20 acre field and ran it into a tree. True story.

[ScaleModelFan]

Hi ya Joe R. ...

Jairus is right ... way off the cool meter ... and not really a "rat" !!! I would love to hear a 1:1 of your creation run down the salt flats ... she would have an awesome roar ... ... thanks a bunch for sharing.

Edited by ScaleModelFan, 04 November 2007 - 09:06 PM.

[Dr. Cranky]

Man, I love this one too . . . though I would agree that though it is not a rat rod, it definitely cries out for a speed record attempt at Bonneville . . . great build . . . and most definitely a keeper!

[Modelmartin]

Two thumbs up! Who cares about labels. Rat rod has long turned into a " Monkey See! Monkey Do! " kind of deal just like all the rodding trends before it. Be imaginative and build whatever you like!

[Joe R.]

Thanks much. Model Martin,you have some cool stuff at your site. I'll check out the other members sites too.

[outlaw035]

very cool joe...luv the decal too...