I agree, "rat rod" means to me something put together to look junky and most likely is junky. The term comes from a misconception of what the original '40s to '50s rodders' cars looked like. Most of them were neatly done. It was the rare exception to have a rod built out of mismatched parts with rusty tractor sheetmetal on the nose. If they couldn't afford paint they used primer. Now for engines they WERE all over the map, mostly whatever V8 was in the wrecking yard, but Cad and Olds OHV V8s were in demand.

Ron is 100% where I'd be on the car, a nice driveable streetrod with a decent smallblock, MII front end, 8 3/4 rear, and some creature comforts inside. It isn't fun to drive if no one will go with you!

Good Luck,
R.