I think the difference between a rat rod and a hot rod is in the attitude. Rat rods are usually built to offend the general public and are often built unsafe for that reason. Hot rods may be at different levels of compleation, but were usually built with the intent of improving them from what ever condition they began in. Though my stuff may not be pretty, you can bet it has been improved from the condition it came to me in. (I usually carry pictures). It might not be as nice as some should think it should be, but it has been done within the confines of my budget. If you call my car a rat rod to my face, your likely to recieve a deserved volger responce. If you can't say something nice, just walk away, we will both feel better. Gene