Vehicle Description
You either get rat rods or you don't. They aren't built to be
pretty, but they are possibly the most accurate reflection of early
hot rodding's roots. Cars like this 1927 Ford Model T pickup were
built from scavenged parts that were a unique expression of the
builder's vision, and no two are alike. In a world filled with
me-too plastic '32 coupes, something like this stands out
everywhere it goes.
Obviously satin black is a mainstay of the rat rod movement, and it
works exceptionally well on cars like this Model T truck.
No-nonsense, low maintenance, and designed to show off the
builder's custom touches, it has a timeless look that will not go
out of fashion. The familiar square Model T cab appears to be a
coupe, not an original pickup, or at least if it was a pickup, it
was extended to vastly improve legroom inside. There's a modest bed
out back and the lowered and channeled stance makes it look low and
lean without being claustrophobic inside. Factory Model T fenders
were also modestly reshaped to fit the wider rear wheels and
there's a simple black radiator shell up front. A few whimsical
touches include diamond-plate treads on the running boards, a rat
trap in the bed, and a giant stop lamp on the back of the cab, all
part of being unique.
It's pretty austere inside but that doesn't mean it's not
comfortable and functional. They cleverly dropped the seats between
the frame rails, so it has good head room even with the chopped top
and those are bucket seats out of a late-model that are
surprisingly comfortable. More diamond plate on the floor helps
with the industrial look and a simple Ididit chrome steering column
and removable 3-spoke wheel give it a vintage feel. There are cool
Faria gauges that look suitably retro and a long-handled Lokar
shifter gives you someplace to hang your hand while you drive. Fun
details include the Moon race-style accelerator, the under-dash
heater/fan, and a cow horn. Like most well-built rat rods, this one
is fully functional and safe to drive, not just thrown together for
effect. That matters.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8, but with the
blacked-out look and some custom parts, it's tough to recognize.
Most visible is the custom aluminum air cleaner housing, which is
topped by a flying pig hood ornament. Finned valve covers might
have been borrowed from a Corvette and there's a big Edelbrock
intake up top. There's a good-sized cam inside that gives it that
lumpy idle that makes a true hot rod, but with an HEI ignition
system, it fires easily and drives great. Rack and pinion steering
makes it easy to handle and disc brakes up front are more than
adequate given the truck's miniscule curb weight. The front
suspension is familiar Mustang II so it rides surprisingly well and
there's a GM 10-bolt on ladder bards out back. A TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission simplifies the driving experience and the
stance is just about perfect with chrome steelies and staggered
165R15 front and 285/70/15 rear whitewall radials.
Old school, the next best thing, or simply a traditional rod that's
ready to rock? How about all of the above? Call today!
