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 1920 Dodge Rat Rod 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 streetrods at every car show, something like this
stands out everywhere it goes.
Obviously, Army Green is a mainstay of the rat rod movement, and it
works exceptionally well on cars like this Dodge 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 very rare Dodge cab appears to be from a coupe,
not an original pickup, and we think it's awesome that Mopar is
getting some representation in the rat rod game. There's a modest
bed out back with a functional tailgate that was borrowed from a
Model A, and the lowered and channeled stance makes it look low and
lean without being claustrophobic inside. Deleted fenders give the
truck a T-bucket vibe, and there's a simple radiator shell and
grille up front that's believed to be the original piece from 1920.
How cool is that? A few whimsical touches include the wrapped side
exhaust on the driver's side, dual grenades mounted on the
windshield, the mounted cylindrical gas tank in the bed, and the
stars on the sides, all of which are part of being unique.
It's pretty austere inside but that doesn't mean it's not
comfortable and functional. The builders cleverly dropped the seats
between the transmission/driveshaft tunnel, so it has decent leg
room and those are metal bucket seats that have been wrapped in
vinyl with padded cushions, so they are actually reasonably
comfortable. The exposed transmission and simple floors help with
the industrial look and an original steering column and big 3-spoke
wheel give it a vintage feel. Black-face gauges look suitably retro
and a long-handled shifter gives you someplace to hang your hand
while you drive. There are seatbelts, but that's about as far as
the amenities go, but if you're looking for A/C and a CD player,
you've missed the entire point of owning a rat rod. Like most
well-built rats, this one is fully functional and safe to drive,
not just thrown together for effect. That definitely matters.
Power comes from a 250 cubic inch Inline 6, pulled from a 1970 GM
vehicle and painted in Chevy orange enamel for a vibrant look. It's
pretty straightforward in the open air engine bay, with a matching
orange valve cover, a simple down-draft carburetor, a modern
alternator, and signs of maintenance throughout. Simple steering on
a nimble body makes it easy to handle and the 16" drum brakes up
front (borrowed from a '53 Buick Roadmaster) are more than adequate
given the truck's miniscule curb weight. The torquey straight six
engine is mated to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that
simplifies the driving experience, spinning a rear end with 3.90
gears out back that allows for a surprisingly quick burst off the
line. The side pipe exhaust provides a great rumble that's not over
the top and the stance is just about perfect for the theme with
staggered black steelies wrapped in 195/65/15 front and 235/75/15
rear blackwall 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!
