I grew up around cars. I learned a lot watching and talking to my Dad with our heads under the hood of our old Chevy. Being a father to a five year old, I now realize how much patience he had answering all of the "what's that?" and "why?" questions.
And then there is my brother, Tim, a master mechanic who was exchanging 283 cu. in. motors at the age of 15. You would be surprised how much knowledge one can pick up just by holding the flashlight and handing the waving arm under the car a 1/2" open end wrench.
Tim and I have had many cars: Two 65 Impalas, a 65 Chevelle, a 71 Maverick, a 55 Chevy, a 51 Ford Coupe, a 49 Chevy Truck, to name a few. We called our cars "Hot Rods." We always tried to keep the cars stock except maybe cutting the springs to drop the suspension and then beefing up the motor with a hot cam and headers.
Here is the 55 Chevy that Tim first purchased in 1977 and then I purchased it from him a few months later. It lives in our garage even now.
So when I took the call earlier this summer from Mr. L to photograph a Rat Rod truck that he was selling, I was excited. Wait a minute - what is a Rat Rod? Then I dove into a Google search for Rat Rods. My conclusion on the Rat Rods is that anything goes, where rust is now called patina with the more the better and where old license plates can be spot welded to cover a hole in the floorboard. After all if you have the cash anyone can buy a restored 58 Corvette and it will look just like the other 20 thousand 58 Vettes. But in the world of Rat Rods it is all in the originality with no two alike.
When I arrived at the garage, I was pleasantly surprised. You see there wasn't just one truck, there were a dozen or so. A nice clean speedshop! This had great possibilities from the business side as well.
Mixed in with the trucks are also a few stock restorations like this 1952 Ford truck
And this Hot Rod 1929 Ford Truck
The shades of patina.
The photo sessions have been so much fun for me. We cruise around the countryside looking for just the right setting. Yes, I get to ride in these sleds! We have met some wonderful people who have allowed us to used their barns and buildings. The challenge is to keep all of the photos from looking the same.
I told Mr. L when he first called that he could have called all over Atlanta and he wouldn't have found one who was more excited about this project. After photographing the sixth truck last week, I find myself taking the long way home looking for another field or barn that is begging me to take her back in time with her mechanical friends. Hot Rods or Rat Rods I love them all!
Oh, and by the way, these Rat Rods are for sale and if you see anything you like, just contact me and I'll get you in touch with Mr. L.
Randy
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