Rat Rods a short intro
Let me give you a brief history how these cars we now call Rat Rods came to be and what they consisted of: First they took a frame,
suspension and body from somebody's backyard. What was plentifical back then were cars from the 20's and 30's , Next came the
engine which was a flathead 8 toped by a single barrelled carb or if the owner had money 3 single barrelled carbs. The whole car was
then piece mealed together with tarnished, dented and mismatched parts. They had no: Radio, top, windshield-wipers, lights, fancy
bucket seats, gauges, mag wheels, sharp looking fat rear tires, chrome, or exotic paint jobs. In fact not even a heater because the
exhaust pipes ran under wooden floorboards and provided more then enough heat.
So when Roding purists, today want to build a true 50's period rod it is this bare bones mismatched parts type of car. Not the fancy Hot
Rods which gained popularity in the middle to late 60's. People back then often called them Ratty or "When ya gonna finish that car".
Hense the term Rat Rod which later stuck.
This is a perfect project for a beginner because the more mistakes you make the truer it becomes. Start by: Gathering parts from your
or a modeling friends ole parts box. Paint the body any color you have laying around and sanded flat yes you heard me right; as well
as weathering it and the interior (don't forget these cars had no tops). To finish, remember when adding your parts never give them a
second look to see if they are damaged, scratched or mismatched. In fact the whole project take only 2 days to finish.The model should,
like its full size brother, not win any beauty contest because it was built for a single purpose: SPEED.
Let me give you a brief history how these cars we now call Rat Rods came to be and what they consisted of: First they took a frame,
suspension and body from somebody's backyard. What was plentifical back then were cars from the 20's and 30's , Next came the
engine which was a flathead 8 toped by a single barrelled carb or if the owner had money 3 single barrelled carbs. The whole car was
then piece mealed together with tarnished, dented and mismatched parts. They had no: Radio, top, windshield-wipers, lights, fancy
bucket seats, gauges, mag wheels, sharp looking fat rear tires, chrome, or exotic paint jobs. In fact not even a heater because the
exhaust pipes ran under wooden floorboards and provided more then enough heat.
So when Roding purists, today want to build a true 50's period rod it is this bare bones mismatched parts type of car. Not the fancy Hot
Rods which gained popularity in the middle to late 60's. People back then often called them Ratty or "When ya gonna finish that car".
Hense the term Rat Rod which later stuck.
This is a perfect project for a beginner because the more mistakes you make the truer it becomes. Start by: Gathering parts from your
or a modeling friends ole parts box. Paint the body any color you have laying around and sanded flat yes you heard me right; as well
as weathering it and the interior (don't forget these cars had no tops). To finish, remember when adding your parts never give them a
second look to see if they are damaged, scratched or mismatched. In fact the whole project take only 2 days to finish.The model should,
like its full size brother, not win any beauty contest because it was built for a single purpose: SPEED.
MANLYTOOLMAN
humor and thoughts
humor and thoughts
AKA BILL GENT
Observations
| A Modeler's Vocabulary |
| Aftermarket items-----Commonly refurred to after purchase as totally broke Auto grave yard---------Your room after a shelf mishap Build a model a week-- See get a life Case of Band-aids------------- A must in every modelers parts box Chop------------------------Sectioning a model along with a few fingers Crazy Glue----------------Glue that seems to stick only to fingers and drop on your new pants Drag-------------------------A modelers posterior after a long day at a model show Er- It's Scenery?--------------A green herb like substance of suspicious nature Flathead-------------------What happens to a modeler struck by a falling model shelf Gassed out----------------A condition caused by eating vendor food at a show or the family car after attending a model car show Junker----------------------A model that started out as an overly done detailed model Legs-------------------------Appendages we use to block the fall of our xacto knife Nose candy----------------Our nose after we get too close to inspect that brand new candy paint job we just sprayed Parts box--------------------A place where ruined models end up Pin vice----------------------A tool designed to puncture tiny holes in our fingers Razor saw-------------------A tool designed to sever fingers Small plastic baggies---Great for small parts and an interesting story to a narcotics officer when held in bulk Stuckhead-------------------What happens when we fall asleep at the model table and have knocked over the glue That part is what?---------See aftermarket parts Time to take a break------When you bring your xacto saw and knife to the table to carve the Thanksgiving turkey Tweezers---------------------A tool designed to catapult tiny parts to oblivion Utes----------------------------A Brooklyn NY child Your going where?--------Your mates reaction to you stating you are planning to go to another model show Withdrawl----------------A condition caused by vacationing without any models to build or buy Xacto---------------------------A tool that often causes severe bleeding |
MORE
GEMS
GEMS
my 2
The Chinese limo car review
It’s originator and designer is Mr. Xun Kim After working long
hours in an uncomfortable car, he sought to make his work as
a driver more expedient and pleasurable for his clients and
thus be profitable for himself. Over the years he could only
come up with half of the solution His competitor Jun Ho had
also thought about doing the same thing, and had faired
likewise as Kim. The two worked separately long hours
during the day and burned the midnight oil trying to build a
better means of transportation at night. The years passed
then one day it happened Mr. Ho’s daughter Sum caught the
affectionate eye of Mr. Kim. Sum had many boyfriends (well
quite frankly a lot) but really loved Xun and the two were soon
married. Once bitter rivals the two families had become one
and shared their ideas. The combined ideas eventually led to
the building of early prototypes which were slightly smaller
then today’s model but still its popularity grew fast. As time
passed and the company flourished they needed a name for
their car. They both agreed that since Sum was responsible
for the cars development the car should also bare her name
and so “The Little Ho” was born. As their empire grew so did
their fame when the press wanted to know what had driven
them to such greatness Mr. Ho’s immediate thought, again
was about his daughter and Mr. Kim his loving wife. When
asked the question about what her name was and what she’s
like their immediate reply was she’s “Sum Ho”. And the rest is
history.
It’s originator and designer is Mr. Xun Kim After working long
hours in an uncomfortable car, he sought to make his work as
a driver more expedient and pleasurable for his clients and
thus be profitable for himself. Over the years he could only
come up with half of the solution His competitor Jun Ho had
also thought about doing the same thing, and had faired
likewise as Kim. The two worked separately long hours
during the day and burned the midnight oil trying to build a
better means of transportation at night. The years passed
then one day it happened Mr. Ho’s daughter Sum caught the
affectionate eye of Mr. Kim. Sum had many boyfriends (well
quite frankly a lot) but really loved Xun and the two were soon
married. Once bitter rivals the two families had become one
and shared their ideas. The combined ideas eventually led to
the building of early prototypes which were slightly smaller
then today’s model but still its popularity grew fast. As time
passed and the company flourished they needed a name for
their car. They both agreed that since Sum was responsible
for the cars development the car should also bare her name
and so “The Little Ho” was born. As their empire grew so did
their fame when the press wanted to know what had driven
them to such greatness Mr. Ho’s immediate thought, again
was about his daughter and Mr. Kim his loving wife. When
asked the question about what her name was and what she’s
like their immediate reply was she’s “Sum Ho”. And the rest is
history.
All articles are not intended to be racial or political in any form they are written
as intended in humor
as intended in humor
The Anal Retentive Modeler
We can start by clearing our working area, which we place in an open and lit area that must have plenty of natural sunlight. But first we must consult the Farmers
Almanac to make sure any eclipse will not interrupt the suns rays. Having done so we can now measure to insure we have that proper light. We can do this by placing
a photographic spot meter on the surface. Make sure the meter reads at least between 17-20km any less and we must choose another window in another direction or
another day. Now that we have completed that step we can adjust our working table to a proper height of at least 1 ½ - 2 inches above our knees if this is not within
the rage select 4 pieces of wood without any knotholes the proper height distance by 1-inch square. Once this is done put your protective mask, gloves and eye ware
on and carefully cut then sand finish each piece. Gather the saw dust with our broom and dust pan labeled wood and place it in a paper bag after the sawdust has
been placed in the paper bag double fold the end first in a inward fold, staple, then fold that back over and staple again 1/16 inch downward to the center. Now your
probably wondering what will happen if when you take the bag to the refuge you prick your finger on the producing staple so to prevent that, place that bag upside
down into another bag and staple this 3/4 inch downward and centered then carefully fold over all edges in a cuff like fold and smooth. Now we are ready for the
refuge. Carefully scan the area we just dusted with our air sampler meter to make sure there are no lingering particles, then vacuum the dust pan and broom. Once
this is done remove he protective gear and hang them on their labeled hooks. Next lay several sheets of a proper aged newspaper on the table (we age the newspaper
so that it has allowed the newsprint ink time to dry). Lay each paper in a rectangular position overlapping the previous piece by ½ inch. If you have selected a table
where there is too big of an overhang of the newspaper we must gather it up and properly re-calculate each overlap so that there is no unsightly overhang.
Now lets lay the model kit on the table and measure an equal distance between the sides of the table and the kit box ends making sure it is properly centered. Next
we must make sure that we have all the necessary tools and they are clean. If they are not we can wash then in a hydrostatic bath then air-dry them. Arrange them on
the table, (I like to alphabetically arrange mine for easy use). Next take a scrap piece of cloth and double it over allowing 1 inch on either side of the arranged tools
next measure an equal pocket for each tool and then take it to the sewing table to carefully sew with equal distance a pocket for each tool. I prefer to use a color
thread that is not too contrasty. Once this is done take your label maker and label each pocket for the proper tool. Place each tool in a downward position in its
corresponding pocket and place this on the table at a 45 degree angle so that the labels we made are not obstructed by any glare by the sun.
Now by the look of the clock I can see it’s time to take a lunch break so lets put the model aside and go to the kitchen to make our selves something to eat I like a
Chinese Watercress sandwich. Take the watercress leaves out of out refrigerator properly adjusted to 32 degrees open the twist tie bag with a pair of scissors cutting
1/32 inch below the wire twist tie. Select the finest leaves and place the rest back into the bag select a fresh tie and twist 3 and ½ turns placing the bag back into the
refrigerator. Dispose of the twist tie following my previous instructions for proper disposable. Proceed to the cutting board with the leaves we have selected. We know
that the watercress leaves we have selected are at the proper length for our cutting board because when we bought them at the supermarket we had carefully
measured them and then properly cut by the produce manager so they were just the right size for our board. Take your slice proof gloves out of the box in the drawer
then select a knife from our knife holder but first remove the cover we have made for it. Cut each leaf and stem at a measured 45-degree angle and place it atop our
bread with the crust removed. Chew each piece 3 times. Once we have finished our meal take a deep breath in and then let it out to oxygenate our system. Ok it is
time to clean up. Take your portable Dust buster from its rack to vacuum each crumb but first we must wear our face mask filter to make sure that when we vacuum we
do not inhale any nasty dust germs. To properly dispose, place these gatherings in a Heppa bag sealing the ends with tape. Place this into another bag upside down
and staple this as in prior instructions. Once we have cuffed our outer bag we must properly label it so it will not be mixed in with the rest of the sorted garbage.
Look it is time now for our afternoon nap so that our digestive system can rest. Set the alarm clock for 2 hours.
(TIME PASSES)
Now that we are awake and fresh and ready to start that model but I see by the measurements of our light meter we have lost that precious allowable time for the
optimal sunlight and we must wait another day. So until that next time this is the Anal-retentive modeler saying have a happy day
We can start by clearing our working area, which we place in an open and lit area that must have plenty of natural sunlight. But first we must consult the Farmers
Almanac to make sure any eclipse will not interrupt the suns rays. Having done so we can now measure to insure we have that proper light. We can do this by placing
a photographic spot meter on the surface. Make sure the meter reads at least between 17-20km any less and we must choose another window in another direction or
another day. Now that we have completed that step we can adjust our working table to a proper height of at least 1 ½ - 2 inches above our knees if this is not within
the rage select 4 pieces of wood without any knotholes the proper height distance by 1-inch square. Once this is done put your protective mask, gloves and eye ware
on and carefully cut then sand finish each piece. Gather the saw dust with our broom and dust pan labeled wood and place it in a paper bag after the sawdust has
been placed in the paper bag double fold the end first in a inward fold, staple, then fold that back over and staple again 1/16 inch downward to the center. Now your
probably wondering what will happen if when you take the bag to the refuge you prick your finger on the producing staple so to prevent that, place that bag upside
down into another bag and staple this 3/4 inch downward and centered then carefully fold over all edges in a cuff like fold and smooth. Now we are ready for the
refuge. Carefully scan the area we just dusted with our air sampler meter to make sure there are no lingering particles, then vacuum the dust pan and broom. Once
this is done remove he protective gear and hang them on their labeled hooks. Next lay several sheets of a proper aged newspaper on the table (we age the newspaper
so that it has allowed the newsprint ink time to dry). Lay each paper in a rectangular position overlapping the previous piece by ½ inch. If you have selected a table
where there is too big of an overhang of the newspaper we must gather it up and properly re-calculate each overlap so that there is no unsightly overhang.
Now lets lay the model kit on the table and measure an equal distance between the sides of the table and the kit box ends making sure it is properly centered. Next
we must make sure that we have all the necessary tools and they are clean. If they are not we can wash then in a hydrostatic bath then air-dry them. Arrange them on
the table, (I like to alphabetically arrange mine for easy use). Next take a scrap piece of cloth and double it over allowing 1 inch on either side of the arranged tools
next measure an equal pocket for each tool and then take it to the sewing table to carefully sew with equal distance a pocket for each tool. I prefer to use a color
thread that is not too contrasty. Once this is done take your label maker and label each pocket for the proper tool. Place each tool in a downward position in its
corresponding pocket and place this on the table at a 45 degree angle so that the labels we made are not obstructed by any glare by the sun.
Now by the look of the clock I can see it’s time to take a lunch break so lets put the model aside and go to the kitchen to make our selves something to eat I like a
Chinese Watercress sandwich. Take the watercress leaves out of out refrigerator properly adjusted to 32 degrees open the twist tie bag with a pair of scissors cutting
1/32 inch below the wire twist tie. Select the finest leaves and place the rest back into the bag select a fresh tie and twist 3 and ½ turns placing the bag back into the
refrigerator. Dispose of the twist tie following my previous instructions for proper disposable. Proceed to the cutting board with the leaves we have selected. We know
that the watercress leaves we have selected are at the proper length for our cutting board because when we bought them at the supermarket we had carefully
measured them and then properly cut by the produce manager so they were just the right size for our board. Take your slice proof gloves out of the box in the drawer
then select a knife from our knife holder but first remove the cover we have made for it. Cut each leaf and stem at a measured 45-degree angle and place it atop our
bread with the crust removed. Chew each piece 3 times. Once we have finished our meal take a deep breath in and then let it out to oxygenate our system. Ok it is
time to clean up. Take your portable Dust buster from its rack to vacuum each crumb but first we must wear our face mask filter to make sure that when we vacuum we
do not inhale any nasty dust germs. To properly dispose, place these gatherings in a Heppa bag sealing the ends with tape. Place this into another bag upside down
and staple this as in prior instructions. Once we have cuffed our outer bag we must properly label it so it will not be mixed in with the rest of the sorted garbage.
Look it is time now for our afternoon nap so that our digestive system can rest. Set the alarm clock for 2 hours.
(TIME PASSES)
Now that we are awake and fresh and ready to start that model but I see by the measurements of our light meter we have lost that precious allowable time for the
optimal sunlight and we must wait another day. So until that next time this is the Anal-retentive modeler saying have a happy day
A must do assignment
With the handful of shows we attended over the year almost forgotten. The summer is upon us as we build for the new season. Lots of new models that were
compleated are stored away in protective boxes, awaiting transportation to another major show in the future. But if we ever looked at the schedule of the model
shows across the nation we could find a lot of local shows almost every weekend. Now being competitive I know a lot of people that would die for a NNL trophy or
one from the big shows but not alot of people that seem to want to support the small local shows, Yea the ones that need our most support. Not only do they
encourage others to build, but by lending support and I just don’t mean trophy donations; we help the very clubs that faithfully support our shows year after year.
It never fails to amaze me at just how many so called builders out there are just in it for that Holy Grail trophy, Is there a monetary value I’ve overlooked that comes
with winning? Shouldn’t we need to be more concerned about having fun in what we build and with all the great modeling buddies, we have met over the years
instead of trying to put another notch on our x-acto knives. Personally I would rather brag about the great time I had at a show instead of bragging about the win or
worse bellyaching about the loss. Instead of passing these shows by. Let’s hop in our cars and bring new builds or ones in the works instead of ancient wonders. Lets
show the hobby out there that we as model car builders care about the little guy just as much as we do about the majors.
Food for thought is: What if those small clubs out there one day decided to not show up at our show. Or all the times we never took to talk the hobby up or encourage
others or youth to build, it all dried up. Well what then?? Where would we all be???? The answer is quite obvious, we would, all be in the same boat as smaller
clubs are in right now simply because we didn’t think it was worth our while. Now you might read this and think it’s a bunch of baloney or I’m just rambling on an on.
To those people I say: Have we gotten so big in our own minds that we cant afford to take the time to go to a local show or two and spread the good will with the
knowledge we have accumulated? And are we going to attend a model show to take care of business or rather enjoy what we do and have fun? If you love this
hobby like I do then we have to support it. Life my friends is way too short to not enjoy it and if we’re not enjoying what we do then it’s time to walk away.
With the handful of shows we attended over the year almost forgotten. The summer is upon us as we build for the new season. Lots of new models that were
compleated are stored away in protective boxes, awaiting transportation to another major show in the future. But if we ever looked at the schedule of the model
shows across the nation we could find a lot of local shows almost every weekend. Now being competitive I know a lot of people that would die for a NNL trophy or
one from the big shows but not alot of people that seem to want to support the small local shows, Yea the ones that need our most support. Not only do they
encourage others to build, but by lending support and I just don’t mean trophy donations; we help the very clubs that faithfully support our shows year after year.
It never fails to amaze me at just how many so called builders out there are just in it for that Holy Grail trophy, Is there a monetary value I’ve overlooked that comes
with winning? Shouldn’t we need to be more concerned about having fun in what we build and with all the great modeling buddies, we have met over the years
instead of trying to put another notch on our x-acto knives. Personally I would rather brag about the great time I had at a show instead of bragging about the win or
worse bellyaching about the loss. Instead of passing these shows by. Let’s hop in our cars and bring new builds or ones in the works instead of ancient wonders. Lets
show the hobby out there that we as model car builders care about the little guy just as much as we do about the majors.
Food for thought is: What if those small clubs out there one day decided to not show up at our show. Or all the times we never took to talk the hobby up or encourage
others or youth to build, it all dried up. Well what then?? Where would we all be???? The answer is quite obvious, we would, all be in the same boat as smaller
clubs are in right now simply because we didn’t think it was worth our while. Now you might read this and think it’s a bunch of baloney or I’m just rambling on an on.
To those people I say: Have we gotten so big in our own minds that we cant afford to take the time to go to a local show or two and spread the good will with the
knowledge we have accumulated? And are we going to attend a model show to take care of business or rather enjoy what we do and have fun? If you love this
hobby like I do then we have to support it. Life my friends is way too short to not enjoy it and if we’re not enjoying what we do then it’s time to walk away.