Page 30 - Issue 35

Bryan travelled with a small caravan of less efficient engine, we’d have been taking
SEMA-goers, including RRM photographer out loans to make the trip.
Charlie Pacheco, his dad Elmo, Canadian rat That being said, the car was amazing.
rodder Patrick Wilson, owner of CARtoons We’ve talked about it a lot in the magazine
magazine Marc Methot, and fellow builder – but to see things come together after
Chris Darby. The group took in some all Bryan’s hard work is a great feeling.
fantastic scenery and marched their way into Zero problems and an efficient drive from
Nevada without issue. Minnesota to Nevada – and then to enter the
From the magazine perspective, things show as a legit “featured vehicle” is pretty
were tight. At the end of the year we’re damn cool. To see the car displayed on the
usually staring at maxed out credit cards and Battle of the Builders board was even cooler.
the aftermath of an active fall. (Build-Off, While there weren’t a ton of rat rods at
Tour, extra expenses) It’s an extremely tough the show, patina and rust was present – and
time for us financially – and even tougher like our Chevy, the ones that were there drew
when staring at another long trip. Luckily, plenty of attention. It was an opportunity to
cheap gas prices and a highly efficient car interact with a part of the automotive world
helped to soften the blow. When people scoff that we don’t see every day, and to show off
at the small block Chevy, all I can say is – hey, a true blue-collar build that was driven a long
it’s not special by any means, but at the end way to get there.
of the day the 350 and 700R4 combo have And if you’re wondering what’s so blue-
given us many trouble-free miles-per-gallon collar about a build with lots of new parts
and its times like these that necessity is king. – let me explain. This car was built to RUN.
Had we been running a big block or hell, any It’s a driver. It’s safe, sturdy. Built by one guy

30 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE THIRTY-FIVE

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