Page 5 - Issue 49

There have been many people who have touched this magazine
with their lives, honored us with the privilege of sharing their stories,
and joined in this amazing rust-fi lled adventure. People from all walks
of life all around the world – sharing in one dysfunctional little piece of
the automotive world we like to call our own. You’ll likely never fi nd a
comparable group this large and diverse, yet still so close and
connected anywhere else in the automotive landscape.
From the magazine perspective, everyone here – no matter their role
or tenure – has always believed in that sense of community. It is the
driving force behind everything we do and always has been. As we
approach our 50th issue and inch even closer to a decade of existence,
this journey becomes even more profound. Our role in this scene’s
growth and that partnership with our readers and friends is something
very precious to all of us – and something we take very seriously.

In this issue we revisit features, vehicles, and people who have cre-
ated amazing moments with the magazine – whether it was on Tour,
or through a Build-Off, or just by the way they carry themselves. Of
course, there are many many more… but this is a taste of some who
stood out. And once again you’ll see the great diversity within this
culture that makes it so cool and interesting. Some who build super
cheap… others who pour every penny they can into their build. Some
who drive from coast to coast, some who stick to car shows or local
stuff. While we’re showcasing the penny-pinchers and the long-haulers,
that’s not to take away from anyone else.

Do me a favor: If you enjoy telling people how THEY should build, or
how THEY should drive, or how THEY should enjoy THEIR ride – please
take this magazine, crumple it up, and throw it right in the trash.
Because it takes all kinds, and everyone has their own reasons for what
they do and how they do it. No one way is better than another – they’re
just different, and we embrace that 100%. Encourage those around you,
support them, build with them, drive with them, show them how you do
it and respect how they do it – and for the love of god – just HAVE FUN
people, your own way.
Ultimately, every special feature we have published from the “Baddest
rats…” to our “Favorite Traditional…” to this budget-built driven-hard
piece – is shining a light on rat rod culture as a whole, and each
different part of that is inherently cool. We love all of you and
appreciate your readership, support, and uniqueness. RAT ON.
—Steve

RATRODMAGAZINE.COM RAT ROD MAGAZINE 5

4x5 RatRod editor.indd 5 4/23/18 11:21 AM