Page 66 - Issue 37

No budget?

This competition is absolutely a budget
build off. We’re looking for the builder who
has done the most, with the least. But with
that being said, we don’t want bitching
and whining about who-has-what into
their vehicle, we’re not nit-picking and
getting into ridiculous arguments about
how much someone’s bits and pieces
cost. The fact of the matter is, parts,
labor, supplies, everything is subjective
and debatable and once again it brings
negativity into the competition. So
it’s gone. If Joe Blow wants to build
a$20,000 rat rod – that’s on him, that’s
what he wants to build. We’re looking for
blue-collar, home-built, resourcefulness.
If you’re in it to win it, that’s how you
should approach this competition.
Everybody has their own unique
vision. Their own style, skillset, ideology.
This is what makes the rat rod scene so
amazing… individuality. We’re here to
inspire and encourage – not limit this
creativity. Let it all out and build YOUR
way. You tell us what you think a Rat
Rod Magazine cover car is.
2014: Gary Fisher’s 33 Chevy took the top honors
in our second annual Build-Off, joined here by Bike So are there any other rules?
Class Champion Jeremiah Gardner.
Of course – to ensure the safety of our
builders and integrity of the competition, there
are certainly some rules.
Number one: build a rat rod. We don’t want
No time limit? classics, restorations, art cars, whatever – we want

Nope. Take your time. Build over the summer. RAT RODS. Can you push the limits? Sure – you
Look, we love the challenge of the 30 day can build whatever you want. But understand
build off – that’s why we started it. But the reality what we’re looking for.
is, people sacrifi ce quite a bit to pull that off and Rule number two: BUILD IT SAFE. Whatever it
what we really want to get back to, is enjoying is, make sure it’s roadworthy, legal, and safe.
the build process. The challenge is awesome… but Rule number three: your entry HAS to
so is the strain. This year, it’s all about doing your complete the drive from Grafton Illinois to St
thing, at your speed – and enjoying the build. The Louis Missouri on September 25 along the Great
only rule here is that your entry must be built and River Road under its own power. No exceptions.
titled during the 2016 calendar year. Rule number four: no sponsorships. Other

66 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE THIRTY-SEVEN

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