Page 48 - Issue 42

Behind the Build
Behind the Build

WORDS AND IMAGES BY LUKE MERRILL (TINMAN 2 KUSTOMS)

have always sought to build something
innovative, extreme and 100% scary in nature.
IWith the bland nature of many of the cars, which
With the bland nature of many of the cars, which
I continued to see at local shows, this “wild” dream
I continued to see at local shows, this “wild” dream
slowly turned into a vision that I could no longer
ignore. When I was just 22 I started this build. The
continuous addition of ideas, details and parts-
throughout the build process – turned this rat rod
into more of a piece of artwork than that of a car.
The rave around my previous YouTube build
series (the c10 featured in issue #23 of RRM) really
series (the c10 featured in issue #23 of RRM) really
exasperated my desire to video document this build, xasperated my desire to video document this build, xasperated my desire to video document this build,
e e
exasperated my desire to video document this build,
but in a more detailed account. I wanted to use the
but in a mor
but in a more detailed account. I wanted to use the e detailed account. I wanted to use the
intricate build as an example to educate & show
others that anything can be done with dedication
others that anything can be done with dedication
& patience, even in a backyard garage with basic
& patience, even in a backyard garage with basic
tools (even a basic 110v mig welder). While
publishing the instructional videos during the build
publishing the instructional videos during the build
process, it was great motivation to get weekly
compliments and feedback on what I was doing
within each episode. This sparked my current
business motto: “Leading to inspire, Learning to
educate”, which completely defi nes who I am as
a leader, builder and hardcore rat rod enthusiast.
Two years, 4,000+ hours of my own physical
labor and approximately 2,000 hours of video/
computer time later, and you can see the end
result. This was a full time, 70+ hour per week,
effort. I put my professional goals, after college,
on hold for this build and it has turned into more of
a money & time pit than anything else I have ever
embarked on, but the reactions and passion that I
am sparking in others has been worth the journey.
Through this journey I have learned many things,
Through this journey I have learned many things,

48 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-TWO

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