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Ray-Therat — Rufus, my '29 Model A pickup
Published: 2012-02-02 17:18:01 +0000 UTC; Views: 1340; Favourites: 17; Downloads: 0
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Description
Rufus is a 1929 Ford Model A Close Cab Pickup. I bought it as an empty shell and spent a couple of years getting it to the point of driveability.At this time, it's a full-fendered, stock-height rat rod with the stock 40 horsepower 4-banger motor. There's a flathead V8 in its future.
It's pretty much stock except for a 12-volt conversion, a Painless wiring harness and 15" wheels with "vintage" Moon Disc hubcaps.
It lives with a friend in Washington, while my race car hogs the garage space.
It's a beast to drive, but should be getting a dropped front axle, quickchange rear end and a newer steering box. These will make it look kooler and more fun to drive. I just need to work things out with my friend so that it can happen.
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Comments: 17
How cool is that...fine piece of machinery ...plus has that cozy feel
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Yes, it's DEFINITELY cozy inside! The cab is very narrow. I sure hope I get him back soon.
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Yeah...what stage of restoration are you at?
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It's just about at the stage you see it in the photo. It talked with my friend who has "temporary custody" today and he's about to get it into the shop to do that stuff with it (mainly brakes and steering things.) I've been talking with another friend who wants to help me install a Lincoln Zephyr V12 motor in it. That could be interesting. Ohh....the plans for the body are to leave it just the way it is. We don't need no steenking fancy paint jobs.
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beautiful truck! but them wheels kinda kill it! needs 34 ford wire wheels with whitewalls!
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I have a set of 35 16" wheels that are with the truck. The Moon Discs are original 60s pieces I got from a friend (now deceased) and I think they've been on every car I own except for my 88 Camaro. I'm kinda sentimental about 'em, I guess. The plan for Rufus is 60s-style reversed rims with baby moons and beauty rings...assuming we can get the project moving again. I'll be visiting him next week (gonna be in Oregon and Washington for several reasons) and maybe we can move things along a little bit. Cross yer fingers.
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cool.
them moons are cool, its just they look............off on it especially with them radial tires.
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i would not change it, at least not by much. Maybe a hi compression head & rear axle ratio
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Thank you. I kinda like him, myself.
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"It's not a fucking rat rod, it's just not finished!"
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It's both. The term "rat rod" has evolved from meaning something akin to a traditional hot rod, built with what was available at the time (and maybe what was in the garage...and this holds true with Rufus) to something with mail slot windows, suicide front end and skulls and knife blades or chains...whatever. I've heard these referred to as "suicide rods." Seems like a good name to me.
I like Ed Roth's statement (I first met him in 1964): "If it's painted, then it's finished. If it's not, it's still a project." Since he lost interest in his cars as soon as they were finished (and maybe made the car show circuit once) and sold 'em off for next to nothing so he could go to work on his next project...well, I like to keep mine in the "project" state. I may never paint it...unless some very interesting things that could be on the horizon take place. If that's the case, the top will get chopped moderately, the frame, hood and front fenders will be lengthened and, heaven forbid, it might even get its body work completed and get a coat of "Resale Red" paint...at that time it'd be a street rod, but it'd be used as a rolling advertisement for some yet-to-be announced products.
In my not-so-humble opinion, a rat rod is whatever you want it to be. There are really no rules. If I say it's a rat, then it's a rat. If you say it isn't, then it's not to you. All in the eye of the one who sees it.
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Good point. I originally saw the phrase on a sticker on someone's car at a show that had pics in a hot rod mag here. I thought it was pretty funny.
While you can make a rat rod purposefully, to me, it only becomes a rat rod when it's finished. Until then it's a project
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I'm glad you explained the origin of the statement. It could have been taken the wrong way. I can now see it on a bumper sticker on just about every vehicle I own. 
I guess I otta post a photo of my Burb literally dead in the water that covered "Lake Bonneville" last October. For a full explanation, see this series of pages: [link]
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That could be a great Rat Rod with a little chopping and channeling! Great Ride!
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Thanks. If things go well, there will be some major changes made. But for the time being, I need to concentrate on my race car...cuz I broke it on the salt flats.
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Please keep updating on you progress. If your ever interested in parting with it, please give me a shout! I collect and restore cars for a living and we would love to get our hands on that classic auto!
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