#relicate

RAT ROD RIDICULE

Rat Rods are loved by some and hated by others. The reason is similar to why the paintings of Jackson Pollack are revered by some, and misunderstood by others.

Rat Rods are somebody's art. Art is open for interpretation and thus, criticism.

There is probably no other form of car craft that so prominently displays personal expression. Rat Rods have become a canvas for creativity on which builders let it all hang out.

Instead of being ridiculed, rat rod builders should be commended for their bravery, for standing up and creating something they know will be criticized, for dancing on the edge.

If you're not a fan of rat rods, that's ok. But the next time you see one, thank the builder for sharing their gift with you.

THIS ISN'T FOR YOU

There are lots of critics these days.

When it comes to your ride, build it for you. There will people that don't like it. That's ok, it's not for them.

Dare to do something different. When you walk away from the status quo, you will do your best work.

In fact, build something in hopes to be criticized. Then and only then will you know you've built something worth talking about.

JUGGERNAUT BUILDS

Do you ever stand back and observe what people react to at car shows? One thing I've noticed is that people flock towards the unconventional.

Most shows are largely comprised of factory correct originals, car after car looking like the day they came off the assembly line. The work that goes into these is definitely respectable, but expected.

Unfortunately, people seem to walk right past these cars. Every once in a while though, you'll see a juggernaut, a car that crowds form around.

Why is this? Chances are, it's because the car is a work of art. One way to define art is by something that has never been seen before. The creativity and ingenuity that goes into a car like this is clear as day. They're not just a restoration of what an auto manufacturer already built. They're something newly conceived by craftsmen taking a risk and being vulnerable to criticism.

This reminds me of the recent Ridler winner, the Riviera that got so much flack, but still won. It's very possible that not one of those judges personally liked that car, but because the builder was so damn visionary, he was rewarded.

Creativity will win every time.

AN OFFER YOU CAN REFUSE

Why is it that people give up on their builds?

The other day I drove by a neighbor's house. I always peak in the garage to see the progress on his '28 Ford pickup. This day it was gone.

I didn't have to ask what happened to it. I was sure he sold it. It wasn't the first time a project disappeared half done.

He seemed so excited to start. "I've always wanted one," I remember him saying. This was even a father/son project. Yet someone made him "an offer he couldn't refuse."

There could be many valid reasons he sold the truck, but chances are, he simply gave up on it. It's a common occurrence. It's much easier to quit than it is to finish.

What usually comes next is sellers remorse, thoughts of "what could have been," or the common phrase "I wish I never sold that one."

Beyond all that, the real unfortunate part is you've lost that incredible sense of achievement and pride that comes once the project is complete.

So take a break, do whatever you need to do, but keep at it, no matter the hurdles that will inevitably come. When you're rolling down the road with one arm out the window, not giving a shit about anything else in the world, you'll be glad you persevered.

MADE IN USA. WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Yes, it stands for quality, but nowadays, quality can come from any part of the world, not just the USA. There's more to it.

"Made in USA" is an emotional desire to make a personal connection.

We buy American so a story can be told. The story of our next-door neighbor, whether it's a company rich with history, or a craftsman living the American dream out of his home garage.

When somebody asks you where you got a certain part on your vehicle, it's nice to tell a story about the actual person who made it, not a no-name, overseas factory that churns out part after part after part...

There is pride in supporting American companies we know and trust. You feel better laying down your hard earned money when you know its supporting American jobs, American lives.

It's interesting though…the many different allegiances people have to the idea of "Made in USA." On one end of the spectrum is the fanatic who has to have American-Made everything on his car, down to the rubber on the wheels. On the other end is the guy who likes to buy American when it's convenient and the price is right.

Where do you stand?

HANDCRAFTED FOR DAD

Have you ever given a gift that was hand made?

There always seems to be an increased sense of anticipation as you wait for the receiver to open it.

When you give art, especially your own art, you are sharing the heart and soul that went into the art.

There's special meaning embedded in it that will be cherished for ages.

"NICE PATINA"

The notion of patina exists because of an intrinsic love of the automobile combined with our craving for authenticity.

A car with perfect patina is a representation of a finely aged machine. The car has survived, remaining in its original skin. Every flaw, every imperfection is evidence of a storied past.

Looking at a patina'd car is like looking at its soul. It's an authentic, unabashed view of a journey through time.

No matter when that time is, there always seems to be a yearning for simplicities of the past. In the case of the automobile, one with patina fulfills that desire beautifully.