Tbh, what MikeyMK said.

Considering rat look originates from old school low-budget hot rods which were basically built from the engine up and then an old shell found and just thrown on it. I've myself yet to see an example of a proper rat.

The whole consensus of rat in modern terms would be the same example as a sleeper, except even more unexpected. A simply crap looking shell which people would shrug at and stick their nose up because it's a rusty heap, but with engineering perfection under the bodywork from running gear, to chassis and brake setups which would easily dick over most things.

If there was one thing I would like to see from the VW scene other than the rat look die, it would be to see someone do a proper rat.

At the risk of sounding like one of those indi kids thats heard of a band before they were even out cause they are that cool....

Yes I have tried rusting a bonnet, I did it around 3/4 years ago now. I actually still have the bonnet in the backyard. Like Yellowdiablo there wasn't that many cars out there that were ratty and I ended up with a shit cheap car and it just turned into a bit of fun and it was quite unique. I didn't even know what rat look was, the car just kind of ended up evolving into one. But now its just crap, its rare that you see anything thats been well thought out or properly executed. Its almost like a check list. Matte paint, roof rack with crap on it, stickers, stencils, rusty bonnet, yellow lights, wonky plates etc.

That BMW above, its done very well. The wheels and the stance are killer. The lack of paintwork but without just bright orange rust makes it look authentic in a fashion. Old war plane style graphics on the side are a nice touch to. Its not like hes just woke up one day and though "well thats gets a reaction, I'll do that" regardless of if its a good reaction or people just thinking "what a idiot head". Imo the whole fun with a rat is that you can do anything you want to do. Even if it goes tits up its not a show car and you can leave whatever went tits up on the car. Just adds to its character. But if all your doing is following a check list then its just going to be boring and look poo.

There are some nice rat cars being built out there with loads of little details and trick touches. But unfortunately they seem to be missed out in the sea of crap cars that there are out there.

I love the touches on this car though. I think it works really well, not just gone and rusted the bonnet and whored it up with some stickers. Done something thats thinking outside of the box

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

Word

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

Agreed, if you're going to go for a style at all :)

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

word

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

And he saw that it was good.

that handle is possibly the coolest thing I've seen in ages. cue alot of people copying it

Lovin those yankee air cooled rats. Notice the mint interiors,wheels,exhausts and sorted suspension. Proper motors with the charismatically aged bodies untouched.

I believe its possible with a Polo. Early MK2 thats been used and abused for decades in hostile environments,looking absolutely hanging. Engine/suspension/interior overhaul but no make-up for the rot-free and straight but heavily weathered and scuffed up body. Might be best to go to Portugal/Malta/Spain for such a solid sand-blasted sun-scorched shell.

Slackers gets close to a replica. Doesn't look like he's bothered/funded a real one but the passenger side gets close for appearance. But for anything that indicates it being sorted technically (wheels,exhaust etc) being missing. This leaves it looking hanging and just generally repulsive all the way through. Like the interior's gonna make you ill,and its likely to break down.

That to me isn't rat (nor is fresh primer),but i think his rat is different because i think this latter evolution is what he wants.

Each to their own,but whilst i believe a rat Polo is possible,I've not seen one yet.

mikey puts the point i was trying to make in much better words tbh

Whatever style your gonna go for. If your gonna do it might as well do it properly.

more pics of this

Heres said bonnet thats been in my backyard since forever

I'll get more pics of the mk2 as well.

my mk3 polo, not staying ratty for long tho,

brad

Heres said bonnet thats been in my backyard since forever

fuck me kam, the last time i saw metal like that was on a car that had been burnt out in woods for years

I'm not even going to point out the plate of the mk3 just posted

I'm not even going to point out the plate of the mk3 just posted

I think you just did

Damn it

Heres said bonnet thats been in my backyard since forever

fuck me kam, the last time i saw metal like that was on a car that had been burnt out in woods for years

Like I say, if your gonna do something might as well do it properly

i bet some fucker would give you good money for that now

anymore pics of the one above with chain door handles

some of these look like rat shit rather than rat look!!

*hay/straw blowing past, gif*

some of these look like rat shit rather than rat look!!

Someone doesnt understand

Edited 12 February, 201016 yr by Olly S

some of these look like rat shit rather than rat look!!

Someone doesnt understand

dont get me wrong the rat look is totally pointless in my eyes if you get a fairly good car with good bodywork and start stripping the paint off and leaving it to rust..i own a classic mini and I'm always trying to fight against it, not make it worse!! if the car was a shed in the first place then go ahead, you cant polish a turd can you..

but granted.. to the chaps that do it and do it well i think it does look very good :) and i tip my hat to them :)

You can polish a turd but its takes a lot of time and effort. Which is why most people don't, they'd rather take a good car and turn it into a turd!

I can't find anymore pics of that Golf. I'll keep looking though, there about somewhere

That bonnet Kam, is actually awesome!

I'd roll with it.

true that heartagram.. admittedly that chain handle and arial at the top of the page look quality!!!!