Best place to locate

[irecruit]

The last project I built was a 68 Chevy Truck and that was 15yrs ago and I've been into bikes since then. I'm looking to get rid of one of my bikes (chopper) and go into the rat rod world.

Couple questions since i'm fairly new to this?
What's the best route to take when looking for a rat rod that already has a good start (1928-32). I'd prefer to have something already chopped, lowered, and has drivetrain. Driveable would be ideal even if it requires much more work to complete.
I've been scouring craigslist and keeping tabs on ebay. Any other suggestions?

Also is it common for rat rod type folks to mingle in motorcycles as well? The reason I say this is that I'd like to trade one of my bikes for my next project.

fyi - if someone near the Houston area reads this and is open to learning more about my trade and has what i'm looking for hit me up

 

[bill-der]

I think your best starting point is definitely craigslist...

How I ended up finding mine was kind of an interesting story. I posted a lifted CJ7 for sale or trade, and aside from the random junk people wanted to trade me, I found one guy with a project t-bucket who wanted my jeep.

Even though I wasn't totally into the bucket I drove the jeep 3 hours north in 95* weather into the middle of nowhere (Willits, CA) which was an accomplishment in itself to prove to the guy it was in good shape.

You could just tell there were cool cars hidden everywhere out there in the woods.

When I got to the dudes house, it was a pretty crappy fiberglass t-bucket which was a total hack-job but he had loads of other cars around his property. I was about to leave when I noticed this rat that was pretty unique sticking out from behind some other junk, but he was too attached to it and wouldn't sell it.

To make a long story short, i kept emailing him and we finally made a deal... I got a welder and the pile of parts for my jeep. I lost little more than I wanted to, but it was the only way to pry it out of is hands and I figured it was worth it for a good start with alot of original steel (with a title) and I have really never seen another like it.

So far I have learned a ton and got it almost to roadworthy, but if I didn't take the chance on going to see this guy even though I wasn't totally into his car he posted, I wouldn't have found my car.


It's actually really depressing looking side by side that in 8 months I haven't made much "visual" progress for all the hours I have put in, but there were so many hacks on this car, that it was really scary when I got it home and really got into it...


When I picked it up:

Now:

 

[earthman]

E-bay is where i found mine. This link will get you all of craigslist. Happy hunting! http://www.allofcraigslist.com/

 

[irecruit]

Good looking ride Bill-der.

And earthman i'll keep my eyes peeled on ebay as well. Hopefully turn up something interesting soon

 

[cantwell.colton]

Hello, I'm from Falfurrias, Tx. 140 miles south of San Antonio and 115 miles north of McAllen. I've just found this site. Got a link from Killbillet and I really like your stuff. I'm a member of a few forums, but I think this great, where all are welcomed.

Seem like the other sites you have to be specific to their likes and dislikes. Personally, I like everything old and a few of the newer stuff.

I own a hotrod shop and I have the hot rods, streetrods, ratrods, bikes etc. etc. Like them all. If you are ever traveling south on Hwy 281, I'm there on the north edge of town and all are welcome. I get a lot of truckers, snowbirds, and travelers in general that stop by my shop. Always welcome.

Here's a couple of pictures of stuff at my shop. I love to post pictures of my stuff. Hope it doesn't bother some people. If it does, just let me know. Thanks, Joe.

We even had snow one Christmas eve!!!!!!!!!!!

get in touch with joetx -- hes in falfurrias ... its a short hike but i bet hes got something... also theres also http://johnssalvagecompany.com/ its in seguin -- got lots of cool stuff there that you might find interesting but usually his stuff is a bit older but who knows maybe something will catch your eye.. theres also http://www.oldride.com and you can always check the for sale there ...

 

[29desoto]

OK, now I gotta speak up...

You asked if those pictures bothered anyone.

They bother me, a lot they bother me!![dr

How about some pictures of your 83 dodge soccer mom van? Would bother me less!