This “rat rod” is more refined (by design) than most similar builds in that it has a painted finish instead of the rust look, and it has also been built with ease of driving in mind. The owner wanted a car that was easy to see out of, has a stick-shift, would not overheat and still conveys a traditional rat rod appearance. The Ford custom is a car that can be considered “turn-key.” Get in, fire it up and have fun as you drive with confidence.

This particular machine was built by Jason Graham Hot Rods and Cool Custom Cars in Portland, Tennessee. Every part of the car is from a different old car, but all components are finished to the highest level of detail. The current owner has slighted modified Jason’s original work by reworking the steering and the belt drive on the front of the engine to fit his wants. The distinctive ribbed-roof is from a Ford Econoline van and gives the car a unique flavor.

The Ford is built with a modified Ford Model A frame that is fitted with a Model A front suspension and a custom rear suspension. The steering gear comes from a Corvair, and the fuel tank is custom-made.

The car is powered by a 276-cid Ford Flathead V-8 engine that is equipped with Edelbrock heads and manifold. The carburetion is derived from three Stromberg 97s. The headers and exhaust system are both custom-made and the electronics consist of Pertronic ignition and Mallory distributor. The transmission is from a Jeep and is a Borg Warner T-4 model. The rear end is from a Chrysler and has 3.25:1 gearing.

The body started as a sedan and has been converted to a two-door that has been chopped and channeled. The chop is approximately six-inches leaving the car standing only 51-inches in overall height. The radiator grille is from a Model A Ford that has also been chopped. The interior features a modified Model A dashboard fitted with Dolphin gauges. The steering wheel is from Cal Custom. The adjoining steering column is custom built. The seats are custom and fit the style of the car perfectly. The Ford rides on 1935 Ford wire wheels that are wrapped with whitewall Firestone tires.

This rat rod was featured in the April 2012 issue of The Hot Rodder Journal.