"So you're one of those 'rat rodders'..."

Said a visitor to my office this morning, after seeing a picture of my car.

"Actually," I said to this philistine, "the correct term is Jalopier."

Feel free to use, but only with the proper fancy French pronunciation: Zha - lah - pee - AY.

 

Wow makes it sound like there's money involved...can't wait to see the magazine!

 

Pardon me... do you have any Grey Poupon?

And a can of Pabst?

 

Dude, thats golden!

 

I got "wow, you build cars in your time off?" from the big boss the other day
he turns to my imediate boss and says "we must be stupid..."

they know they're hot rods,
just not aware enough of the hobby to know the different labels we put on them.

now that I look around my desk, I see several pictures of my current projects..

but not one of the wife, kids or family at all... hmmm... never noticed before..

 

You better get some fenders on that car, boy! Your getting mud on my BMW!!

 

Paul, You know what your family looks like. Your priorities are correct. They asked me the same question when I worked for that company, part of the reason I left........

 

"You're one of those rat rodders..."

response - "....Oh sorry, you must be one of those people that don't matter worth shit.....Hi, nice to say I could careless whether you exist....My names Mike, I take it your's is Ass..."

 

Personally can't stand the term "rat rod." But I can live with jalopier. Car pics in my office get a lot of comments. Next closest item is the "I am the NRA" sticker on my computer.

 

I get a ton of people stopping by my office, looking at the Rodders Jounral Poster on the wall (B&W of the roadster under contruction) and saying "Damn!! Is that yours?" To that I used to say "No, I've got a Model A Sedan, the poster car is a '32 Roadster." Their eyes would glaze over, then mutter "Oh yeah...." Now I just reply "I wish!"

 

Wee wee, mon sewer.

 

I like coming into work on Mondays after a good solid weekend of wrenching and my hands look like I won a couple of bar fights. It's funny because I'm a executive computer nerd (Technical Director/Partner at a small tech company).

 

I ran into a friend at the swap meet this weekend. I hadn't seen him in a long time but he's always had some serious tin, he's got a 34 Ford truck and a 32 Plymouth, nice stuff. His Dad's a 'Rodder' too. He noticed the Offy intake in my hand and asked what I was working on. Told him about my 'A' Coupe and he says:

"So, ya gonna RatRod it, right???"

Me - 'Uhh, sure.'

"Yeah, that's the only way to go."

The term doesn't bother me at all, just thought it was funny from this particular guy.

 

I think some of you guys are being much to sensitive to the word rat rod. While I wouldnt choose to use it, i really dont think its a big deal. I think most people attribute rat rod to not having any show chrome, monster dubs, blinking lights, etc... Instead, a home built utility (purpose built to drive) older car... If that's the case, call my ride a rat rod, no reason for me to have a chip on my shoulder.

 

i usually reply that i am not a rat rodder, but just an asshole, dickhead.

though a Zha - lah - pee - AY, sounds a lot nicer.

 

I cant afford a rat rod so i'm gonna build a mice rod.

 

When you think about it, French has contributed a lot of useful hot rod words -- like "chassis," and "fuselage," and "French tickler."

 

[
"Actually," I said to this philistine, "the correct term is Jalopier."

That's a classic! I can't wait to use it.(now if I can just remember)

 

I keep telling the guys at work "it's not a rat rod, it's just not finished!!!"
Flatman

 

Don't forget "monocoque". See? We do need the French. Jalopier has a good smell to it!

 

JA LOP EE......
I like that, Mike, .............RATROD -IS DEAD!

 

It wont be long now the next EBAY call sign " JALOPIER "

 

Sweet! Jalopier....I like...

 

"OH Tish! You spoke French! (kiss kiss kiss)

Gomez

 

Does that mean I gotta change my ebay ad? I don't speak french, so is the english translation "Jay-lap-pee-or"? Or is it "Ju-lop-pee-or-our"? Want to be sure I get it right.... Gene

 

Rat rod= piece of shit

 

A guy came last winter to pump out my septic tank. Bogged his truck in my back yard. So, while he was waiting for a tow he decided to come in my shed to annoy me.

Told me about his brother in laws blown big block 32 roadster street rod. Apparently I should have known this guy.

Anyway, fool keeps referring to my '28 modified (RPU) as a "bucket". I just went along with him. How do you explain it to the poo man?

Pete

 

I just checked, and www.jalopier.com is available. I wonder for how long, now?

Slonaker

 

Doesn't "Chevrolet" sound french? Hmmm??