To Rat or not to Rat?

[Bioshock]

Just given the Dub its first wash in months,I haven't had time to use it with various things going on,when i noticed the toll winter had taken on it.
there's small surface rust bubbles in a few places,and it looks like one of the sills is shot.also it looks like the rear arch has been badly filled at some stage.
the problem being is should i just rat the b*gg*r and be done with it,or sell it,or what?
I don't have the time to mess around with the thing as the house is draining me in time and money.
the sills aren't a problem as Ive two new ones coming,its just the paint.Its hard to believe that it scored 19/20 on bodywork in a concours show just 7 years ago.Just shows what not having a garage does i spose.
its a good old beast and I'm loathe to part with it.i just don't know what to do.
Help I'm going mad wibble,wibble,teapot,bearded clam.









Stamford hall '99 when it was in its prime (sigh!)

[arthurbrown]

Sounds like you are just catching it in time!
Sort it now for not many pennies before the rot spreads.

[HoTWire]

I'd say keep it tidy ,.. would be worth ratting if it was very patina'd but right now it doesn't look too far gone,... T-Cut + Autoglym?

[Mr_Bo11ox]

If its just got some bubbles and blebs, how is Ratting it going to improve your situation? I say get the t-cut and jenolite on it and make the best you can of it, if you give it the old matt-black rattle can look its gonna more than likely look like a right pile of old sh1t.

I’m getting wary of too much rattery, the Jetta GTi in the for sale section looks like a golden example of a ‘rat too far’ IMHO.

[qwerty]

Yeah i'm a bit sick of the whole "Rat" (Spray matt black) Look. Keep it tidy. Won't take to much to rub that down and kill the rust.

[reanimation]

Tidy it now while poss, finding motivation and time to do it is hard, but for the cash you'd get for it i say keep it, it will be cold on ya bike in winter!

seriously keeps, modding will add motivation.

[tonycocacola]

get it sorted, not exactly wall to wall with 411s are we?

[Pillock]

fix it! ideal time to do it, sunny days outside getting it sorted and it'll be done before the manky weather arrives so shouldn't rot no more.

Don't rat it, those 4's are getting far too rare and some decent examples left would be nice. Even if you do a 'decent' rat job, it's still going to be rat and if you ever come to sell it you'll be lucky to make three figures.

[jettadeluxe]

matt black does not equal rat......

Matt black is more 'hot rod', and most are not ratty in any way, shape or form. Since 'genuine' rat-rods (patina'd, rusty, old, mismatched parts) have gained in popularity over the last few years, those outside the community seem to have complete muddled the two up!

Its about time folks realised that!

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I reckon we're on the point of learning that a half-arsed rattle can matt black paint job is exactly that, and has little to do with 'rat-look'.

[arthurbrown]

As I see it...

RAT LOOK=


Wheras this = SHAT LOOK


Preserving patina on an old (but solid) car is one thing.

Hastily slapping a coat of blackboard paint over some £100 old giffer mobile is quite another.

[wagoneer]

Catch the rust and keep it looking nice.

[Bioshock]

hmm,I know blowing it over with a can of black rattle isn't going to solve anything.tonycocacola and pillock are right there aren't many of these old beasts left.I should really screw the nut and get it done.I guess with everything thats gone on lately,house bike etc,I've probably got that hideous jaded thing that makes you just want to get shot of it.But hey the whole reason i bought it was its totally different to every other estate.
Christ serious case of the summertime blues!! ;D

[tonycocacola]

as a kick up the jacksie, and to spur you on, heres some pics of my old one.







g'wan, make us proud.
;D

[Bioshock]

Tony, you have restored my faith. ;D
Watch this space
Am loving that well worn drivers seat by the way

[tonycocacola]

like dr.sam beckett my work here is done.
*leaps to help the next type 4 doubter. ;D
i look forward to seeing it done.

[Bioshock]

more inspiration ;D







Must admit it does make you feel like a tool, when you consider the amount of blood,sweat and tears some of the blokes on here put into there motors

[samyboy]

i say fix it up

[MWF]

That would look cool in matt black. If that's what you want then go for it, who cares if it's some dictionary definition of 'rat' or not.

[phatphord]

i think satin canary yellow with salt rubs is the next matt black.