BUILDING A CUSTOM BONNET/HOOD (Part 1) - 51 Chevy Rat Truck build

[@Uswesi1527]

Undoubtedly, definitely, you have reinvented the wheel. Cardboard templates make the work much easier, faster, efficient,but , above all, extremely accurate, and that’s where the amateur kids are separated from authentic professionals. Always, thanks.

[@rickmalarky9878]

I liked your CAD comment, cardboard that is,lol. You know your having fun when you catch your shirt on fire!

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Two of the best points of this video are: 1 every shop needs a "thinking chair". and 2 if there is some uncertainty on how to proceed , don't be afraid to "sleep on it" , and look at it in the morning with "fresh eyes". Love the bi-fold hood ! (I mean Bonnet). The stiches are going to add some awesome character. Those who do restorations are missing out on the creative enjoyment that comes with building rat rods !!!!!! (if you catch another shirt on fire ! please include in the video) lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes man! Lot of creative enjoyment (and frustration 😅) in building these things. Haha, pity the camera was off when I made some fire 😂

[@mikebeidelman6051]

Hello Brother, Iam so very happy to find your shop on the KZbin Channel. Iam an OG (74) thought by craftsmen in the crafts of Machinist and fabrication. Seeing you doing layout work and making templates makes me feel at home from my working days. I too have a thinking chair, it made me laugh when I saw yours! I enjoy listening to you and watching your skills and work style. You and I know there is no off switch for the imagination or one's sense of humor. Much respect. Mike

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey Mike! Thanks for the comments brother. You are now officially a member of the International OG society 😁 And OG's rule!

[@thomasnoteboom1531]

I love the peek a boo hood idea, never seen that before

[@maryfinchum9741]

👍🏻👍🏻 ! Some people have to much money , and it gives them the BIG HEAD . Got to keep up with the Joneses . We like our dirt floor . Stay true to yourself Diff. 🔥🔥👍🏻👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

True that. Thanks for the support!

[@mikecooke3934]

Watching you reminds me of how I built my Harley aka Frankenstein. Built it out of bits and pieces laying around the shop.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Sounds like my kinda guy!😅

[@willwade1101]

I remember seeing a old picture of Ferrari's workshop and one of the fabricating tools he had was a wooden post tapered and rounded on one end bolted to a tale that a guy was shaping a piece of metal on.

[@garycamara9955]

It looks good with a sli g t downhill slope, like it already has.

[@sheldonkleeman759]

I am really learning a lot about patience and persistence.....really enjoying how you work thsnxs

[@ratrodsafrica]

With patience and persistence anything is possible😅

[@rescueinoldraggedy7407]

that hood looks good , no rules on a rat rod ,, be safe my friend

[@ratrodsafrica]

No rules indeed! That's why I love rats😅

[@joeandmichelle7375]

My neighbors are from south africa and i just love talking to them because their accent is just so sweet. Like Austin Stevens the snake guy.I like his nature documentaries. Anyway. I love what you're doing here and your way of explaining things is really good. I was a welder for 2 decades in the oilfield in Canada so sheet metal was never something i touched. I subbed as soon as i saw the roof chop done. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the sub! Yeah, I guess we speak a bit funny 😂

[@TheFrameoff]

You have a cold winter .. didn't think Africa got cold , well once your done that you can BUILD ON lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Not cold enough to stop me from listening to you and BUILDING ON!😅

[@waynenugent1229]

Hey diffy lovin your lekka work on the chop. Yeah it's a bonnet

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Wayne. Bonnets and mudguards hey!

[@TheOldaz1]

Looking good Div.

[@danporter643]

Digging the profile of that "bonnet" Div. Much better profile than the stock bonnet would have been. Not having the original bonnet was fortuitous!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Don. It does change the look a bit hey!

[@larrybailey43]

I enjoy you guys that build with what you have available. It’s encouraging !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy! That's what building rat rods should be about

[@Spiritof_76]

Love your editing and commentary. Watching you progress on each project is a joy. I'm glad you decided to document it for us viewers.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@ce7618]

The scene where you take the bonnet off the wall. Reminded me of chitty chitty bang bang. When the professor pulled the bonnet from the fire place. In said movie 🇬🇧👍🏼

[@MrWoodhippie]

Very good videos i like your style.........................

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a lot!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Heck yeah Div!!!!

[@stephenbrown571]

All of us old guy’s have at one point. Stuck our fingers where we probably shouldn’t have. 😂😂😂😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂😂 And not only in grinders...🤣

[@t4lovers688]

Well Mr rat rod you are the white wizard of still ...what art work..sweet ride what a rod truck it's going to be who you work the still 👏 grind the still not your finget

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro. Will try to keep my fingers out of the way.😅

[@t4lovers688]

If you go a email I could show you my r33 rebuild quads boats stuff

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Very well done again! Everything seems so much effort although you make it look relatively easy. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Anything worthwhile requires a bit of effort!😄

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear @@ratrodsafrica Thanks for replying and especially for giving another heart. I totally appreciate both very much. 2) Nearly everything, yes. Sincerely yours.

[@kennethcroll6972]

hello, you could use 1",1/12" round magnets to hold your card board in place

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, I need to get me some of those!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

It tricky some time, but you do great work

[@robertstevison1448]

Saw part 2 had to see the beginning lol awesome art brother

[@sharndupreez1]

Man, I love the sound the steel makes in the slip roller. I have serious withdrawal symptoms I need to come visit again!

[@stevestacey5272]

Yeah a bonnet covers yer head mate. Its a bonnet down under !

[@thestreets5206]

Viewers in the rest of the world, having lived in South Africa for 21 years , what Diff is doing here is genuinely commendable, hats off to you sir 👏 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro. It just takes a little persistence man😉

[@thestreets5206]

@@ratrodsafrica very true but there's almost no support over there, even the smallest items are hard to get and generally miles miles , let alone power shortages too

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@thestreets5206 OK yes, that's true man. A LOT of persistence then!😅

[@aceadman]

As someone who also often has a dirty “band-aid” (what you call a plaster) on at least one finger, I can say: “I completely understand.”

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah man, nice to hear that someone can relate😂

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Gonna be nice Div!!! Dont upset the misses too much 😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

It would seem I specialize in upsetting the poor lady...😂

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@ratrodsafrica it happens sometimes 😂

[@dirtyburd71]

You are not alone, I set my shirt on fire the exact same way! Took me by surprise!!! LOL! The truck is coming along nicely!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Yes, it was a nasty surprise for me too😂

[@maverick9769]

serious creativity on the fly, I have watched lots of American shows where there is a lot of editing and cooked stuff but this show is so rich and I am learning so much.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! No flash and fakery here, just a dirty old dude building shit😂

[@maverick9769]

@@ratrodsafrica haha that's what's up!

[@thequixotryworkshop2424]

Great job Div!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Sir!

[@rickbarger7921]

I forgot the world's upside down for you or me you're Winter is my summer it's about a 100ﾟ out here by Mojave California right now and you're probably getting cold thanks for the videos

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah, everything is upside down where I live😂

[@timhanson2080]

I really like that you have the sides open. Looking good. Hope you get your wood all cut so you can get back to the rat rod. Thanks for the video 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Tim. Cut enough wood to make the missus happy...😅

[@ishsiriram8286]

Awesome work once again Div. You truly have a talent for this. I like the centre pivot idea. Always a pleasure to watch you simplify and create...INSPIRING...Thank you again for sharing.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks my friend. If I can inspire I'm happy

[@raysmith6973]

Sometimes you just have to pull up a chair and a cold beer and “sit and stare at it” for a while.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Right on! 😁

[@henrygibson1530]

Sometimes you just use what you have. The hood is looking good like the look it's different and going to set it apart from others .

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Henry, glad you like it man!

[@henrygibson1530]

@@ratrodsafrica You're welcome 😁

[@stevestacey5272]

Remember Diff safety 3rd.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂

[@anthonysinclair5721]

😎👍😁 I couldn't think of anything clever today , so you get emojis 😎👍😁

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁Thanks buddy!

[@eddss123]

Making it look easy. Great work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@jonathontaylor8861]

Nice, I've not seen a commer superpose (Q4) for a long time, they were a stopgap truck to fill a rush milltary order, v poorly designed, you had to remove the cab to remove the engine, they were essentially disposable truck's.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Interesting info, thanks!

[@michaelalexander7293]

Man that truck is coming around and looking good! I like it that you use things you have.. ✌️ peace out!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Michael. Peace bro 😀

[@melvinjacobs5198]

Love your videos I watch them all I learned a lot from your videos Keep up the good work I wish you was in my neighborhood and helped me fix my truck I gotta put a transmission in it I'm 71 93F150 4 by 4 At my truck almost 30 years Put a lot of money into it I need traction in the back Attraction in the front

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Melvin. Good luck with your project.

[@matthewfocke5360]

Like your design solutions...Thumbs up man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro!

[@geoffreymills9932]

Pretty creative with the hood, or bonnet, I think it's looking awesome for some random things found hanging around, that lap joint may be an opportunity for some kind of scoop if your into that kind of thing, some small pipe for the corners and a low opening for airflow,, just thinking out loud, something subtle might make a big impact I'm not talking about "corvette summer" just a little eye candy 😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, not a bad suggestion! Will give it some thought

[@JazzStrat781]

You are doing a great job on this truck and I know the hood will turn out great 👍 best to you brother

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man!

[@robertdelaney5994]

interesting build l have come across your site.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Robert! And welcome!

[@dragontattooee]

Very creative work with the bonnet , looks awesome

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Brian

[@garycamara9955]

Oh yeah you mean a banage, or bandaid when you say plaster. I thought you meant a gypsum product at first.

[@joesask857]

nice

[@henryrokstad1125]

❤Keep up the great work doses not rattle if you get it wrong 😂😆🤘🏻

[@henryrokstad1125]

At least you have some old school metal to save

[@DoonerF]

Man! While watching this video, it was like you were reading my mind. It was crazy. I thought about you leaving the sides open, and you mentioned that. I thought you should split the hood and hinge in the center, and BAM, you did it! Are you sure your not a Texan?! Lol! Great job my friend. You are the Picasso of ratrods! Lol! I’m really enjoying watching you build this.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Harold! As the saying goes, great minds think alike 😁

[@johnnymac1580]

I would have flipped that piece over ⚡️

[@idrisrouxagut8018]

C du très bon travail

[@ratrodsafrica]

Merci!

[@chrisclegg7156]

The bonnets looking good so far , great creative work reminds me of the split bonnet on my Ford Popular . 🤗 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Yes I remember those Populars!

[@djscrews]

Oh no!! Our beloved crooked pointy finger has been injured! 😆😆

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣

[@garycamara9955]

Oh Comer hood. Hmmmmmmmm

[@ArmstrongProds]

Hey Diff! Great looking rat, I really like your creativity! You are one of my favorite builders to watch. I look for you in the feed of subscriptions. The other is HalfAss Kustoms!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro! That is a huge compliment!

[@peterrobins3708]

Great video yet again Diff. Not saying I've got hooke don watching but...but yeah thinking how to have it playing on the big screen (clear wall) in the workshop. Think you should spend 30 seconds a video teaching us an a word or phase of the day in your native tongue. Be handy to know how to say "Cool car man" or "Very clever modification "in another lanugauge Keep on keeping on, keep being you (oh and it's 8th of April 2023 as I type so wishing you & yours a great Easter) Cheers Peter (from Australia)

[@ratrodsafrica]

Happy Easter! You might just get permanent damage if you watch on a big screen! 😂

[@nickreszetar3835]

Very cool, but could you have gotten an original hood from a yard?

[@ratrodsafrica]

Very difficult to find parts for these old vehicles in South Africa

[@transdetendal]

the hood is kalled a cooler helmet translated from danish to denglish but seres same purpose hahaha

[@rickbarger7921]

I wasn't sure where you're going with that hood I guess I'll have to catch on the next one to see how it turns out I take it you don't have the original hood

[@ratrodsafrica]

Correct, the original one was missing and very hard to find one down here

[@davidwall1045]

Seeya

[@brianhaw9398]

New subscriber. Looking good butyou should have kept the old shirt on until the cutting was done. What if you changed your shirt then caught the new one on fire too?👍🇨🇦

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the sub Brian!

[@melvinjacobs5198]

I have to transmission

[@lelleb50]

what weld are you using? it seems very good

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's a Uni-Arc 201. Not one of the big brands

[@fredclements6843]

Hey brother I’m starting to build my rat I’m building it around a ford 300 straight 6 with a 5 speed I’m looking for a old tractor hood bonnet as you say with a dodge min truck hood with a ford 8 bolt rear end im rewatching this because I can’t find a hood that I can afford I’m thinking about making it out of old 93 ford truck parts what do you think!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah man! The essence of rat rods is building with what you can find. Go for it!

[@rickbarger7921]

Looks like you do some pretty cool work there just subscribe to your channel looks like you have a lot of videos that I need to catch up on Thanks for the videos I'll keep watching

[@ratrodsafrica]

Howzit Rick. Thanks for the sub and credit buddy!

[@johnnymac1580]

I’ll bet that isn’t the first plaster your wife has put on for you😂 or your first burned shirt ⚡️its a small price to pay for your fans 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Haha, you right about that!

[@tommcl8548]

👍👊

[@fueladdictiongarage7048]

👍🏻🍺

[@SeansNewWorld]

What part of South Africa are you located?

[@ratrodsafrica]

In the Southern Cape. Small farm near Mossel Bay

[@SeansNewWorld]

@@ratrodsafrica it looks like you have a beautiful piece of land. I'm in the southwest desert part of the United States. I enjoy your videos.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@SeansNewWorld Thanks brother. Very blessed to own this piece of land.😀

[@repairingangel]

Diff I really enjoy watching your videos. They’ve helped me a lot. BUT PLEASE STOP USING YOUR MIDDLE FINGER TO POINT AT EVERYTHING. MY GRAND DAUGHTER STARTS LAUGHING

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣Always great if you can make the grand kids laugh. If she sees my crooked battle scarred index finger, she will also giggle😅

[@davidweidner1675]

You knee "body" to do body work

[@ratrodsafrica]

😅

[@leonardogonzalez3067]

i love you custom fab rats chevy ..but hood job is not good as chop top...sorry

[@ratrodsafrica]

Sorry to disappoint. But it ain't finished yet... give it some time🙂