Satan's Rat-Rod: 1931 Ford - /BIG MUSCLE

Owner:
• Henry Kessler
The engine is out of a 1952 Diamond-Reo tractor and makes 1,640 lb-ft of torque. The chassis is pieced together from old light poles from the City of Hollywood. The body... that's from a 1931 Ford. Meet Gretchen, one of the coolest rat-rods we've ever seen and a ride that turns heads wherever it goes. This ain't no hybrid, instead it's a black smoke belching, gasoline guzzling, animal of a car that's not only amazing to look at, but with some cool hidden engineering, has the ability to surprise even the most hardened of motor-heads.

[@dylanstassen1058]

Wow. A straight six that makes 1600 ft/lbs of torque? 1,000,000 miles and never been cracked open? And it's a 31' Ford engine and trans? If that doesn't say "they don't make them like they used to" then I'm not quite sure what does...

[@v8consumption]

Dylan Stassen my honda has close a million. and cost about 50 bucks for the engine.

[@dylanstassen1058]

it does not cost $50 for the engine. I own one and it costs a little more than that.

[@v8consumption]

Dylan Stassen d16's in my area go for about 100 bucks and I picked my engine up for 25 bucks spends abour 40 on new bearings and still running in my car making 400hp on ethanol runs 120mph

[@dylanstassen1058]

Right... That's bull. How do I know? I fuckin own one. They're not in the $25-$100. Nor will they go over 1 million miles.

[@v8consumption]

Dylan Stassen dude I'm a fabricator and work on 500hp hondas and 1000hp vw every day. I know alot more than your dumb ass would ever know.

[@Zchef85]

Come on mike, there is no way that thing makes 1,640 lb-ft don't believe everything people tell you. Just do the math! to make 275 hp with that much torque you would be looking at peak power at around 880 rpm, likes to rev? right...

[@Inimbrium]

Maybe at the wheels with a low range gearbox?

[@nezerac]

This guy gets it. Build a car you can drive and enjoy instead of count the dollars you wasted. I know some people are gonna disagree but this is why honda is FINALLY starting to make a bit for sense to me. Buy a clapped out civic, slap a h22 in it, race it and enjoy it until something terrible happens to it (which inevitably WILL happen). Then go out and buy another one and do it all over again.

[@jasonfifi]

nezerac my current project(it's sometimes been my daily) is a bluetop H23 swapped db8 integra sedan. it's got an H22 trans and torsen lsd in it right now, but i'm looking for a scrap crv to source parts out of so i can make it awd.

[@nezerac]

Jason Fifi sounds like a pretty interesting build. You gonna post vids on it? All the work that goes into something like that would be a pretty damn good watch. lol

[@jasonfifi]

nezerac yeah, i've shot some video as i've been working on it. coilovers are going on this week, i've lightly modded the "splash shields" in the fenders, so they only cover the gap that goes back to the door(without them, water gets into the car through the doors, but with them, you can't fit big rubber under the car)... when it's "done" i'll post some stuff.

[@nezerac]

Jason Fifi I know it's annoying but you should set up a camera and just do some narration. Explaining what you're doing and why you're doin it. It makes for interesting vids for other guys doing similar projects. Sounds like it's gonna be an awesome build too. Gonna sub to your channel

[@jasonfifi]

nezerac word, i absolutely will. i use my zoom audio/video field recorder to shoot wide-views of the process when i have any time at a stretch to work on it. i'm probably going to be holding off on the awd rear swap/build for a bit, just to get the biggies off the list. after an AC install, gutting interior is on the list, and once or twice a month, i roller it with a different color of thinned-down rustoleum paint, so when it's "done" i can sand it down to reveal kind of detroit agate style fucked-up paint.

[@58mustang8]

Interesting car, but why all the bullshit? That REO Gold Comet engine cranks out a staggering 145 hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. This is according to the R.E. Olds Museum in Lansing. BTW, the first Diamond REO was built in 1967 when Diamond T and REO merged. In 1952 it was a REO

[@alexisonfire72]

these kinda videos make me so fuckin unbelievable jealous, love the usa for theyre traffic law and no fuckin TÜV, in germany you will probably get in jail if you put a car like that in traffic !! and a nice owner too !!

[@ScottHillsmusclecargarage]

I was at The Good Guys Car Show, with my Shelby on Sunday, November 17. There was a father and a eight-year-old kid. That was drooling over the car. Well I told the kid to get in the car and to get a picture. His eyes lit up like crazy. That was just great. You have to pass it down to the next generation. This video reminded me to do that. Thanks for posting and remembering to spread the car love.

[@Boana69]

When you let a random sit in a car that their admiring, it just makes their day 100% better, if anyone wanted to sit in or even come for a lap round the block in my cobra i would absolutely let them :) what's life without a little bit of enjoyment and good will :P

[@craigquinby6162]

I let kids set in my cars. It makes the kids day

[@xmo552]

@@Boana69 About 15 years ago I managed an O'Reilly. There was a customer that would come in all the time in a Viper. One time I jokingly told him that he should let me drive it. He said, "yeah, sure, whatever, next time." And he left. Within 20 minutes he had gone home, traded cars, and returned with the Viper just to let me drive it. As an adult I had never been so giddy. I'm currently in the market for one.

[@charliekiger]

I've been pulling wrenches for years, and I just got so excited watching this and hearing how cool the guy is about it. This thing is the tits.

[@AMMO-NYC]

Mike is the shit! Love it

[@allanfroehlich4956]

I own a Prius and that car does not piss me off at all.

[@oldenough3814]

If you drive a Prius then your opinion doesn't matter... Grow a pair

[@Towert7]

"It's goal is to piss off prius drivers and scare kids". Hell yea, CA needs more people like this!

[@Jozavenue]

they have atot

[@patrickdecarvalho4754]

Doing some simple math, I find the 1600 lb/ft of torque to be very unlikey. To make only 275 hp, it would make its peak power at only 900 rpm, at which point the torque drops off faster than the rpm can rise. This thing is clearly revving and cruising around at much higher rpm than that and it would be slower than a prius if it ran out of power at 900 rpm, no matter how much torque it makes.

[@c.k.8310]

the crazy thing is, that its true

[@jackallen6261]

+Patrick Decarvalho Diesel engine, low rpm and crazy torque.

[@mcearl8073]

Jack Allen it's a gas engine though

[@Towert7]

Big high five guys. This video was great!

[@freakineagle]

"THAT IS ONE BAD ASS RIDE...MY KIND OF ROD"! "COUPEZILLA"..THANKS

[@payer2410]

this is cool but Bone Shaker is cooler, no hot rod can beat Bone Shaker

[@tone4388]

You know, what the guy was talking about, with the car show thing, reminded me that this year at Hot August nights in reno, a guy, with a really sick looking like, impala or something like that, was talking to my dad and I about the paintjob, then said "Hey, go ahead and open the door, take a look at the inside of the door" and I was like, "Wait, really?" and he laughed.

[@tomjohn3879]

Love this episode! Would love to see it driven through D.C. on earth day!

[@alexmatthews2332]

This is killer and his philosophy about getting the youth into hot rods is great, really nice to hear. The cool factor is just that, people like it because its awesome, not flawless.

[@balajiiyengar4]

That's a car which means it's business, "no show business bitch" kinds yet the show stopper if not that crowd wouldn't have stopped... That guy wouldn't have ran to it. A motor which does move the body and soul... A build which is bulletproof... A lovely owner who says throw your kid in...that's how you get the next generation to the car culture... Hat's off attitude. Thanks for sharing this lovely machine..Cheers!!

[@bosshogg2803]

I agree. Also, "I like the next generation" a man of true car spirit., pass it along.

[@kelleywilliams795]

,w

[@TYTY2500]

268 prius owners have watched this video

[@robroy5573]

Are you among the 268 Prius owners?... Why?....

[@TYTY2500]

when i watched the video, there were 268 dislikes.... i drive a camaro ss

[@lolz99811]

T. Sorochinsky still a pussy

[@LandAnchor]

Think that’s pronounced ‘Pius’

[@skypartridge1279]

Lol cali egos....bigger than the state itself.

[@smualoha]

That is one wild rat rod!! I visited Los Angeles but could never find that Hollywood sign..Where is this picture taken? It's perfect!

[@HPzombies]

Anybody else see the car in the back at 5:07 ?

[@KCJbomberFTW]

Yes! It looked pretty sweet as well I think it was a chopped bel air

[@riothero313]

HPzombies Good eye maybe an old lead sled?

[@ziiofswe]

+HPzombies Possibly the same showing up just after 9:58 ?

[@sr633]

Cops in our state would have a field day on this rat rig. Front obscured license plate, exposed tires all way around, no wipers, bad emissions. I like it a lot !!

[@masteriveyletsplay2339]

I want your life.

[@waylandjennings4073]

Thumbs up to the guys who build and drive stuff like this, and who "get it". I love these people whose comments focus on safety, gas mileage, and emissions compliance. Why are you even watching this? Get back in your Highlander, drive home, and finish watching Oprah.

[@ARMASARMY]

love it... freaking LOVE ITTT... fuck prius

[@DranweRagetotem]

IF satan din come up to earth, his car would definately be made out of corpses.... -_- and gods car would be made out of well, oh wait he don't need a car, he just flys on the clouds, * I AM NOT A RELIGOUS DUDE WHO COMPLAINS * i think that would happen instead if they do exist, #ATHEISTDUDEIAM

[@tommynorthwood]

Having a mind to say IF, frees you from the constraints of an atheist mindset. Good start. pile drive finish tho😉

[@PgnGbltr]

i would have thought its a diesel

[@HunterM430]

it isnt lmao? whys it spit black smoke then???????

[@PgnGbltr]

my thoughts exactly! but they said it was a gas motor.

[@joshfixedgear8212]

Hunter430 maybe its burning oil

[@Knivesandstuff4]

ALL unburnt fuel is black

[@HunterM430]

Knivesandstuff4 well now i know haha

[@poasei]

Girls...girls.....stop fighting!and brush your curly blond hair.

[@Bayan1905]

Please pull up next to a Chevy Volt and wind that sucker right up. I bet they'll wet themselves.

[@koopatroopa187]

I understand why people think people who drive economical cars will have a shit fit when they see something like that, but is it unreasonable to believe that some people who drive economical cars also enjoy hot rods? It makes no sense to drive a hoopty every day. If you want to drive a rat rod every day to work then that's cool with me as I love seeing them on the roads, but I'm way beyond the point in my life where I can tolerate being stuck in a loud ass car with no AC in rush hour traffic.

[@MotorCycleTheray]

Yeah that really is a HotRod, it's not a show car style of HotRod which everyone thinks should be a HotRod, it's what hot rodding should be. Modified Cars, Muscle Cars, HotRodding all comes from guys like this who built the car from different pieces and made that car run and it's in your face, it's loud and burns a tonne of oil, gas etc. This really is a stand out guy with Godfather type of personality, he even inspires the younger people with sharing the experience at shows. Not up himself, this is the example of HotRod and the owner is the guy you want showing it off.

[@VitaliyBondar777]

Dear friend, this is our site - we are engaged in manufacturing buggy more years

[@RamblinAround]

Great car and a cool guy too.

[@importrazcer]

nice video, why is no credit given to the builder and fabricator Ian Roussel of Way Kustom?

[@katiedewey5028]

Beautiful would not change a thing about that car. And kudos to the driver for being a geared and letting people "drool on it".

[@Mad9977]

that looks like a fun car to drive =D

[@CBooze176]

Love it. I see Henry around at the local weekend hangouts and car shows. Really cool guy with an even cooler Rat Rod.

[@WOB1010]

Yea, I'd like to have a car that smokes and pukes oil, drives like crap, tops in at 45 and gets 5 miles a gallon...or maybe a Porsche.

[@Bastacat]

Or maybe you just don't care how it looks,as long as it goes like mad. I'd take this over any supercar any day as long as i could live with it on day-to-day bases,just because it's unique in as many ways as possible.

[@mercurycyclone]

A Porsche? Want a purse to go with that?

[@BrasspineappleProductions]

These cars are true original craftsmanship. I live in South-west Florida and I met an awesome guy named BILL WENDT and he has one of these cars he built.

[@TheGel69]

I am usually not a big fan of those cars but this one man what a package!!!!

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Ha ... .that is soo cool... my builds are not as cool but I'm working on it! LOL

[@fishtankfreak]

Thanks for posting that! I tried explaining that diesels are some of the most efficient vehicle's on the road to an environmentalist, and it was no use.

[@danielhoffman2299]

That thing is beautiful in these old eyes..1600 Ft/lbs

[@47485ksc]

+/DRIVE I got one of those 2 pulley generators (31.5 pounds) out of a 1961 International ambulance on my garage floor. It's on Craigslist for $20 (!) but no takers. One idiot wanted it to use for camping and I asked him how he was going to spin it. He thought it was for AC volts! Dipstick...

[@47485ksc]

+/drive Not to nit pick but a water truck isn't "farm equipment". It's soil stabilization equipment which would be classified under "construction equipment" or "industrial". Nothing to do with agriculture.

[@ldmcnutt]

That is sick. I was thinking of doing a factory five 33 ford coupe, but after seeing, this, I'm rethinking my path. A 275 hp tractor motor could be cooler than a 600 hp chevy lsx 454!

[@ThePostal67]

Thanks a lot, why would it PISS off a Prius Driver like me?? I would love that thing, but I would add a roll bar and belts, I ain't stupid, I lost a brother because of no belt.. You need to bash new things fine, but don't bash the people that drive them.. At 65 MPG, I will be laughing as I pass you parked in the gas station..

[@MaxAC]

The steel toe scoops were from Ian Roussel's rat rod. From the dvd Hot Rods and Rat Rods back from the dead.

[@kscorer2]

1600 ft pounds my arse

[@jackallen6261]

+kscorer2 Diesel engine from a Diamond Reo, think big rig engine here.

[@FASTdeliveryBOY]

Tractor Motors were not built for horse power, they were built for Torque, High Torque does a LOT less wear then High Horsepower.. I doubt this thing generates 275 Horsepower though, or 1640 Ft Lbs of Torque, something was forgotten on the Dyno that day... I think the Gear Ratios/Rear Diff Ratio was incorrectly inputted on that day... But yeah, 1640 Ft Lbs of Torque... The case never cracked open and I am not seeing any obvious Performance Modifications..... I am sorry, I just can't bring myself to believe that it generates 1600 Horse Power from the engine alone... Beautiful car, cool owner but.. I am sorry, but I have just never heard of such a high Torque engine... from the 1950s. I mean the amount of wear that HAD to have occurred... IDK.. Maybe it is Satan's Hotrod.. Only explanation... >.

[@cybertree]

Holy f*ck! If engineering and art mated on a honeymoon of badassery, this would be it's spawn. This monster is beautiful...

[@smpstech]

Heh. That's a Continental OA331/REO Gold Comet gas engine. Makes 148HP and 330lb-ft. This guy just seems to be full of crap so his rat rod seems more interesting. Heim joints off a Lear jet, huh? Yeah, sure. 1,000,000 miles on the engine, OK. Fencing for the leading/trailing arms (which he likes to call wishbones,) that looks a lot like normal DOM tubing, mmm hmm.

[@Vothtrucks]

Hey , If thats the best you can do.......go for it. ! Every 5th car I build leaves me with enough parts to build one rat rod. Fun.

[@47485ksc]

If Jay Leno met Jethro Bodine, you'd get this car. Now, to Granny's still to fill this sum bitch up!

[@STIRKDAWG]

COOL BEYOND BELIEF but after actually watching the vid, it seems that the thing could work better. I mean, he doesn't want to be comfortable steering, clutching or braking the thing? Not talkin' "creature comforts", just simple workmanship.

[@randall1959]

I feel the same way about both of mine. Of course put your kid in it. Put him ON it. I don't care. Both of my vehicles are meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not looked at and untouched.

[@Divinatio666]

"Let’s lift the hood and check out the legendary “Gold Comet” engine. If I got it right, it had 331 cubic inches and 128 hp. That should get me down the highway at about 50-55, depending on the gearing." www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1952-reo-f-22-dump-truck-i-can-dig-it/

[@traversfinnerty6113]

I love this video this car and most importantly the owners demeanor

[@shawnal1965]

1st off..that guy Henry K DID NOT build that car, he bought it already done... It was orig built by Brett AKA.. Big Schwag ( I have pics to prove it). I hate when people take credit for someone else work.

[@Kenny22852]

That’s a REO/Continental OA-331 aka Gold Comet engine. It makes nowhere near 275hp and 1640lb-ft of torque. More like 145hp and 270lb-ft.

[@Tannerite4targets]

My 2007 ih 9900 ix eagle makes 2200 ft lbs of torque and with a slight adjustment of the ECM it makes 700 hp. It is an inline 6, 15.0 liter. 500 ft lbs of torque idle on that rat rod is not anything too groundbreaking, it's a semi engine.

[@jaratt85]

that things sick. I've always said that if I ever have kids their first cars will have built 4.9L straight six Fords. Whether its an old F1 or F100 or maybe even a bug rod. Big straight sixes sound great. I mean look at Leno's old Bentleys and whatnot.

[@jsuds12]

KILLER ride, I Love it! Anyone that rips on it, has ZERO idea what its like to dream and build a car from not only scratch but from parts of god knows what kicking around. Props to the owner, Great job and I agree the best way to get the next generation into cars is by putting your kid in things like this or other hot rods. Exotic cars are for posers with more money than brains. Any one with that cash can buy an exotic. Very few can build something as bad ass as this.

[@peekabooiseeyou4947]

This is just to much BS for one day. Old street light poles, and 1640 Ft Lbs of torx, A millions mile on an old ass 6cyl run on old style motor oil, Somebody's been smoking to much bud.

[@chefgiovanni]

Old school rat rod. Nice job. Even the kids like it.

[@boradone1]

this car reminds me of my current daily driver an 80 Mercedes 280se with a factory Inline 6 gas motor blows black smoke every were she goes but well do 140 when u want it to and running on 40psi compression dont ask how our best guest is its mechanical fuel injected and has over 1/2 a million miles on her literately and fires up and runs every time.

[@drewbolender888]

HOLY SHIT...

[@niklasnotgreta]

Better with Greta bound on the bonnet. 😉

[@duncancox2243]

I owned a '31 Ford. Hard to see what part of that car is from a '31. Maybe the cowl? Certainly not the body. My guess is they got a '31 Ford title and that's why they claim it's a '31 Ford

[@adoreslaurel]

Amazing that you can escape without mufflers. must sound like a dozen Harleys under acceleration, you must have wonderful police departments over there.

[@magna59]

Amazing ......... the tank on the wrong side of the fire wall ........ well it ' s only 6 US gallons , so your only burnt to a crisp six times over .

[@waswestkan]

While it''s an unique build, I'm not sure a car that's a chore and uncomfortable to drive is great build. Although I'm not coverned what floats someone boat if it's doesn't effect me.

[@darinvierth1679]

Great car. Yeah, I know I'm late to this party but whatever. Lol. I'm the same way. I let kids get in my truck for pics all the time. Absolutely makes their day and plants that seed...

[@jimmystikx]

I get similar reaction driving my bone stock '53 M-37

[@Blackflag920]

I always find it very small minded when these car guys recite the hybrid hate cliches. I have a passion for speed too, but the only way cars are going stand the test of time is by using less fossil fuels. Look, you can get a hybrid or electric anything today. Gas prices are on the rise and you can be certain they will only keep going up from here. Unless this guy takes an interest in bicycles, he better learn to like some hybrid technology.

[@nickb8257]

I have never been a Hot Rod guy but these kind of Rat Rods that are made of (mostly) period parts, period motors, etc are great! (Much better than fancy paint, chrome everywhere and modern seats).

[@michaelpike1704]

The really bizarre thing is how people prefer to drive vehicles own vehicles that are stamped out by a freaking printing press in China these are the preferences they wouldn't look they would look at your car like a pile of junk even though it's probably the f****** coolest thing rolling around at the moment in that part of town

[@doriannritter2615]

The ultimate FFFck-Greta-car!

[@lawrencedavis801]

Rad-Rod 1931 Ford you said same thing I would have "I want one" a very unique ride.I just love it, something you don't see every day.

[@jamieoconnor8692]

A perfect example of what can be done with what most folks see as trash. True vision from the gifted gives the world something startling and provocative. I love it.

[@georgemerusi299]

I think Id rather just cut the top off the 52 Diamond Reo and drive the truck around. Just as cool and probably a 10th the price to own. :)

[@N-Scale]

Gotta love the attitude , the owner and the look. Coolest thing since sliced bread and 25 cent gas. Mike

[@ncsokli7206]

Imádnám Amerikát! Ott egy ilyet le lehet vizsgáztatni és közlekedni vele. Próbálnád meg ezt Európában bárhol, simán kiröhögnének a közlekedési felügyeleten!

[@Carpaccio88]

lol death machine. But so cool, I would have one and drive through the city for the reactions.

[@jeremiahalling3885]

a diamond reo is a semi tractor truck. think 18 wheeler and yes it really makes that power some of the best trucks in their day. I love this thing I think I know where a few diamond t trucks are. badass build.

[@turbogrin]

Another Great one Guys and Gals ! Oh, 124 Thumbs down, what a bunch of Prius drivers! LOL

[@timwegman5776]

Amazing car i love rat rods for just that reason you can enjoy them and not worry about a scratch but even better is the story behind every dent and crazy odd ball part. How do they say built not bought well we know that's the truth here right. Well done my friend well done.

[@serieshh9336]

I didn't even know the city of los angeles sold old street light poles. As far as I know, they stay in service, unless bent beyond repair. The real old ones were cast out of cement, and still in service.

[@70goldtop]

I'm sorry but to me it's a stupid piece of shit. A really nice high end 460 T-Bucket would put this to shame.

[@stevebrinkley1]

THIS IS THE KIND OF CREATIVITY I tell people about when they ask me what a Rat Rod is.It Looks like it'll never go down the road but it is rock solid engineering and build quality,Great job!

[@amytheleprechaun281]

Aaaaaaaaaa!! What a lovely car! Reminds me a time when comparison injuries, was the only way to decide who had had the most fun ;-)

[@Shenmoki]

Rat rods i think are the best cars on the planet. They're like cheap AMG Mercs, they love fun, they love joking around and just having a great time and making a huge scene of it.Only rat rods have the most character out of any cars on the road. And you laugh every single time you drive it. Like Jeremy Clarkson has said many times, when you're in a Ferrari or a Lambo all you do is stress out about if it's okay, in this, you just go for it for the fun of it. It's wonderful.

[@Dr_Xyzt]

It costs a lot money to make things like this become compliant. Also, you have to keep in mind that after a while, the desire for an "It can do everything" car dies off. Clunky vehicles like this are nice in a way. It's a sense of occasion. It makes every drive special. I've got a fast 450cc fourwheeler that does everything, but I still also ride a 30 year old 80cc with no brakes. It's like a special occasion. Older vehicles make you take your time, and make good driving decisions.

[@TheGDFP]

I call BS... How did it go from the 650lb/ft of torque on the show display sign, to 1640?

[@ModelCarHobbyist]

I build model cars and was working on my 29 Ford roadster tonight and thought about putting big rig tires on the back. I decided to look up rat rods and found this episode. Thank you for doing these drives. I now know what I'm going to do to my rat rod. Great content. I just subbed!

[@ztwntyn8]

I want to see a bucket vid but your commercial is off putting. The car likely sucked from the looks of the engine... wow

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Its kind of old making fun of prius owners now, its just normal people trying to get around the outrageous futures-trading price of oil now. This thing is pretty cool, but you're kidding yourself if you think its not perfectly at place in hollywood, thats exactly what a rich hollywood kid would buy and drive around, probably where this creation is headed

[@timwegman5776]

Holly shit I need this car in my life. Over a million miles that's awesome I definitely need this I commute 300 miles per day for work so I rack up a million or so every decade or so, I'm also old a rusty so mye and this car have alot in common this car is a perfect fit for me I need it

[@LPtheDESTROYER]

Bad as f$&k, but could do with a frshen up on the motor... Touch irresponsible..Hate to be That guy

[@jackthecat6225]

Teh strategy with the gas tank is when you collide with something in front, the engine will be pushed back and crush the gas tank that will set it on fire with one explosion, thus blowing you out of the vehicle to safety.

[@roboman3678]

thats a cool car and the fab in it must have been a long process i would like ot do a project like that but build it a bit safer put the gas tank in the back and make a stronger frame for that monster bit of torque and up the horse power to 550 or 600 and put a 32 ford body on it thats what i would do