The Rat Rod Wrecker Rolls Out On Beefier Axles!

[@S.S.H.OCT.18-08]

Found out this past Thursday my dad has brain cancer. Out of nowhere we got the news. You never know if you will have tomorrow. Make the best of each day. Life is not as long as you think it is. Sunday is always a great day. Church, Family, Fab Rats, Matt's Off-Road. A relaxing day for sure.

[@travislee3915]

Paul,family and all the KZbinrs out there. My wife is in need of all the prayers we can send up for hear she is my best friend and love of my life. She is having open heart surgery tomorrow and is really appreciate all the prayers. Thanks and keep posting great videos.

[@FabRats]

Prayers sent your way!❤️

[@whocares2227]

Paul, I hope you can use those Tow Hooks that I sent, I took those off of an old Diamond Reo Semi about 35 years ago and they just never found a home on any of my builds. I've been a mechanic for almost 50 years and in my opinion the stuff you do is top notch. (Reminds me of me) :)

[@dalegnodle]

Beautiful! They have character and meaning, and "the look" that you don't get on modern parts. Very cool.

[@davidhecker5000]

You brought back memories my dad worked for a company Driving truck they had an old Diamond T. I love the looks of that truck.

[@vestal2245]

Bromance

[@truenaturestormers2525]

Super cool thanks brother for sending them to the boys. We love ya. 009

[@dons8122]

Old Diamond Reo's. We use to have one on the farm when i was a kid

[@kensrealadventures9047]

Paul, loosing my dad was the hardest day of my life, It’s so awesome how you honor your dad in so many ways, you’re a good man and have a great family

[@calebstory5396]

Amen brother. That was a hard day for me too.

[@calebstory5396]

Amen brother! Same for me...that was a hard day for me too. I'm rebuilding his 1987 Bronco

[@BikingWIthPanda]

if you think losing your dad is hard, try losing a kid. 😩

[@maciasrick454]

@@BikingWIthPanda 😔😔

[@appalachainrider5961]

@@BikingWIthPanda I can't imagine! I am so so sorry!

[@veto8792]

Loved the Grayden commentary when moving the truck. He’s a natural behind the camera.

[@D3S1N3R]

i thought the same! new camera guy Hunter had some sweet angles too. Add in Michelle's editing and music choices, thats some quality programming.

[@TrevorDennis100]

I love it when Grayden and his sister get hold of the camera. They are kind of cheeky, but very funny.

[@n6nvr]

When Grayden is QA he needs to remind his Dad that he has a 75% chance of getting a 50/50 guess wrong when assembling axles and brakes.

[@allenbragg7920]

Great play by play.

[@glennbrown1961]

Landon learnt how to tow "stuff" from his Dad! Enough said!

[@crazyaboutbarton7698]

Lmao made me think monkey see monkey do.

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Nothing " sketchy " with that tow job 🤪🤣🤣

[@marklar7551]

It's called sketchy within acceptable parameters 👽

[@bowbailey69]

I can't wait to see the finished product. If it were up to me, I would call that truck "The Shermanator."

[@asmentko]

I've been watching Fab Rats videos now for about six months and it's changing my perspective on things. Instead of immediately going out and buying a new part, I say to myself, "I've got an eyecrometer, a sawsall, and a BCBS card... so how would Fab Rats address this problem?" Thank you so much for your creativity and good nature!

[@donwilliams3626]

Welcome Hunter. Glad to have you on the team. Swinging a camera around this shop may put you in some interesting spots!

[@anthonydaquino7399]

What happened to the other camera guy.

[@techmikemwo8371]

@@anthonydaquino7399 if you look back at his previous videos he went & started his dream job.

[@timvanasen6711]

Rebuilding your Dad's truck has a special place in my heart as I'm doing the same with my Dad's 1980 K5 blazer he taught me how to offroad in my older brother & I have 5 of Dad's old Chevy truck's all family owned, great video tow truck is on home streatch God bless ❤😀👍

[@GeorgeT6566]

What a great Sunday morning. Hot cup of coffee and Fab Rats to get the day started

[@waynefelker3103]

PAUL FAB RATS IS THE BEST ON KZbin PAL WE LOVE YOU GUYS IN N.C

[@timmcneil906]

Great to see the footage of your Dad Paul, I know he’d be really proud of you.

[@ronaldbirdsong8267]

PAUL I cannot express to you the respect that I have for you and your family this little KZbin channel brings back family traditions kids that are being raised with respect dignity, and you’re also hilarious

[@donnielocklear6318]

You and Ben are awesome! You guys actually completely rebuild stuff from scratch. You impress me and my boys in every video.

[@mustardnotmuscles]

always enjoy grayden cam

[@Bryanja81]

Paul, your dad would be so proud of you and his old wrecker. Great job.

[@eRevere85]

Lost my Dad 4 years ago, I plan on building an Xj like he had. Love this channel and all the people that contribute to it

[@jakwadd]

Perfect time Paul and Co, just got my lunch and time for some sweet sweet Murican content. Much love from the UK ❤️👊

[@jacobrobinson175]

Sunday church coffee and fab rats ahhh love it

[@francesrice7898]

Ben looks like their dad. I think that’s wonderful. Paul and Ben make a great team. This family is awesome. God bless ❤️🙏🙏👍👍❤️

[@elliottscarborough2528]

Still love the fact that two brothers are working on dad's tow truck... God bless y'all

[@MC-re2ry]

Paul & Michelle: Sure seems that you have a nice family. Hats off to you!

[@mikelorenzetto3128]

I watch alot of your videos, (im in BC Canada) and it's very obvious that your an amazing father and had an amazing father. Your children are lucky to have u and your father for the time they did

[@desertgecko4549]

14:02 "I'm blaming Grayden." I love it! ❣Way to go dad for engaging him, even in a silly, playful way. When our kids see us so busily working on something and we still take a moment to let them know they're important, it means the world to them. It means way, _way_ more than even a heartfelt _I love you,_ and we need to show them, not just tell them. You just scored major points as a loving, caring dad. Keep it up! And to whoever might need to hear this, let your kids help even when their help will slow you down. They're willing and eager at Grayden's age, but in a few years it'll be tough to get them to help. The time they spend helping dad at that age is time they'll cherish forever. Also, when they offer you something -- even a cold Mountain Dew when you're not thirsty, or an ordinary pebble they find fascinating -- accept it with gratitude. They have so little to offer besides their time, small physical things, and their unconditional love. Oh, and nice video, Paul. 👍

[@SpatialDragon]

I am glad you guys got some of that rain we got, I am in Wyoming so neighbors.... This whole Western part of the U.S. needs all the rain we can get. Now if we can get them to stop draining the lakes like Mead...

[@IR-nq4qv]

Awesome fab job Paul, its starting to look stout, your dad would be so proud

[@jerryrupe1696]

It's so great that you have videos of you and your father, I have 1 photo with my father and I together, the rest are memories.

[@michaelsimmons6138]

She's coming along nicely good job boys . Ben looks just like your dad Paul has more of your mom but it was good too see there where not to may union breaks you need too get a lock on that mountain Dew ice box 😂 or a tip jar 🤣 . I love how all the kids have there projects going and Paul always takes the time know matter what he's doing to help them when they need it that's what's missing today in most family's it's sad so it is so nice to see it with you guys that's why I love this channel and tell ever body I meet that loves cars and making things thank you from Florida 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@marklar7551]

He should just look for an old vending machine

[@jamesbigham9036]

Paul the tow truck is looking mean and I really like it being part of this process is a lot of fun. I will agree with Ben that Paul does have a good voice when it comes to singing. Keep up the great work everyone

[@bearfoot100]

I think all those saws come out of the same "China Saw Factory". I have a Jet brand. Same saw but painted white. They work. The coolant pump, failed early on, in mine. ** I would recommend, you change out the gear oil in the gear drive. You'll probably see a lot of brass in the oil.

[@kregstory9232]

Hard to loose your parents but you are doing good n honoring your dad. Stay strong. Excellent build. God bless ...

[@scotthortin2282]

Those axles and tires look great

[@mattbrown783]

Grampa sherm would be some happy to see how far that ol beast has come. Miss seeing him on the channel. He got taken way to soon. RIP grampa sherm we miss ya.

[@dragnfli520]

Paul, your positive family dynamic makes me happy to see 😎 Kids are learning so much too!

[@jcnme]

Would Love to see a feature length video on your Dad and your family growing up and all your journeys. Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. We Absolutely Love Y'all ❤️

[@chrisnaaa3378]

hello paul. i noticed when you tightened the rear U bolts. they were not straight. the U bolts will straighten themselves out in time causing them to loosen. you may want to loosen them up straighten them and retighten. i love the direction this truck is going. have a good one.

[@kchididdy]

His hands are his torque wrench. Calibrated every morning.

[@chrisnaaa3378]

@@kchididdy that has nothing to do with my comment. i did not say they were loose. try reading. i said they are crooked.

[@seanwalker3930]

Goooooood morning Fab fam

[@randyperry2124]

Been watching this build from the start and it’s incredible! You have some real competition with that monster Matt’s building! I think there should be different classes like under $50k and over $50k but can’t wait to see all you guys in the tow truck Olympics

[@greezmonkee]

I absolutely love the build your doing in remembrance of your Dad and it has gave me so many ideas on how things could be done. I can’t wait to see how you do the rock sliders and fenders.

[@richardhill4862]

It's really nice when all of the bits start coming together. Think you should put a little dedication plaque to your dad on the truck for luck. Think your going to need another crown vic radiator fan to be able keep that big block cool. Looking forward to see your ideas for how your going to finish off the back area so you can haul all of your stuff.

[@marklar7551]

They should start calling it the Sherman Tank or something

[@angrydingus5256]

@@marklar7551 I was thinking Shermanator, but maybe that's too much lol

[@henryg683]

Paul your so fortunate to have those videos of you with your dad in my day we didn’t have all this video stuff that’s around today and I think it’s great to be able to see all those memories you made with him!!!!

[@karlschwaber9568]

I love the old style valve covers!

[@phillipcave1197]

Grayden is a cool little boy, knows how to talk the talk already. Welcome Hunter.

[@IamTheCajun66]

I'm learning a lot and getting a lot of great ideas from y'all's videos.

[@timweidner3335]

Nice project. I'm glad your showed a little of your dad in this one. His ole square body will be a fun memory maker for sure.

[@tuddsmithers7101]

Looking good, I always enjoy the Graydon cam, He still needs some work on his camera handling but his commentary is stellar! Play through.

[@dezfan]

Tow truck is looking beefy! One of the greatest benefits of your channel is all of the memories you’ve captured. That footage with your Dad is priceless! 👍🏼

[@Handforgeddreams41]

I've been waiting on this video all week.

[@dougalexander7204]

Hi Hunter. You are going to learn a lot try your best to capture the shenanigans of Paul, Ben and the boys. Respect Michelle and their young lady. It’s been said so many times but new to me. “I like it, Picasso.”. Further, rest well dad.

[@hustlinghard8081]

Welcome Hunter! You looked a little nervous the first time being on camera but you will get used to it in no time. Glad they got someone to fill Randall's shoes.

[@anthonydaquino7399]

What happened to Randall

[@hustlinghard8081]

@@anthonydaquino7399 went back to his old job I believe or got a new job. Can't remember which one but regardless he got a different job.

[@matteocarta5564]

Where has Randall gone

[@hustlinghard8081]

@@matteocarta5564 Randall got another job or went back to his old job

[@smeltikozuyesmelti]

My dad and I always talked about getting an old car to put back together. Sadly he was taken by cancer before we could. Its still something that I'd love to do to honor him.

[@Jordan-ws6jy]

It's come along just great! Looking forward to the tow truck Olympics 💪

[@henryg683]

The tow truck is coming together nicely and I’m thinking you’ve already won the competition because of the trucks background and years it’s been in the family!!!!

[@cottonmouth71]

I cant wait to see that thing in action -pretty dang cool !! Ya'lls skill at builting these bomb proof rock crawlers are really amazing/inspireing !

[@GordonatVeloHangar]

Love the addition of Hunter! I was wondering the other day which episode he was introduced. Stoked to find it. The banter is so good. Thank you.

[@einarschwentke7813]

Paul you have whats called “cosine error” on your dial indicator. Its interfacing the gear at a 45 degree angle so your play measurement isn’t accurate. Essentially, With the indicator at that extreme angle, your gear is moving twice as far as the indicator is saying. You need to have your indicator set up so it’s taking a direct linear measurement.

[@gailtaylor1636]

Dad was in woodworking in high school. Instructor was an arrogant bastard. Just looking for ways to beat the kids down. They had to make a nightstand for a grade. Dad made a mistake and cut every 45* at 42 or "something". Realized his mistake and told the instructor. Instructor gleefully said "CLAMP IT UP...LET'S SHOW THE WHOLE CLASS WHAT YOU DID WRONG!" Clamped. Instructor stabbed square in expecting that ugly sound when it hits only one surface, NOPE! Thunk, thunk, thunk. She was dead square. PERFECT! Instructor said SOB! GLUE IT UP! He was crushed cause every mistake complimented each other. My point is, Paul has been making same mistakes, and adjusting to suit, but it all works just fine. Not saying you are wrong. Sometimes you just have to shrug & move on.

[@pat8988]

That cosine error is exactly what I saw. Having worked as a machined parts & tooling inspector for 45 years, I tear my hair out when I see people making mistakes like that. 😀 Even Wikipedia has a page on cosine error!

[@einarschwentke7813]

@@pat8988 Thanks Pat. As a machinist for 25 years I have eagle eyes for these types of things and try to pass on friendly advice when i can. I will have to check out that Wikipedia page! Cheers :)

[@bkind2182]

I realize that ARB's are your go to but they often seem to have trouble... Love the build and watching you and your family interact while you get stuff done. Thanks for sharing with us👍😊...

[@JamesBrown-hv1xu]

I love seeing your dad in your videos ❤ Thank You! Please stay safe! 🙏❤🙏😎

[@DougGleich]

Love the build coming together, wheels and tire choice is on point!

[@jeffreymurdock8366]

Man seeing you tightening up those u bolts brought back memories of me as a kid helping my dad swap out the rear end on our old van. He had a habit of having me break loose and tighten bolts when he couldn't get the bolts to turn because even at 13 I could lift more weight than he could at the drop of a dime and I didn't lift weights and he did. I was a natural strong. God I miss working on cars with my dad. He's still around but he doesn't work on cars anymore.

[@stanschmitz5566]

I've been watching ya'll for a good while now. Really makes for a good day to see when a new video is up. Very entertaining stuff.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Love seeing kids be kids. I grew up bailing wire things together and trying to keep stuff running.

[@gabesharrock]

Tow trucks looking sweet! Your dad would love it. You guys are awesome!

[@kennyking6325]

I love father son teams! The editing was superb on this video!

[@jonesboyshunting8673]

That's going to an awesome rig once it is done. Keep up the great work.

[@golfmike304]

I am always amazed by your talent. Your Dad did an amazing job teaching you as you are your sons. There is nothing like the school of hard knocks to make it sink in. Love watching your channel and learning as I go. I am wanting to put some lockers in my O1 Sequoia and you make it look so easy, due to the amount of them I am sure you have done. I miss seeing the name that part with Michelle. Those always entertained. She is so funny.

[@davidhecker5000]

Hi, Ben

[@tammylott921]

THE OL MAN IS PROUD OF YOU PAUL ,, WE THE PEOPLE ,, SURE ARE ....

[@Tek0nn]

I've always found that drilling a pilot hole just slightly larger than the chisel edge on the size drill bit you want to use works wonders. Those stepper bits look awesome and I might have to try some out!

[@brapbrapmafucka]

That way your entire cutting lip is into the workpiece. If u drill the pilot too big its very hard on drillbits. If im not mistaken textbook says to make the pilot just big enough to clear the web of the final drill size. But good luck doing that without a rugged powerful mill. Hand drilling and cheap drill presses will need incremental drilling probably

[@marvincarter870]

Paul and Ben are coming along with the Rat rod tow truck getting the rear axle finished and installed this will make a big difference! Now the rock sliders can be installed so that fenders etc can be installed. The disc brakes are awesome and a good asset to the truck. No dually's on the rear axle I'm surprised because it is a tow truck? Paul and Ben will test it and see if they need to change this when it goes into recovery's. Be good to see the Elevation guys back doing the hydraulics and then onto Chad to do his magic! Good job to all and welcome aboard to Hunter Cox!

[@hogswaddle]

I can't wait for the end product!

[@terrallputnam7979]

So glad to see you work with your brother and your whole family is involved in the business. Glad to see you honor your dad. I am sure he taught you much of what you know. I also appreciate your humility. You are not afraid to admit it when you mess up. We all mess up, but many people are afraid to admit mistakes. That is how we learn! Great work as always! I really enjoy your videos as they are always family friendly and educational.

[@thedave513]

Winning!

[@addisonlarsen4495]

See I learned a lot from my dad... when it was his project. I wish my dad had gone out and done my projects with me/ would look at what I was doing and say something like "what could go wrong". He's a good man but I lost my best friend to depression early in my life. Keep doing what your doing👍 it makes me happy to watch

[@roygotham]

Looking great 👍 and excited to hear and see it on the move!! Thanks for sharing 👀

[@paengsolo2047]

Tow truck is a badass and its getting closer to be working.

[@race10ss]

I’ve been a mechanic for years but you’ve given me more confidence. I recently picked up a r30 cab chassis with an 84” cab to axle. I’ve always wanted a 4x4 square Dually I’m current planning on putting a drw 60 up front with the ord brackets and cutting it down to a 60” cab axle (the 11’ flat bed is ugly). A year ago I would of never had the confidence to cut 24” out of a frame.

[@jasonstrout4502]

@FabRats These are the comments I like reading in the replies. Mostly be this channel has given me confidence in my abilities too keep it up guys.

[@rogermacdearmid4380]

Paul, I do love hearing you speak of your father with such respect and adoration. You and he obviously had a special relationship. I’m a car guy, gear head, and my dad was a mechanic his whole life, but alas, our relationship was not like what you and your dad had. I wish I had had that same kind relationship. You’re a luck man, and it’s so great to see passing this passion down to your boys. Well done good sir.

[@RickSorrels]

I notice even with the new horizontal saw you still do not use lubricant to save your blades. Try soluble oil. Looks like it has the tube to bring the soluble oil to the blade by a pump.

[@williepelzer384]

To messy for me cutting pipe or tubes runs out both ends.

[@brapbrapmafucka]

Its the clean up before welding that makes most of us cut dry

[@michaelhuven5659]

Paul you can still here the hurt/love in your voice when you talk about your dad!!

[@darrtoo5767]

Hey Paul, if that rainwater is coming in under the roller doors you might have to dig a French drain type setup along the front of the workshop to divert said rainwater. Tater’s gonna have to build them muscles so he can start working on those diffs. No free rides kid 😂😂😂😂😂 Anyway, I’m loving the videos mate & I’ve been here from the beginning! Cheers from Aust Darren 🍻👍🏻🇦🇺🇦🇺😎🏝⛳️

[@Catholic647]

Well at least when you make a mistake you carry on and smile and get her done right you're a good man Paul and a good fabricator thanks for the great show.

[@scotthancock5240]

Paul put in a word for Merlin we want to see him in the tow truck Olympics

[@dioad1739]

Yes we do Merlin’s cool.

[@graememckay9972]

his is too big but its a beast I'd like to see compete anyway.

[@jaywebb3105]

Surely Merlins wrecker is no bigger than Matt's

[@cottonmouth71]

@@jaywebb3105 agree...they look like they are prety close to the same from here !

[@Seattle808]

100% we want to see Merlin in the tow truck Olympics

[@bettyhendrickon2730]

Man if you did everything perfect I probably wouldn't even watch we are human. God bless you and your family

[@jameshicks4831]

Hey Paul have you ever though of putting an porch owning on the front over your garage doors 4 foot out and 2 foot wider than each door with a gutter and a downspout that would stop the flooding every time it rains. I hope this helps.

[@marklar7551]

And when you get water like that do you grab some Dawn dish soap and a stiff push broom to clean up residual fluids? Dawn does help ake grease out of your way. Push squeegees are handy too, if ya don't already have them

[@scottwest5013]

Love watching this channel. I grew up and spent most my life working on trucks, jeeps and old Mopar like my brothers 73 Challenger with my brother Terry and my Dad . They are both in heaven now. So watching you boys work together brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye .

[@JamesGolding1]

Cousin Merlin HAS to BE Invited to the Tow truck Olympics!

[@tjtobin86]

Very cool project. As someone who wrenches on the weekends, it's always fun to watch you do this stuff and see what you come up with!

[@detroitdiy]

The wreaker is looking good, tire rim combo is sweet looking. Curious to see what you are going to do with the front fenders. Thanks for the great content. Welcome hunter, camera work was awsome.

[@TrzCharlie]

Nice edit Michelle. You're still making these guys look like they know what they're doing. Paul, having film of you and your Dad together is priceless. I have photos of my Dad and his voice on tape from when he sent them to me in Vietnam. But seeing his image and to hear him speaking at the same would be so freaking great. He was my hero and WWII highly decorated Navy Gunner. He has been gone for 30 + years and I still think of him on a daily basis. Retain those memories and pass them on to your kids. Those wheels and tires are awesome. I am living off road vicariously through you. Thanks for all the great videos, I love them and look forward to them.

[@raymondbeaurivage2320]

Paul & Ben looking great, but don't recall seeing any fluid being added to the rear dif.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

What a great mechanical background and foundation for education, for Paul's kids! They will be able to accel at any trade! ... I hold several trades, and ALWAYS had work any time I wanted it in the last 50 years! and at decelt pay too! AND I also had off any time off when I wanted. My wife and I Raised 4 kids, and paid the bills all those years, My wife never worked until the last kid was 10 years old too!

[@seandurgin]

I would like to see a video of you cleaning and organizing the yard. Keep Up the good work!

[@philthy63612345]

Thumbs up for Grayden Cam.

[@brianmiller1098]

Chad doing your wiring, keeps the smoke genie out of the equation!

[@marklar7551]

I am pretty sure we saw him pop in for a visit while they were speeding through something.

[@frediefarmer]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 coming together nicely

[@damonlawson2117]

Sweet rig can’t wait to see the you do a burnout 🔥

[@marklar7551]

They need to pour an apron out in front of the shop soon so they can get stuff in and out easier and do their burners outside with the door shut

[@JoeMama-cl8cm]

I appreciate how you guys are solid family guys. I really enjoy your channel because it’s one I can watch with my wife and kids and not worry about filthy language flying all over. Thanks for being stand up guys.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY!

[@iFNhU]

I can tell you how I do first if ya want.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

@@iFNhU I'm on a 10yr-old chromebook with iffy internet, may not be possible!!!! It's still a fun game!!

[@stevendimick7781]

Grayden Cam Rocks!