Registration

• Well-maintained vehicles. Paint & chrome must be presentable and complete. The vehicle must be intact and not a hazard to pedestrians and participants.
• Part primer and part paint are NOT acceptable, nor is mismatched painted body parts except “Patina” (aged look) vehicles approved by organizers. Exceptions will be made for Rat Rods approved by organizers.
• Body damage, visible rust, broken glass, or torn upholstery is unacceptable.
• All vehicles must be street legal unless waived by organizers in writing.
• Upon inspection of a pre-registered vehicle, organizers reserve the right to revoke registration. If revoked, the fee will be refunded within three weeks after the event.
• Vehicles activating hydraulics and/or airbags; open headers, flames from the exhaust; obscene or offensive artwork, signs, stickers, etc. are prohibited.
• No “For Sale” signs are allowed. Discreet decals/paint is allowed.
• No unauthorized bicycles, skateboards, golf carts, go-peds, scooters, or motorized carts are allowed within the event boundary.

• Well-maintained vehicles. Paint & chrome must be presentable and complete. The vehicle must be intact and not a hazard to pedestrians and participants.
• Part primer and part paint are NOT acceptable, nor is mismatched painted body parts except “Patina” (aged look) vehicles approved by event organizers.
• Body damage, visible rust, broken glass, or torn upholstery is unacceptable.
• All vehicles must be street legal unless waived by organizers in writing.
• Upon inspection of a pre-registered vehicle, organizers reserve the right to revoke registration. If revoked, the fee will be refunded within three weeks after the event.
• Vehicles activating hydraulics and/or airbags; open headers, flames from the exhaust; obscene or offensive artwork, signs, stickers, etc. are prohibited.
• No “For Sale” signs are allowed. Discreet decals/paint is allowed.
• No motorcycles allowed.
• No unauthorized bicycles, skateboards, golf carts, go-peds, scooters, or motorized carts are allowed within the event boundary.

RAT ROD VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Quality of Build

The overall construction should adhere to the traditional hot rod spirit, while embracing the raw aesthetic of Rat Rod culture.

Vehicles should maintain an unfinished Rat Rod appearance, capturing the essence of creativity, and individuality, while adhering to safe and sound engineering principles, ensuring structural integrity, proper fabrication, and road worthiness.

Craftsmanship should reflect well-executed welding, assembly, and mechanical reliability, even if components appear aged, worn, or repurposed.

Finish Categories

Rat Rods emphasize an aged, distressed, or unfinished aesthetic, which can be achieved in different ways:

Faux Patina:

• A carefully crafted finish that simulates years of aging, wear, and exposure to the elements.
• Techniques may include distressed paint, artificial rusting, sun-faded graphics, or hand-painted vintage lettering to enhance the old-school vibe.

Original Patina:

• Naturally aged paint with visible surface rust, faded sections, and period-correct wear that tell the vehicle’s history.
• Minor enhancements (clear-coating, light preservation, or blending aged and original finishes) are acceptable.

Rust & Decay:

• Raw, uncoated, or heavily corroded metal surfaces that display the effects of age and neglect.
• Sheet metal may include rust-through holes, pitted areas, and oxidized finishes while maintaining structural safety.
• This category embraces the barn-find, field-rescue, and abandoned vehicle aesthetic while ensuring the vehicle remains safe and functional.