Description


Topdog Presents: Always Interesting Toys and Models!

 

 

For sale is a vintage hand-painted sign on cardboard, measuring approximately 17" x 12", featuring a unique Rat Rods design with bold graphics of a skull, wrenches, flames, and a hot rod car. The text reads: "Rat Rods - Rusty Tight Turns Wrenches." This one-of-a-kind piece was sourced from an old custom hot rod garage, where it likely served as decoration or a rallying piece for the shop’s culture.

Details and History:

  • Era: Likely dates to the 1970s–1980s, based on the style of art and references to the Rat Rod movement.
  • Purpose: Rat Rods are customized cars, often purposefully aged and "rusty," representing a rebellion against polished, high-maintenance hot rods. This sign embodies the rugged, DIY spirit of the Rat Rod subculture.
  • Condition: The sign shows light wear consistent with age and use, adding to its authentic vintage charm.
  • Material: Sturdy cardboard with hand-painted design.

About Rat Rod Culture:

The Rat Rod movement emerged as a counterculture within the larger hot rod community during the 1980s and 1990s, though its roots trace back much further to the post-WWII era. Unlike traditional hot rods, which were meticulously restored and finished to perfection, Rat Rods embrace an intentionally gritty, unfinished, and "bare-bones" aesthetic.

The philosophy behind Rat Rods is creativity, functionality, and individuality. Builders often repurpose and mix-match parts from various vehicles, incorporating patina, rust, and even unconventional materials to craft cars with unique personalities. Rat Rods became a symbol of rebellion against mainstream automotive trends, focusing instead on affordability and the joy of the build.

Rat Rod culture celebrates nostalgia for the early days of hot rodding, when enthusiasts worked with limited budgets, using ingenuity to create fast, functional cars for racing or street use. Events like hot rod shows and cruise-ins have featured Rat Rods as a prominent subculture, with their owners proudly showcasing their quirky and creative builds.

The skull and wrenches imagery seen on this sign reflects the punk-rock attitude and DIY ethos of the Rat Rod community. Phrases like "Rusty Tight Turns Wrenches" highlight the dedication to hands-on craftsmanship and the pride in creating something entirely unique.

Why Buy This Sign?

This piece would make an excellent addition to any man cave, garage, or vintage automotive collection, especially for those who appreciate custom car culture and the raw creativity of the Rat Rod scene. It’s not just a sign; it’s a tribute to the spirit of ingenuity and individuality that defines Rat Rod enthusiasts worldwide.

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See the photos they part of description

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Flat rate shipping in the US is $12

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Payment

Payments

We add $1 handling fees for every additional item in combined shipping. A total cost of a combined shipping will be calculated based on a  combined parcel weight and current USPS shipping rates.

Payments are due within 7 days of auctions close, no exceptions

We accept PayPal.

Shipping

Shipping in the US
WHEN: We try to ship in 2 days (excluding weekends and holidays).
COURIER: USPS 

International Shipping


WHEN: We try to ship the next day (excluding weekends and holidays)
COURIER: USPS
WHERE: We will ship Worldwide

CUSTOMS FEES if any are buyers responsibility. Customs form will show total you paid by PayPal and price for your purchases. We always mark parcels as "used toys".

Please do not ask us to low declared value, it defeats the whole idea of shipping fully insured parcel.

If you are paying by PayPal parcels with a total value

  • under $750 will be shipped by Registered Mail or First Class International (delivery time up to 4 weeks)
  • or if they weight over 4 pounds  will be shipped FULLY INSURED by Priority Mail (delivery time 6-14 days non guaranteed)
  • over $750 will be shipped FULLY INSURED by Express Mail with a signature confirmation (delivery time 4-7 days)

The International bidders might want to contact us about shipping cost prior to placing their bids.

We will ship to the address listed in your eBay profile under "Shipping Details". It's buyers responsibility to provide a correct shipping address. All returned parcels because of " a wrong shipping address" parcels will be re-sent at the buyer's expense.

Please do not ask us to ship to the address not listed in your eBay profile, we will not do it unless we know you from previous transactions.

Postal Insurance
All domestic parcels with a total over $50 (for Priority mail) and $25 (for First class and Parcel Select) will be insured: $1 per up to $100 of the total (for example if total is $256, postal insurance will be $3)
All International parcels will be insured (no exceptions): $2 per $100 of the total for example if total is $256,
postal insurance will be $6)

Lost & Damaged Claims

For lost parcels, you must wait for 21 days domestic (US) and 45 days for International shipments. For shipments to Italy, you must wait 60 days before filing. Damage claims can be filed immediately. All claims should be submitted within 90 days from the date of shipment. All International parcels will be insured with U-PIC, please do not file a "not received "claim with PayPal, just contact us to resolve your problem.

 

Terms of Sale

Refunds &  Returns
100% Satisfaction Guarantee that the item is original and meets the detailed description! Returns to be made within 30 Days of Receipt (including the cases when parcel was hold at PO by buyer's request), after that a sale considered to be final. Buyer pays return shipping cost.

If item was  damaged in transit you should not return it. You should submit an insurance claim to get a compensation. Please do not send us back broken items. If you need an assistance with your claim please contact us. 

All returned items should have a tracking number and be fully insured.
We reserve right to replace defective item or refund money (less S&H)

Pickups
We do not do any pickups.

As Is
If auction marked "AS IS", it means that Liquest Group Inc. shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness of, or defect in any lots, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. As no warranty is given with any lot, therefore no sale is invalid or avoidable by reason of any fault in any lot or by reason of any lot being incorrectly described (in the ad), and no compensation may be paid for any such fault or error in description or any imperfection not noted.