SWANSEA, Mass. — Brenton Productions, producers of Two Guys Garage on SPEED, is on a mission to show viewers how to build a safe, road-worthy “Rat Rod.”
Originally a counter-reaction to the 1950s hot rod, “rat rods” were meant to loosely imitate in form and function, the "traditional" hot rods of the era.
In the early days of hot rodding everything was adapted to the needs of the builder. Parts were salvaged from just about anything that worked. The idea of the rat rod was that it gave you permission to express yourself, and do so very cheaply. Safety was not necessarily a priority.
Beginning in early October, Sam Memmolo and Bryan Fuller will begin work on a 1928 Ford Model A hot rod body, during the show, with the focus on safety and road-worthiness.
“Rat Rods can be a fun and a less expensive way to get involved in the street rod and hot rod hobby," said Sam Memmolo, host and master mechanic. “But building a car that is dangerous or uses components that pose a safety hazard is not acceptable. Popularity is growing on these rides and we owe it to ourselves, the industry and the next generation, to create, not only rolling works of art, but safe cars that will foster the hobby—not set it back.” 
The Two Guys Garage team will take the Model A and build up from the chassis (front and rear), the suspension, engine and driveline. Episodes will show installation of steering, gauges and wiring and fabrication of exhaust system. Hosts Memmolo and Fuller will show viewers the proper way to install and plumb a hydraulic brake system, ending up with a functional and road-worthy car.
“The Two Guys Garage team is working together with clients to create a project that is fun, informative and above all, safe,” Memmolo added. “It’s up to everyone in the hobby to make it the best that it can be so that our kids have a solid legacy to build on.”
