They are cool if they are done right. But I see too many people putting stupied old parts that are only for looks. For example Ive seen many guys running adaptors on 4bbl manifolds to run two strombergs. with that swap over a 4bbl you are loosing significant power. Many guys also run stuff that is downright dangerous, example exposed driveshafts on channeled cars. But, I like the mantatity that a hot rod does not have to be shiny, or that it doesent need all of the latest gee-whiz parts. Its fun seeing old nostalgic cars bieng driven. The fact that most rat-rod guys drive their cars makes them awsome in my book.