Well the term originated from a vehicle that wasnt painted and finished back in the day.

All rods use parts from other cars, how else were they supposed to put a nailhead in a roadster? Rat rods dont have to be made from junk, and usually arent, thats just a trend like everything else.

Modern day rat rods are lame, especially on fwd imports Since no one can be original they always steal another idea. Big surprise.