I Ruined My Dream Car In Front Of Hundreds Of People
277K views · May 2, 2026 · Autos & Vehicles
Comments · 684
@TrainWreck000 · 4 months ago
This is about the comment you made regarding your rod…specifically that you felt embarrassed when the coil over on your Rat Rod failed. I get it. A mechanical failure in front of the very people you hoped to impress hits hard. But none of that changes the reality: you have nothing to be ashamed of; what you built is truly one of a kind, and that’s something nobody else brought to that show. The trophy reflects your vision, your effort, and your craftsmanship…not the moment the coil over gave out. Like the others, it’s a work of art, designed and built by a master craftsman. <br> <br>What you created…this Frankenstein of metal, imagination, and skill…took talent, vision, and a level of craftsmanship most people never reach, even after years of focusing on a single trade. Most folks spend a lifetime trying to master just one discipline: welding, mechanics, fabrication, electronics. You took on all of them, and you made it look effortless; which is a sign of a master craftsman. There is nothing about that to be embarrassed by. <br> <br>I understand that, in the moment, it felt like the worst day you’ve had. But that feeling doesn’t define the truth; it just “felt” that way. Perspective matters. The next time you are having a bad day…just walk through the halls of your local VA hospital; you’ll find men and women who have to relive their worst day…over and over…like its f@#$%^g ground-hog day. I’m a 100% service connected combat veteran…a partial paraplegic. In my prime…I was a sheriff’s deputy…held a masters degree…numerous awards like the life saving award…until I had my worst day. It came a few years later, but for all intents and purposes I went from full throttle to completely sidelined. I lost everything: Friends, family, career…I was left with almost nothing (My sister and her family live a block away). I’m not a quarter of the man I was…so let me assure you…your worst day is yet to come. <br> <br>Your rod didn’t fail. A part failed. Your work didn’t collapse. A component did. And none of that diminishes what you accomplished. There is never any shame in…trying…but there is pounds of it for giving up. It’s like a fighter who takes a hit and decides not to stand back up. The punch isn’t the loss…surrendering is. <br> <br>Hope your day gets better… <br> <br>Trainwreck
136
@darkerbrother1 · 4 months ago
Congratulations Rudy and Janelle. Janelle is truly your ride or die. She got your back no matter what. 😊😊
132
@detroitdiy · 4 months ago
Congratulations Rudy, can't leave Zack out of that equation. You guys built a very cool ride and deserved the accolades.
156
@eucmaninshorts · 4 months ago
Of course its not finished. Thats part of the rat rod culture
63
@dronez7884 · 4 months ago
team RAD built the rat rod from what was more or less a rusted pile of trash abandoned in the desert. The rear suspension alone is a work of art. The 'best-fabrication' award is well deserved.
53
@donlorinsharp · 4 months ago
You 100% deserve that award Rudy! You really are a top-shelf fabricator. Go ahead and wear that badge. It's well-earned brother.
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@Pappy7064 · 4 months ago
Take the remote apart and disable the 4 button. I do this with the horn alarm on my car keys. It is super annoying when the horn goes off because it gets pressed while in your pocket at a camp ground at 3 in the morning. LOL
27
@patthornton1212 · 4 months ago
Congratulations you built something totally unique and deserve the recondition. Way to go..
71
@vwlegg · 4 months ago
Met you at the show. Think of it as a test drive. On my way back to So Cal, I lost all my oil and I did not shutdown in time. Toasted my engine and had to play AAA hopscotch. Your rat is still awesome. If it impresses you, then you made it.
77
@stephencantbewrong8250 · 4 months ago
We all fall down. It is how you get back up is the important part. You goofed with the remote, but you looked at your options and recovered with what was available. <br>Congratulations!!!!
23
@Capydachi · 4 months ago
Jenelle is an absolute gem.
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@brockryan3405 · 4 months ago
I wonder how many people there had followed the build! If enough people had, that would win that surprise award.
40
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