“Are you rockin’ the rust?” should be met with a resounding, “hellz yeah! Are you into cars that are “sweaty” with patina in your paint that can only be replicated by decades of lackluster treatment? We thought so. While most people would rather have that pristine show car or perfectly crafted restomod, there are others who are into a more “ratty,” unrestored appearance. When rust runs deep, more than skin deep and actually metal deep, it makes a vehicle unique.
Sometimes people look down on a dirty, rusty vehicle. But, we’re not those types of people. Rust only means a vehicle has earned its battle scars and earned its place in time. To us rust is what makes vehicles a little more human, because even a car can decompose back to its most basic elements over time. We dig rust. Anyone can have a shiny paintjob if they are willing to pay for it, but a rusty or patina type of paint job takes time. It comes about possibly by misuse of typical paint care, sun baking, oxidation, and it takes patience.
When we first saw this 1961 International Metro-Mite - opens in new window or tab. we liked it immediately, even though it wasn’t exactly our normal subject matter. It reminded us of some other great rusty relics that we had come across in the past transporting us and maybe you to different moments of days gone by.
If this was our vehicle we’d put some different wheels on it, maybe slam it, drop a small block V8 of some sort into it, and add 59’ Cadillac rear taillights and “French” them into the body. We might also even clone the Cheech and Chong van from 1970’s film “Up in Smoke.” Essentially we’d turn this blank canvas into even more of a work of art than it already is. Some vehicles have potential written all over them like this vehicle, and it screams it so loudly that it makes our hearts bleed. How about calling this auto a perfect basis for a “rusto-mod.” And, we like that because we’re rockin’ the rust in a place quite close to the heart.
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Neil J. Helfgot
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
