Jimmy Shine and his popular bare metal '34 pickup found a higher meaning at the SEMA Action Network booth.

Popular Hot Rod fabricator Jimmy Shine rolled out his bare metal rat rod ’34 pick-up to represent the SAN (SEMA Action Network) at this year’s SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada. “It seemed right to have the past help raise awareness of the future of Hot Rodding in this country,” said Shine.

The SEMA Action Network is a clearing house and group organizer for vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the auto parts industry that want to protect the automotive hobby. Designed to fight unfair legislative threats, the SAN seeks to promote favorable laws and keep enthusiasts informed on legislative action that affects the sport.

Jimmy Shine’s “Bare Nekid” Rat Rod found it’s higher purpose by representing the non-profit group. Shine began his famous build with a 1934 pickup frame and cab body. Inspired by Roy Desbrow’s cream colored, chopped and channeled, full-fendered truck featured in Hot Rod magazine’s January 1952 issue, Shine created the iconic rod for this era of builders.

The attention to detail is more than bare however. Steering arms that took 40 hours to fabricate along with the hand crafted motor mounts, peaked radiator shell, ’40 dash installation and entire front end assembly, all show the dedication to true craftsmanship.

A heavily-louvered Brookville tailgate buttons up the back.

Shine kicked up the rear 18 degrees and a suicide frontend was added for a mean-looking low stance. Chopping the cab five inches adds to the aggressively low look of the rod and really gives it that low “coming at you” look!

H&H Flathead's Mike Herman is responsible for the flathead engine work.

Mike Herman of H&H Flatheads is responsible for the potent flathead Ford mounted between the the frame rails. The truck’s bed features a louvered Brookville tailgate and a gas tank formed from a B-52 hydraulic tank. Sporting ’40 Ford spring and rearend with 3.25:1 Richmond gears, the axle is located in the chassis by narrowed ’37 Ford wishbones. The rear is adorned with a pair of ’37 Ford taillights.

An old B-52 bomber hydraulic tank serves as the gas tank.

A few trick pieces added here and there accent the mostly hand fabbed work of Shine. Highlights of the truck display Shine’s master fabricator ability. From the hand-made custom ‘artillery’ wheels, to the perfect metalwork, Shine’s ‘34 was one of the first “Rat Rods” to come out of a shop like So-Cal. Teaming up with SAN has given the beast a higher meaning than just being a bad-ass original build.

Check out the GALLERY for more cool pics from the SEMA show – and to see this car in action, check out this awesome music video from ZZ Top.