Rat rods are much more than they seem at first glance. Pieces of rusty artwork on wheels, these uniquely designed vehicles are expressions of their owners as well as an ode to the past. Unfortunately, because of their cartoon-like looks and unconventional finishes, rats sometimes get a bad wrap or reaction, especially from unknowing show-goers who aren’t schooled on what a rat rod truly is.

Though Peter Duvaloois of Saugerties, New York experiences the negative looks and comments his unconventional ride brings on occasion, he doesn’t seem to pay either much attention. As he conveyed to the New York Times recently, it’s all worth it if there’s passion behind it.

Duvaloois is no newbie to the industry, growing up with a gearhead father and building a number of projects of his own over the years. But at age 62, Duvaloois has realized something that takes some a lifetime to recognize- that while fun to build and neat to show, there are downfalls to owning a show-quality hot rod.

Wanting to get more use out of his vehicles rather than worry about things like parking lots or driving in the rain, Duvaloois transitioned from owning show-queens to building rat rods. As he explained to the NY Times, he’s getting back to the basics.

Though Duvaloois is always crafting new rats for his personal collection, with plenty of spare bodies, parts and, sheet metal sitting in wait on his Saugerties property, it is one particular rat that has been a pivotal asset in his garage for years.

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Crafted from the shell of a 1946 Chevy pickup, which Duvaloois purchased locally for just $200, it is this rat that speaks volumes of Duvaloois’ differing hot rod taste. For the body, Duvaloois chopped his truck four inches and narrowed it by six, adding a hand-fabricated and weather-distressed bed to the back.

Underneath the truck, you’ll find a completely custom-fabricated chassis, the front suspension from a 1937 Ford and a custom rear suspension setup.

Sticking true to his taste, Duvaloois equipped his rat with a 241ci Dodge Red Ram HEMI engine, topped with a four-barrel carburetor. Though unconventional even in the rat rod community, Duvaloois told the NY Times that this engine choice stemmed from his love for hunting down rare parts, as well as his zeal for the rumble of the classic HEMI.

Backed by a five-speed transmission converted from its original 1980s Camaro digs and a new 12-volt battery and alternator, this little powerplant provides the rat with about 150hp and 23 miles of cruise time per gallon of fuel–plenty appealing for a guy who’s not that interested in fast acceleration times or tons of power. Rather, he revels in the reliability of what he built.

A retired pharmaceutical packaging mechanic by trade, Duvaloois continues his own brand of craftsmanship in lower New York state. Since the creation of his ’46 rat, Duvaloois has put nearly 35,000 miles on the truck. He’s even started a local car show event called the Rats Nest Run-In to help showcase his, and other local rodders’, passion for rat rod culture. Last year the show brought out about 400 cars, nearly a third of which were rat rods.

The Rats Nest Run-In is planned to kick off for its fifth year this summer. If you’d like more information on the August event, be sure to check out the show’s official Facebook page!