Ramsey leads Rat Rod group to Cajon Classic Cruise

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The theme of the Aug. 17 Cajon Classic Cruise car show in El Cajon was Rat Rod Rally. Not only did Jim Ramsey make the trip from his Fallbrook home for the car show, but he led a contingent of Rat Rod owners.

"It was just fun. Great time," Ramsey said.

A Rat Rod is a custom car which showcases the parts, including non-automotive items which have been transformed into car pieces, rather than the appearance of the car. Ramsey has had his Rat Rod, which utilizes a 1946 GMC chassis, for about five years.

A club called 5150 Rat Rods is, to Ramsey's knowledge, the only Rat Rod club in Southern California. "I started the club," he said.

Ramsey is considered the leader of 5150 Rat Rods. "They call me the Ratmaster," he said.

The 11 members of 5150 Rat Rods include Bonsall residents Scott and Jan McGowan. Members also live in Orange County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and Arizona.

Downtown El Cajon is approximately 55 miles from Ramsey's home. The 19 Rat Rods at the Cajon Classic Cruise included 11 from 5150 Rat Rods.

Ramsey and Cajon Classic Cruise leaders plan to have another Rat Rod night in 2023. "With more cars," Ramsey said.