A Unique Tale of Metal, Mist, and Mad Max Inspirations. Johann Bukes' Rat Rod Wonderland

In the world of custom rides, there are few as intriguing and unique as Johann Bukes' rat rod creation. A friend's snapshot of this street surfer was all it took to ignite my curiosity. This was not just a car; it was a rolling masterpiece of detail and peculiarity that begged to be explored further. With Jan van der Walt by my side, our journey to Johann's riverside haven promised an adventure from the get-go.


The Misty Road to Johann Bukes' Rat Rod Hideaway

Our journey to the Vaal, guided solely by the monotone directions of Google Maps, was cloaked in dense mist. A fitting prelude to what awaited us. Our navigational odyssey led us, quite appropriately, to Wild Goose Lodge before we eventually found ourselves at Johann's sanctuary, greeted by the sight of the rat rod in all its metal glory.

Johann's American Dream: A South African Rat Rod Creation

Inspired by the stunning rat rods he encountered during his time in the US, Johann embarked on a project that would become his first complete build. The canvas for his creation was an Austin 16, stripped down to the frame in his workshop, where the earthmoving and construction maestro unleashed his vision.

From Pastel Blue Paint to the Roar of a Lexus V8

Retaining most of the original bodywork, Johann painted the rat rod in a unique pastel blue. The leftover paint in his workshop was mixed to create this stunning hue. Under the hood, the original motor bowed out, making way for a supercharged Lexus V8, coupled with a 7-speed Lexus auto gearbox. Johann's handcrafted exhaust system ensured that the rat rod roared with a distinct and attention-grabbing growl.

Innovations and Adaptations: Building the Rat Rod's Backbone

A V6 Ford Cortina front suspension and a Toyota D4D rear diff handled the uprated power, while modifications were made to the rear side shafts to extend beyond the bodywork. Massive Maxxis Tires from the USA, carefully chosen for their profile, allowed the retention of the original windows while achieving the low-slung stance typical of a rat rod.

A Symphony of Quirks: The Interior Unveiled

Inside, the rat rod's story unfolded. Restored original seats shared space with a passenger seat repurposed from a Massey Ferguson tractor. The steering wheel, crafted from an old bulldozer track chain, and a Boeing 737 thrust control lever masquerading as the gear lever, showcased Johann's commitment to detail.

Mad Max Aesthetics: A Tale Behind Every Detail

This rat rod tells tales. A roof adorned with surf memorabilia and personal artifacts, a braai grille connected to a vintage Cadac gas bottle, and a front-mounted skull repurposed from a motorcycle helmet – each detail had a narrative. The doors lined with old road signs and a roof lining composed of vintage number plates completed the Mad Max aesthetic.

Johann Bukes: A Perfectionist Ready for New Horizons

Johann's rat rod is not just a vehicle; it's a testament to his passion, creativity, and love for water sports. As the Bukes family's expression of their affinity for open water, this rat rod is a rolling masterpiece. Having had the privilege of witnessing Johann's incredible machinery collection, it's evident he's a perfectionist ready to embark on new projects. Watch this space for the next chapter in Johann Bukes' rat rod wonderland.