Felix Estrella’s 2014 Rat Rod: A Handcrafted Beast Built from Pure Grit

Instagram: @felix.estrella.3 Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin | IG: @r0cean11 | FB: r0cean11 Photography | www.r0cean11.com

“I couldn’t find the car of my dreams, so I built it myself.” – Ferdinand Porsche

(A quote Felix lives by every single day.)

The Man Behind the Metal

From Bakersfield, California, 33-year-old fabricator and welder Felix Estrella is the definition of hands-on craftsmanship. His daily work — creating strong, precise, and custom structures — spills directly into his passion projects. When he’s not on the clock, you’ll find him in his garage, torch in hand, welding mask down, learning new tricks to push his craft even further.

“I take pride in everything I build — whether it’s for work or for fun. The Rat Rod represents that side of me that refuses to buy something I can make better myself.”

The Spark That Started It All

For Felix, the story begins at age 11 — in a neighbor’s garage.

“My neighbor Stan was always working on hot rods and muscle cars. I’d sit there just watching him wrench, completely fascinated. He started inviting me to car shows, and that’s when I knew — I wanted to build my own one day.”

Stan eventually introduced young Felix to a new term: rat rod.
“He told me it was a car built to look unfinished — raw and real. I saw the photos and thought, That’s it… That’s me.”

From there, the journey began. Armed with passion and hand-me-down parts, Felix started gathering components for his first frame.

“I remember sitting on a block of wood with a steering wheel in my hand while Stan helped me take measurements. That’s where it all began.”

Within a month, they had a frame. Within nine, the car was sitting on all fours. They even welded in parts from a BBQ grill to make it work. “It was about creativity — not perfection.”

Built from Grit and Heart

Felix’s 2014 Rat Rod is not a catalog build, a shop commission, or a restoration. It’s a statement.

“When I sit down, strap in, and fire it up, everything else disappears. I could be having the worst day, but the second that engine roars, I’m at peace.”

His Rat Rod was never built for trophies or attention — it was built for himself. A symbol of self-reliance, grit, and the bond between friends and family who helped bring it to life.

“This car is a reflection of who I am — hard-working, creative, and proud of what my hands can do.”

A Car That Speaks for Itself

At just 1,800 lbs, Felix’s Rat Rod isn’t just raw — it’s an unleashed beast.

“Every time I fire it up, I remember that kid watching Stan in the garage. It’s like a time machine — but one that burns rubber.”

Even when parked, the Rat Rod commands attention. The weathered steel, exposed mechanics, and aggressive stance all tell the same story: this build was done with purpose, and with soul.

? Build Details – 2014 Rat Rod

Engine / Drivetrain

• 383 Chevy Small Block

• All forged internals
• H-rods, Crowler crank, JP pistons
• Edelbrock HP aluminum heads (2.02 valves)
• Comp Cams full roller assembly
• Edelbrock intake manifold
• Holley 750 double pumper carburetor
• TH400 transmission
• Dyno-tested: 518 horsepower
• Weight: 1,800 lbs

Suspension

• Custom-fabricated four-link rear end
• 3.90 gears, LSD differential

Brakes / Wheels / Tires

• Custom-modified True Spoke wheels
• Rear wheels widened to 12 inches

Interior

• Tenzo Racing seats, modified to fit tightly to the frame
• Bare-metal finishes and minimalist controls
• Steering and pedals custom-mounted for a race-inspired driving position

Audio

• Earbuds. (“The engine is the soundtrack.”)

Exterior

Every square inch of the body is custom-fabricated, with visible welds and raw metal texture intentionally preserved. The Rat Rod is a living sculpture — equal parts art and engineering.

Built by Family, Fueled by Brotherhood

Felix may be the mastermind, but this was far from a solo mission.

Team Effort:

• Felix Estrella – @felix.estrella.3
• Stan & Carolyn Meek – mentors and family friends
• David Maples
• Tommy Wilson
• Jeremiah Hernandez – @inkbyswype
• Tommy Romero – @ej1_tammerzzz
• Kolton Enox – @kolton_enox96
• Dylan Enox – @d_enox227
• Arlina Bocanegra
• Susan Estrella
• Adriana Marquez
• Walter Windsor

“This car isn’t just mine. Everyone who picked up a wrench, handed me a part, or stayed late in the garage — they’re all part of it.”

Lessons from the Road

“If you can’t buy it, build it!”

That’s Felix’s motto — and he means it.

Over the years, he’s faced his share of unexpected challenges:

• Broken throttle cable? Fixed with a shoelace.
• Valve adjustments? Done on the side of a gas station after a race.
• Stuck in the dunes? Towed out by a Jeep, laughing the whole way.
  
  

“It’s not just about fixing — it’s about figuring things out. That’s what makes you a builder.”

Future Plans

Felix isn’t done yet — “not even close.”

“Next step is switching to fuel injection and setting up a nitrous system. I want to see what this thing can really do on the track.”

The Community That Built Him

Though Felix isn’t tied to one specific crew, he credits the entire California car scene for shaping him.

“I’ve met so many amazing people through cars — promoters, shop owners, other fabricators. The best part isn’t the trophies, it’s the people who come up, smile, and say, ‘You built that?’ That means more than anything.”

Dream Car

“I built mine.”
 Simple as that. Felix has no dream car sitting on a poster — his dream is parked right in his garage.

Inspirational Quote

“I couldn’t find the car of my dreams, so I built it myself.” – Ferdinand Porsche

A quote that captures the spirit of every true craftsman — and exactly how Felix turned a pile of steel and scrap into a roaring, road-ready legend.

Felix Estrella’s Rat Rod is more than a car — it’s a calling card of creativity, grit, and the pure soul of American hot rodding. Welded with love, built with purpose, and driven with pride.

Call to Action

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