I’m with every one above, loving the red seat and pipes!
As far as building a Rat, I think it’s forum rules not to try and define, so whatever you build, you’re good.
I enjoy seeing bikes from purists (restore to original), to “make the old new again, but not worry about ‘correct’ parts” to “make the new look old” to patinas and rustifieds to old frames/modern components to custom who-knows-whats, and all shades in between, and beyond.
Thanks! I'm having a constant internal battle about what parts to include or leave out. I'm used to doing full restorations, so it's hard to mentally depart from that thinking. But, I'll get there, and I'll have a bike at the end of it as long as I can look at it and feel like everything fits. I'm thinking I'm going to have to find the perfect balance of crusty and new.