Thread: Dick Dean RIP

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I was sad to read today that Dick Dean has passed away. Dick was one of the pioneers of customizing. He was personally responsible for chopping more Mercs than anyone alive! You can read more of the sad news and celebrate his life here:

http://www.hotrodhotline.com/

Pat

Rip........

Rest in Peace Dick. Man, has the hobby taken some real hits this year, or what?? How many greats have passed away, guys we knew forever.

Don

Check out the movie car list, The Munsters coffin rail Dragula, Death race 2000 Gator Vette, The Flintstone's car. What a fabricating marvel. R.I.P. MR. Dean !!!!!!!

Dick, Dean was one of those guys that didn’t crave attention but if you followed his articles you knew he was a talented person. This was posted on several sites, so it has to make his family know how people felt about him as a builder, and a good guy. He made chopping a top on a Merc look easy. Imo I don’t think he wanted to be a rich person like some of the builders getting 6 figures for their work, he was just a working guy like most of us. We have all heard some people say, “being rich cost too much.” His shop was like most of ours dirty and cluttered but he got the job done.

Another great car guy is Bill, Hines I’m hoping he is still around; if anyone knows it would be nice for an update on him. When I had some money I would tell my wife I would pay him to clean up his shop just to follow whatever he was working on. It’s going to be a different time when these guys are gone. Gene, Winfield is another great car builder, it would have been nice if each one of the legends had a documentary about their car building days.

Richard

One of the best car shows I have ever seen was an episode of Monster Garage when they had Dick Dean, Bill Hines, Gene Winfield, Norm Grabowski and Fat Jack customize a 54 Chevy. What a great collection of talent all working on the same car! It's my favorite, I have it taped and have watched it probably 10 times at least. The great thing about that show was there was no EGO among them. Just a bunch of guys working on a car together.

Pat

Lost another early "keeper of the flame".

God must really want a Hot Rod with so many that he has call forth.
RIP
BradC

I know he's up there takin out a couple of inches of the pearly gates
R I P Dick

Originally Posted by Stu Cool

One of the best car shows I have ever seen was an episode of Monster Garage when they had Dick Dean, Bill Hines, Gene Winfield, Norm Grabowski and Fat Jack customize a 54 Chevy. What a great collection of talent all working on the same car! It's my favorite, I have it taped and have watched it probably 10 times at least. The great thing about that show was there was no EGO among them. Just a bunch of guys working on a car together.

Pat

That was my favorite too, Pat. Even Jesse was humbled by the pure ingrained talent those guys had. No fuss, no muss, they just got down to it and got the job done. Nice bunch of guys too, like you said, no ego's or drama.

In case anyone wants to know more about him, here is some info:


http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/...ory/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfzF6_skxPY


RIP Dick.

Don

Originally Posted by ford2custom

Another great car guy is Bill, Hines I’m hoping he is still around; if anyone knows it would be nice for an update on him.
Richard

Well- I talked w/ Bill in January 08 at GNRS. Here's a pic of Bill. I had him sign an old B&W photo.

Steves 32,that is a neat shot of the ol Master,probably also the only pic I have seen of him without the old rolled camel turd cigar hanging out of his mouth...
Sad to lose yet another customiser.RIP Dick Dean.

Steves32,
Thanks for posting the picture I just now noticed it. That guy has always amazed me the way he would chop a convertible top, and make it fold like the factory. I liked his way of measuring also, by the eyeball.

Thanks I'm happy he is doing well.

Richard