While talking with Bob Patterson (Patterson Drag Boats) on Monday 11/22/2010 I was told Denny Nish had p***ed away over the weekend. I spoke with Denny Jr. this morning and he confirmed his father p***ed away after complications with a heart byp***. For you unfamiliar with Denny Sr. he worked for Tony Nancy in the '50s in Tony's upholstery shop. Denny did most of the drag and custom boat interior as Tony prefered not to do the boats. Denny did the original interior in my '59 Patterson while working for Tony. Denny opened a shop in Las Vegas which his son stated will remain open. Denny was 73 years old at his p***ing. I never had the oportunity to meet Denny but the hobby has lost yet another great icon.
Here is a link to the shop. http://dennynishautoandboatinteriors.com/Home.php Some really nice work. Godspeed Denny
Once again the reality of life visits us. My condolences to is family and friends. may he rest in peace. Frank
I never met Denny. But I feel like I knew him. My very good friend Smokey Stoffer spoke of him often. They were buds since youngsters, Smoke told stories of their hot rod "adventures" over the years. Denny recently upholstered Smokey's 1937 Buick, it looks amazing... and will be even more special to look at now. I share Smokey's, and the Nish family's sorrow. derb
I first met Denny in his shop when I was ten years old. He was spittin tacks, upholstering a armrest for a 56 f-100. My parents house was only about a mile away from his shop. When I turned sixteen I was bound and determined to get a job in a shop. Whatever it may be. I didn't have my license so I road my bike down to his shop. Denny was a tough old man. I knew this, and I knew he wouldn't benthe easiest to work for. But I had to try. His answer was always come back next week, so I would. After three months of aggrivating the man, he gave me an opportunity I will never forget. I worked for Denny for several years off and on. He told me I was always welcome. Denny was hard, but he was fair, and had a good heart. He gave me a chance, and he taught me a skill. I have a lot of respect for Denny and will miss him very much.
Wow, what a small world. I met Mr Nish a few weeks ago at his shop. He has done several friends of mines cars. He did the beautiful Model A truck featured on their web site link posted else were in this discussion. I twas kinda funny watching him work with his son, kinda seemed like I was watching American Choppers in a way. They both seemed to enjoy working with each other but they sure had different oppinions of what looked good and what didn't look good. I guess thats what happens when you have two very talented and creative people working together.
Mr.Nish was my customer and became a friend and mentor. He was a hard *** at first but once he knew you he was kind and helpful with a heart of gold. I always loved going to his shop in Van Nuys and was sad when he moved to Vegas. I wonder what happened to that gorgeous '34 Phaeton he drove. R.I.P Denny
The green truck on the first post is mine. And I am sorry to say that I only knew Denny Nish for a few short months, but no one before has ever influnced me so much in shuch a short time. Walking into his shop cold knowing nothing about him or his shop. I mentioned I wanted to talk to someone about some work and he went right past me and said "I want to look at your truck first". Well, within a few minutes I wrote him a check and left my truck there with no paper work or contract, giving him a free hand to do what was right for the truck. And I left with no worries whatsoever. Thankyou to both Denny's Jim Miller
When he was doing my Dad's '29 roadster in his Van Nuys shop, somebody stole the stereo my Dad bought for the car. Denny replaced it with a nicer one. Stand up guy.
The Jalopy Journal
