Any triple A memebers see the new "Westways" mag? There's a cool article on Dean Jeffries. Cool story about a jump with a 5 ton truck. And for a change, the article gives credit where credit is due stating that Jeffries built the Black Beauty and the Monkey Mobile. 99% of the time, the credit is given to Barris.
Yep, I saw that too. Pretty cool article that I didn't expect to see in Westways. Truck jump story was funny.
I tell ya, Dean Jeffries is a cl*** act. The man will talk to you like a long lost brother if he's not busy, and he's down to earth and doesn't think he's better than you. Hell of a craftsman.
You get it with your AutoClub membership card. Go to a AAA office and snag a copy and sign up for the service while your at it.
Great story about Dean. The Westways article is a condensed version of Tom Cotter's book about "Dean Jeffries - 50 fabulous years in hot rods, racing and film," plus the interview. Dean is one of the last talented builders / painters from the good old days. Glad he is getting the credit that is due him. One other personal point about Dean: My dad and I purchased the Watson / Foyt sprint car from his ex-wife in the mid 80's. Dean made the connection with Foyt to purchase the car in the early 60's. Dean and his ex-father-in-law campaigned the sprint car up until 1966. Dean was very helpful with information as we were restoring the sprint car. He loaned us pictures and allowed to take photos he has in his collection. Very professional - treated us like we were old friends.
He broke his back in the truck jump. went back to his shop and made a back brace, and was back on the set the next day.
The Jalopy Journal
