When I was little,I used to see pics of a guy named Rotten Ron in the Custom Cars Annuals striping at the Lead Sled Nationals in Des Moines.Just this summer I touched up some absolutely killer super thin line striping that had just begun to erode on a kick ass 51 Merc built 20 years ago by Jim Musgrave of Illinois. The new owner was more pleased that I told him the history of the car than the striping job itself!Any way,What happened to the killer thin line king Rotten Ron? Looking at this guys work on the hood alone on this 51 Merc showed a professional versatility that very few of us second or third generation stripers have. Tight precision designs with killer straight lines and killer lettering. These are the types of guys whose work we should look at for technique,not just big names that the non pinstriper editors of magazines tell us are good.
The Ron I knew was at one time from Pacific Mo. area, south of St louis, I believe. Anyway, one hell of a great guy to be around a, a blast a minute, and could paint with the best of them, and entertained for free as he done it.He did a couple of my cars , great work and cut me a hell of a good deal.The last I had any contact with him was about 15 years ago, he purchased a hell of cool old 59 Ford Ranchero custom from a buddy of mine in this area.I wish you guys could have seen that old custom ranchero- very cool.Thats a whole nother story though.Anyway, I would love to know how he and the ranchero is.Anyone know anymore?
Yes He is a great striper for sure OOMack.....He's one of them colorful characters that makes our hobby what it is.......He was a fixture at the early Buzzard Runs in Macon Mo. Im sure hes still around,Although I havent heard from him in several years.Any St Louis guys know him?
Ha...how ironic. The last couple of weeks I've been looking at sign shops for a job. Basically get out the phone book, find an address and go there and give them a resume. One of them that I haven't gone to yet, but might try was Ron's place. Weird...I've been starin at his # in the phone book for a while. This is from my old 2003 yellow pages: Rotten Ron Pinstriping Circle C Trailer Ct Pacific, MO 63069 (636) 938 - 6556
Geee I hadn't thought about him in a long time. He used to stripe at the KKOA Leadslead Spectaculars when I used to vend at them back id the 80's. I have an old fan around somewhere that I had painted green to match the truck and he striped it for fun. Think it's signed "Rotten Dun It". Tell him I said hi if you find him. Dennis
Where in Illinois is this Jim Musgrave from? One of the former owners of the Wayne Co. Speed Shop(former NHRA Pro Stock Champs) was named Jim Musgrave.
Hello, and thank you so much for posting this. I’m Shawn, and Rotten Ron was my father. He unfortunately passed away in January of 2020 from complications of dementia. It makes me indescribably happy to see that Dad had such a great impact on a lot of people. If anyone would like to share their stories of Rotten Ron, either here or via direct message, I would greatly appreciate it. I also have these to share: a Tripod web site I cobbled together for Dad when I was a kid and a video of him doing what he did best. https://rotten-ron.tripod.com/
Sorry for the loss of your dad. Love the video, something about watching a true artist or craftsman work inspires me. Thank you for posting video. Dan
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