I just read that Jack Rudy has passed. He was an absolute legend in the tattoo world and the car world alike. He was a founding member of The Beatniks CC and had one of the best chopped AD Chevy pick ups ever done. his influence in the resurgence of traditional style customs in the 90’s and early 2000’s can’t be overstated
He tattooed me in early 1987, At the time I had no idea who he was. In short when he figured out we had the car hobby in common, the tattoo really slowed down. We would always visit with each other at car events, mostly the Pomona swap. We never talked tattoos, always cars. When I was on a ship home ported in Cape may New jersey the local tattoo shop could l believe I knew Jack and had been tattooed by him. I tried to explain he was really a car guy that was a master craftsman in the tattoo industry.
Man, hearing too much news like this lately. Bums me out. When it came to customs Jack was the real McCoy. He was in the custom scene for decades. He attended the Leadsled Spectacular many, many times. He was interviewed on Rowdie's (@49toad) 1984 Leadsled Spectacular video shot in Des Moines. Jack was driving a sweet early 50s Chevy in tu-tone purple suede with a pair of dual pipes on his inline six that would make any bomb owner proud! He gave a quick rundown on the car, saying that he had been to the Spectacular before, but '84 was the first year he drove his car out all the way from California. When he left the interview spot he put his foot in the Chevy a little bit and the pipes really sang and she laid down a little patch of rubber on his departure. Cool moment for sure! Here is a picture from the '84 Spectacular that has some serious custom history. On the right is Jimmy Vaughan and his marvelous Fleetline in maroon. In the middle is Lee Pratt (@El Pratt) and his sweet Chevy in blue and gold. And last but not least, on the left, is Jack's Chevy, easily recognizable by the highly curved door pillars. I don't think Jack is in the picture, as it looks like he is showing off his spunky inline to someone as the hood is up. What a great shot! I had seen Jack at many shows over the years but I never did talk to him because he always seemed to be engaged in conversation. Well, back in 2021 I strolled through the Beatniks' camp in Salina checking out their cars and Jack was alone. I figured that it was as good a time as any to talk to him. I walked up and told him how much I liked his truck, and the fact that it was powered by a straight six, and that he always drove it everywhere he attended. He was very nice and thanked me for the compliment. I then went on to ask him a few questions about the '84 Leadsled interview and he was blown away. He said he hadn't thought about that moment in a long time. I asked about the Chevy in the video and he said he still had it, but it needed a lot of work. He said he planned to get it back on the road someday. I then asked him about his nickname mentioned in the first KKOA book where it showed his truck, and that the owner was Jack "From Way Back" Rudy. He let out a big laugh about that one. He told me "You're alright man, and you've definitely done your homework." I thanked him and told him I appreciated him taking the time to talk to me and he said "Anytime". After that, for the next few Spectaculars I went up to Jack and talked to him a little and he was always very gracious. I'm going to miss seeing Jack in Salina or whatever shows we both happened to be at. I hope that his truck ends up with someone that will drive it and show it with pride like Jack always did. That is one truck that was never meant to just sit! My deepest condolences to his family and close friends, and his brothers in the Beatniks. He left big shoes to fill. He will be missed! Vaya Con Dios, Mr. Rudy..........E
Hello, This lowered custom truck I photographed at the Lions Museum Grand Opening in June of 2017. I was in the midst of filming the afternoon Cacklefest and the whole area was littered with some of the most prolific race cars in So Cal. Lion’s Dragstrip Museum Cacklefest area Jnaki A little history since 1954, perhaps? Jack Rudy's custom truck was in the area in front of Tommy Ivo's FED race car trailer. In a previous thread, it has been noted that Jack Rudy is the owner of the custom purple, chopped 1953 Chevy pick up truck. It has been seen all over So Cal as his shop is in Anaheim. After seeing it in person at the 2017 Lions Dragstrip Museum Grand Opening, I was impressed with the look and style. It was pure 50s look for a truck. Of course, it reminded me of my favorite Ford custom truck, a chopped 1956 F100 with a similar stance and lowered look. It is nice to be able to see what was once prevalent in most neighborhoods and still is rolling around So Cal on a daily basis. For the "red" month of February Valentine's, the color was changed to red. The drawing is very simple and plain. but the real truck is a work of art. Jnaki In comparison, the purple color was very popular back in those early days, as it is today. I colored the truck red for the festive month of February. The whole area is littered with red items for the national celebration during this week's celebration. But, the red just does not have the same effect as the purple color for this cool 50’s look in So Cal trucks. It had everything in a 50's custom truck that would be necessary for being period correct and just one fine pick up truck. If we did see custom trucks from the late 1950s time period, this would be the style that was prevalent. YRMV
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