Lil' John Buttera Passed away this morning

A true craftsman who had vision and skills beyond the norm. And the man who started the billet trend because he decided he could design and build his own parts and save money over buying parts that were already available.

 

Just bought another T model kit......I think I'll keep it sealed up for now.

 

Godspeed rip

 

Wow! Doesn't seem possible that three years have already passed by. I don't recall what car he was building in the Hot Rod article of his that I read, but I do remember Lil' John being quoted after being asked how he made the rear view mirror for the car. He replied; `Took a block of aluminum and cut away everything that didn't look lie a rear view mirror.' Godspeed, Lil' John Buttera, you are missed.

 

RIP Lil' John!

 

one hell of a machinist - his stuff always had clean lines and a sterile look to it

 

My respects and my respect John Buttera was one of the best sad that we are losing a master . Just sorry I did not get to met him .

 

I believe it belongs to the Petersen now.

 

This was the last time I saw him..... One of my favorite pictures

 

All his accomplishments before CNC, right?

 

I didn't know him, but obviously he meant a lot to a lot of people. With that said he had a great life and will be remember by many that only a few can be said of, RIP.

 

I never met him but he was sure an inspiration to me when I was a teenager in the 70's, reading every Street Rodder mag I could put my hands on. He was part of my growing up and it feels like another little part of me died this week.

RIP Lil' John...from one of thousands of old kids that you inspired.

 

CNC exisited, and looking at some of his wheel designs, I'd guess that he knew how to use it. One more tool likely to be in his arsenal. His son was on here now & then, certainly he'd advise. And another friend of Lil's who makes carbon fiber components.

 

godspeed...

 

Many moons ago,I saw a Lil John sticker,I wish somebody would re-produce those.

 

"CNC existed..."
I believe his own stuff was done manually, but there was a CNC connection. One of the streetrod parts places made licensed versions of some of his pieces, and I read in one of the magazines that they had John make one of each desired part on a CNC machine under his own control. The CNC machine served to record the cuts, and thenceforth could produce copies as a CNC!

 

Met John in 75-6 at un-nationals @ Knott's Berry Farm.
talented man, billet has his name on it forever

 

He was working with some other guys on a new type engine a number of years back. It was featured in Hot Rod. It looked like a flying saucer with few moving parts. I wonder what became of this project?

 

Wow, it's been 3 years already. Sucks losing the legends

 

Rest in peace Lil' John. May you build and restore the roadsters and hot rods of the angels.

 

threads from 2008 , some one resurected it ,

 

SNAKE AND MONGOOSE! When I was a kid.....
3 years already? DAMN!