Chopped Merc and Dick Dean just go together. The profile on his cars was always spot on. Another sign I'm getting a lot older than I feel. God Speed Mr Dean.
He kept the custom flame lit when almost no one else cared. He shared his knowledge generously. And a real nice guy too. RIP, Dick. And Godspeed.
I knew Dick from the early Autorama days in Detroit. We were in the 1959 Autorama together and one of his cars was next to mine. Funny guy. Last saw him in Pidgeon forge a few years back. He was a pilot and said he flew hundreds of times and landed thousands of times. He is flying above us now and I will always remember Dick Dean. God bless and Godspeed.
I wish I got to meet him.I'd love to see a book done about his work.How about someone starting a thread showing his work?Start with Katies dads car. R.I.P. Dick.
What a great loss , I count my blessings having met & chatted with Dick & Gene Winfield when Jesse requested one of our columns for the Custom they built on Monster Garage. Thanks for that Jesse , so sad that another REAL LEGEND has gone, his legacy will live on for ever RIP Mr Dean. Condolences to your family.
me and my dad got to meet dick dean in 79 talked with him about chopping and channeling the new coupe project , he told me I should do it my self and spent the whole day with us swapping stories and jokes with us RIP. a very nice guy ! sad to here this
If you want to see him at work with Gene Winfield, etc Locate the Monster Garage TV Show episode run by Jesse James. Did lots of work to a '54 Chevy. Do not take for granted those still out and about like Winfield, Larry Watson, etc
Condolences to the Dean family and friends..seems more and more of our "heroes" are passing...getting older sucks.
Very sad news, I was fortunate to meet him at Pomona swap meet many years ago and he was a genuine down to earth, super great person to talk with. Does he have a son in the hobby? My prayers are with his family.
I didn't know the man, but everything I've seen that he's worked on has been beautiful! A true artist! The worst thing about losing guys like Mr. Dean, for those of us who didn't know him personally, is all of their knowledge, experience and character leave with them. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends!
We remember the builders who are also promoters. Barris is a promoter, Dick Dean was a customizer who did the exquisite work and was always somewhat unsung, probably because his ego didn't require self-promotion. Never met him, but in his photos he just appears to be the quintessential nice guy. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.
Sad news, I always looked forward to reading about the top chops he did in the rodding magazines. Never got to meet him but he sure made a lasting impression on many of us. RIP
R.I.P. Mr Dean he was a cool guy willing to talk to people who didn't have a clue on how to chop a Merc like myself.
What a big hit for the Custom and Hotrod world!!! He will surely be missed. RIP Dick... Here's an example of his fine work,to appreciate his talent...
The Jalopy Journal
