Boyd Coddington

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:12 pm

Just in case anyone who cares hasn't heard, I thought I'd let you know that Boyd Coddington has died, aged 63. I can't find a particularly trustworthy source, but it does seem to be more than a 'net rumour - Google it yourself for more info. I can't say I was a fan of his work, but I was of some of his ideas - It's a shame he's gone.
A couple of links -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyd_Coddington
http://jalopnik.com/361391/boyd-codding ... -at-age-63
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Post by **FrankM83** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:22 pm

Yes it's true, it's on the official website!! SO sad!!

Post by **MoggyTech** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:33 pm

One of my true Hotrod Heroes, and 63 isn't exactly a fair kick of the ball.
The guy did a load of work for charity, and employed several handicaped people. I for one will really miss him.

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:41 pm

Ditto, but his man management sucked, hence him loosing his best staff to Chip Foose.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:20 pm

Heard this news today - pretty sad. He was a talented guy, and apparantly anyone who met him only had good words to say about him - a testimony to the man.
American Hotrod perhaps showed a lack of people skills, but on the other hand maybe his staff let him down.
RIP

Pete

Post by **Judge** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:39 pm

Yes, there's always two sides to a story.

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:52 pm

No doubting the man's talent and good works, but to me, yes my main experience of him was via American Hotrod', he embodied the worst elements of people management, embarasing and humiliating his workforce into overtime with his cringe making 'let your conscience guide you' snipes.
I 'd agree however that there are always two sides to a story.

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:54 pm

...and the TV production company showing only what they wanted to show. I can't help but think he wasn't a manager, but accept that that is only from seeing the TV prog. FWIW, creating the Alumatub means he gets/got away with an awful lot in my book
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Post by **MoggyTech** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:12 pm

I agree some of the cars they built weren't really my cup of tea. The pink Caddy was terrible. The mans vision though was awesome. As for his people skills, there were a lot of talented people who came and went, but I felt Dwayne had a lot to do with that, plus the insane deadlines in most cases.

While the series had a bit too much drama, I still picked up some useful tips on metalwork and paintwork. It was also sad when Roy the sheet metal worker died, what a character, exploding coffee cups and all.

I'm left wondering what will happen to the company now. They split the Hotrod and Wheels divisions, some time ago.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:09 am

Thats a shame, sad news hearing of someone dying regardless of how they were portrayed in a TV program, 63 is too young to go, not even retirement age. ;-( I enjoyed that program, they actually showed quite a bit of the work done (I ignored the drama bits which were probably staged anyway), I hope his company continues, maybe his son will run it.

Agree, Roy was the best character on there, very entertaining! and his metalwork was superb (anyone see the Corvette bonnet he made from ali sheet??).

I dont think Boyd was a bad person, he just lacked people management skills.

Post by **FrankM83** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:40 am

yes John true that bonnet was amazing by Roy!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:48 pm

He was well rid of the staff that left him to go to Foose. I wonder if they are still there - Foose is no fool! But indeed - sad about Boyd - he looked a lot older than 63.