John Dunne, a member of the 1950's hot rod club ' The Stickshifts' from Jamaica Plain, Mass., passed away last night after a long illness. The club was formed in 1952 from an era when guys had to handmake everything for their hot rods usually in garages with no heat or a/c . John along with his brother Arthur and friends turned out some nice rods and customs. John had a Model A coupe and then a purple T bucket with a blown 56' Pontiac with 6 carbs and a torsion bar front end.he then built a Model T delivery wagon. Being a finished carpenter and cabinet maker, he handmade the body.The inside had beautifully curved hand formed wood. He still owned the T up at the time of his passing. Later John got into model railroading and hand made many items. I'm going to miss John, but glad I knew him though. John was 72.
Sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like he was a real interesting guy. I also like model trains, I'm a carpenter and a car guy. Wish I had met him.
X 2 to that. Do you have any pics of his cars to share in his memory ? On another note, I spend a little time down your way. My wife grew up in Wollaston and her sister lives on Sagamore st. in N. Quincy. Small world.
Sorry for his passing. I actually grew up in Wollaston too (graduate HS in 1985) and I lived on Kemper Street. I bet that guy had a heckuva accent if he was from JP.
Hey Bad Penny, I grew up in Jamaica Plain but my wife is from Wollaston. Also, we know the Wirtz family from Sagamore St.
I knew two guys who grew up in JP, they'd be 44 and 47, Jim Greenberg and George O'Neill, but not car guys as far as I know. I've been in Chi since the late 80's but when I see JP typed out my accent instantly changes haha. I went to BC High, class of 1985. But my sisters and I all went to Beechwood Knoll and then Central.
John replaced all of the wood in the roof of my 29 chrysler by hand .All of the splices were done by hand between his legs. Great carpenter,great guy. John you will be missed. Moe
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