Boyd Coddington dies at age 63

Former Member

http://jalopnik.com/361391/boyd-coddington-hot-rod-king-dead-at-age-63

World-renowned tuner and hot rod king Boyd Coddington died at 6:20 am this morning.

The cause of death is still unknown. Coddington, founder of Boyds Wheels and designer of prize-winning custom cars, had recently been hospitalized twice for an undisclosed medical condition. Although he was though to be in recovery, rumors of his untimely death began circulating today throughout the forums.

A spokesperson for Boyd Coddington's corporation has confirmed to Jalopnik that those rumors are true. The company will be releasing a statement later today.

2/27/0811:26 AM

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Former Member

2/27/0811:26 AM

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MusbJim'14 VS SoCal Supporting Member

R.I.P., Boyd!

2/27/088:33 PM

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flatfourfan

I heard about this..........sad really, the guy had some skills.

I wonder if his death was stress related?

2/28/082:35 AM

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Gregbritz

I would imagine that stress had a part to play in his death. I am sure that some of the deadlines where stagged! it is certainly a sad moment for the hot rod industry, I think he played a significant role in making the hot industry come out of the backyard. I certainly enjoyed his programs on discovery and he will be missed

2/28/083:08 AM

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Former Member

Stress....as in having stolen engines found in his cars? That would certainly put stress on me.

I always noticed that the long hard hours created by deadlines didn't only meant stress and extra hours for his employees. He would go home and come back to see how things had progressed. Last time I saw him, his weight gain was extremely significant and he was visably looking much much older.

2/28/083:33 AM

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WildBill

Wow! Shocking news.
Not sure about stolen engines, but he did get in trouble with the way he registered and titled some of his creations to beat taxes and emissions...hmmmm sounds familiar.
What surprises me is no note in the media, at least around here.
Saw it here first.
RIP, Boyd

2/28/085:04 AM

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Alan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member

This man was a hell of a designer and craftsman as well as a leader in the custom automotive industry.
Unfortunately, the media has a tendency to augment the actual facts allowing others to make a less than accurate assumption of this individual. 63 is just way ...too young to pass on. ~Alan

2/28/085:30 AM

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flatfourfan

It's funny that you mentioned his weight, cause we had a new season of American Hot Rod on Discovery and I noticed from a few side angles that he looked like he'd picked up a few.

Still was very entertaining to watch....RIP

2/28/085:48 AM

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Alan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member

Boyd should have a unique send off by gathering the current car owners and have a the funeral procession of all time.

2/28/088:40 AM

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East Coast BruceMaryland

Boyd has had some bad raps over the years but certainly a leader in the hot rod industry over the years. I'm sure there will be alot of hype at the shows and in the magazines to commemorate his contributions and legacy. If you watched his American Hot Rods TV shows my guess is his ex-wife causeed some of his early passing! :>)

2/28/0810:32 AM

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Former Member

The engine theft charge was classic. He had an engine built up from and original block. The block had some numbers on it that during the investigation about the other stuff, turned out to be from a car that was listed as stolen. Then they charged him receiving and selling stolen merchandise. It was settled along with the other charges. I think he was just a victom of becoming famous and "the man" wanting to prove a point.

2/28/0811:13 AM

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Former Member

It's sad but he certainly destroyed some nice cars in the process.

2/28/084:10 PM

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Former Member

I liked watching his decision-making process on the television. Smart guy. Still nothing on the news about him.

2/29/085:54 AM

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Dave (Speedster "D") Galvan

His shop is right down the street from my house.. they say they are having services this wednesday in the same church that my nephew got married in, in La Habra.. I am still kinda in shock here.. I personally i did not like the types of rides he produced but he was a leader in what he did and how it put it on the map of other shows to copy.

One line I read on the site mentioned.. that if there are clouds in the sky today, it'd just Boyd showing God his burn outs!

Gods speed Boyd...

Speedster "D"

2/29/0811:05 PM

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Nolan-Tennessee

Along with past greats like Wolfman Jack, Von Dutch and others of Hot Rod and Customs fame, he will be remembered. A lot a crap will be said of him but out of respect for his art and protoges he still ranks with the best. Keep the wheel side down Boyd, there's a great ride ahead!