Dale Fisher

Dale Fisher, a luminary in the Australian custom car scene, emerged from the small town of Gundagai, New South Wales, to become a pivotal figure in automotive customization. Often likened to George Barris of Australia, Fisher was renowned for his exceptional skill in transforming ordinary vehicles into bespoke masterpieces, making him a household name in Sydney's car culture. His journey, marked by a blend of creativity, precision, and a deep passion for automotive artistry, led him to single-handedly execute more convertible conversions from two and four-door cars than anyone else in the country. This photo, taken in the mid-1950s, shows Dale as he is welding shut the rear doors on Rolly Huyshe's 1948 FX Holden. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A sporty speedster that Dale designed in 1950. Fisher's passion for automobiles was evident from a young age. In the 1940s, he dreamt of becoming a car designer for a major Australian car manufacturer. His aspirations were fueled by the cars he saw on the streets and those featured in magazines and books. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

A caravan that Dale designed in 1950. In 1950, at 16, Fisher relocated to Sydney with hopes of pursuing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. However, he soon realized that this path wouldn't lead him to car designing. This realization led him to explore panel beating, where he eventually secured an apprenticeship with the NRMA. In 1987, Paul Kelly and Jeff Brown did a story on Dale for Super Street Magazine. According to that story, Dale did the round of the few remaining coachbuilding firms before he took the apprenticeship with NRMA. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

One of Dale's design proposals from 1951; A 1948 Ford Four-Door Sedan that has been cut down and transformed into a roadster. The front has been dressed up with hooded headlights and a 1950 Plymouth grille. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

Another one of Dale's design proposals from 1951. This one shows a 1948 Plymouth Four-Door Sedan that has been cut down and made into a Convertible. A Continental Kit gives the car a touch of elegance. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

Dale's first custom job was a remarkable transformation of a 1948 FX Holden that belonged to his buddy Rolly Huyshe, another apprentice at NRMA. The 1948 FX Holden didn't come as a 2-door model, so Dale welded shut the back doors, strengthened the floor pan, and audaciously chopped off the roof, turning it into a convertible. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Many of the panels Dale used on Rolly's Holden were salvaged from irreparable junk he meticulously repaired. Dale had been designing four-door convertible conversions with a pen and paper for a few years before he could finally try out his concepts in metal and lead. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

"Rolly Huyshe was an apprentice motor mechanic and I was a panel beating apprentice at Car Repairs, the NRMA workshop at that time, and we had a 48/215 in to have a new roof put on it. I was helping the tradesman do it and when he cut the old roof off I started raving on about how I'd like to do it as a convertible," Dale told Super Street Magazine. The 1948 FX Holden didn't come as a 2-door model, and Rolly told Dale that he wanted to build one. He asked if Dale wanted to come out to his place and work on one. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

When this photo was taken, Rolly's Holden was close to paint, and Dale had begun planning the two-tone paint job. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

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After five months of hard work, Rolly's convertible finally made it onto the roads. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

According to Dale, Rolly's Holden turned heads like crazy. It also helped establish Dale's name, and people started bringing their cars to him for custom work like Continental Kits, spats, and body dechroming. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

As Dale's reputation in Sydney grew, he faced a unique challenge. Despite his increasing fame for customizing others' vehicles, Dale himself did not own a custom car. Recognizing this, he decided to embark on a personal project that would not only serve as a testament to his skills but also fulfill his desire for a custom vehicle of his own. After completing his apprenticeship, Dale saved up and purchased a well-maintained FJ Holden with 22,000 miles on the clock. Dale's approach to customizing the FJ Holden was methodical and driven by a clear vision. He utilized the resources available to him, working after hours and on weekends at his workplace. Reflecting on this period, Dale told Kelly and Brown: "With the boss's permission, I'd use the workshop after hours to do my own thing. I'd just keep a record of the materials and pay for what I used." This quote from Dale encapsulates the dedication and passion that went into every aspect of the build. This photo shows an early version of the car, after Dale had peaked the headlights and installed a pair of fins for a dramatic flair to the vehicle. This photo shows Dale's wife Yvonne with the car. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

In line with his previous work, Dale eventually converted his FJ Holden into a convertible. This photo was taken in April of 1958. He had finished his apprenticeship by then and had a few customs under his belt. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A photo of the convertible with the top up, without fender skirts. The rear was dressed up with a molded-in Continental Kit as a nod to the classic American custom style. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A FJ Holden UTE that Dale restyled for a customer. Dale was fond of hooded headlights and two-tone paint jobs. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A rear end shot of the UTE. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Another in-progress Holden custom by Dale. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

According to Darryn, the styles were different in Australia to begin with, as they didn't have the availability of USA iron. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Holden that has been dressed up with one of Dale's two-tone paint jobs, Cadillac-inspired fins and taillights, and a spare tire in the rear deck. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A profile shot of the Holden Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Another, more sophisticated, Holden custom by Dale. This one has received fender skirts and a molded-in Continnental Kit. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Another in-progress Holde custom by Dale. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Hooded headlights and a hood scoop gives this Mopar custom a more aggressive and dramatic appearance. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

The rear of the car received fins. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Shoebox Ford that has received small fins by Dale. Other modifications include a molded-in Continental Kit, dual antennas, and spats that have been dressed up with louvers and stars. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A rear end shot of the Shoebox Ford. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A construction photo of a Packard that Dale customized for a customer. Quad headlights and fins gave the car a modern look. According to Darryn, this was one of the first quad headlight conversions in Australia. "He used Renault Daphne headlights. They are slightly smaller than the standard 5.75 inch. That's all he could get his hands on. He did several quad headlight conversions on our Holdens later." Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Staying true to the brand, Dale grafted on a pair of 1956 Packard taillight-assemblies to the quarter panels of the car. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

All primered up and almost ready for paint. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

The Packard as it appeared after Dale had completed the build. Despite his deep love for custom car building, the reality of the industry in Australia meant that Dale often found himself balancing his dream with the necessities of a more traditional automotive career. Dale always hoped that custom car work could become his full-time occupation. However, the demand for such specialized services was insufficient to sustain this as a standalone career. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

One notable project for Dale began when a customer brought in a brand-new FB straight from the dealership, requesting a twin headlight conversion. This led to more headlight customization jobs for Dale, showcasing his adaptability and the growing demand for his unique skills. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Chrysler that was in for dual headlights and fins. A typical job for Dale in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A rear end construction shot of the Chrysler. All of the work was in lead and metal. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A 1956 Ford Fairlane custom that has been dressed up with a molded-in and recessed Continental Kit placed horizontally in the deck lid. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Another Ford custom that has been dressed up with one of Dale's molded-in and recessed Continental Kits. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A third Ford that has received one of Dale's laid-down Continental Kits. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Ford that is in the process of receiving another set of taillights. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Dodge Dart that Dale restyled in the 1960s A bumperless design gave the car a more sporty appearance. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A rear end shot of the Dart. The back bumper was scrapped and replaced by a cleaner looking rolled pan. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A 1956 Dodge Convertible design proposal that Dale drew in 1965. Modifications included a tube bar grille, 1955 Chevrolet headlamp rims and Valiant taillights installed vertically. Photo from The Dale Fisher Collection.

A construction photo of a 1967 HR Holden Utility that Dale built for Gerry Sweeting in the 1960s. Already a two-door, Dale turned the pickup into a convertible. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Darryn recalled watching his dad go up to Sweeting's Holden with a hacksaw and start chopping the roof off. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

The taillights on Sweeting's Holden were turned 90 degrees before a second set was added to give the car a Mustang look. Only the curved section of the light is seen. The rest bends under the car. A second hood and scuttle were added to fill in the cargo area. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Sweeting's Holden featured a handmade folding roof, fender skirts and hood scoops. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A photo of Gerry and his wife Pauline taken the day they came to pick up the car. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Once completed, Sweeting's Holden was featured on the cover of the Australian Custom Rodder magazine.

A photo of Darryn with the Sweeting Holden. "I was raised into the custom car scene," Darryn told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama in 2019. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Dodge Phoenix four-door to two-door convertible conversion by Dale. Dale's prowess is unmatched in Australia. He single-handedly executed more convertible conversions from both two and four-door cars than anyone else in the country. While some shops might have produced similar numbers, they operated with several hands on deck; Dale worked solo. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A Valiant Convertible that Dale designed in 1969. The original rear roof pillar has been kept and turned into a rollbar on this one. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

A mild Valiant custom that Dale built for his oldest son Dale Fisher Jr. According to Darryn, the S-type Valiants were made in Australia. According to Darryn, "Dad had it repainted a deep blue with silver 2-tone flash under the windows." He also made spats, fitted a R series boot lid that had the Continental Kit in it, and changed the oem small tail lights for bigger lights off a later Australian Valiant model. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

When Dale purchased the Valiant, it was a low mileage one-owner car with a bad rear ender. He repaired and restyled it and offered it to Darryn. Darryn had a 1962 Studebaker Lark, so he said no, and his older brother Dale Jr., purchased it. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

When Darryn learned to drive, he bought a 1962 Studebaker Lark. In 2023, Darryn had owned the Studebaker for more than four decades. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

While Darryn took cues from the classic 1950s leadsleds, being an aircraft engineer added a unique spin to his customizing style. Aussie styles were a bit different from what was seen in the US, mostly because getting your hands on American cars wasn't that easy. But that never stopped the Fishers. Photo courtesy of Darryn Fisher.

Body by Fisher! In the 1980s Paul Kelly and Jeff Brown did a story about Dale and his customs. The story appeared in Super Street Magazine Issue No. 1, 1987.

Dale Fisher, a luminary in the Australian custom car scene, emerged from the small town of Gundagai, New South Wales, to become a pivotal figure in automotive customization. Often likened to George Barris of Australia, Fisher was renowned for his exceptional skill in transforming ordinary vehicles into bespoke masterpieces, making him a household name in Sydney's car culture. His journey, marked by a blend of creativity, precision, and a deep passion for automotive artistry, led him to single-handedly execute more convertible conversions from two and four-door cars than anyone else in the country. Fisher's legacy, characterized by his unique vision and dedication, continues to inspire car enthusiasts and custom builders, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Australian custom car history.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in the small town of Gundagai, New South Wales, Fisher's passion for automobiles was evident from a young age. In the 1940s, he dreamt of becoming a car designer for a major Australian car manufacturer. His aspirations were fueled by the cars he saw on the streets and those featured in magazines and books.

Moving to Sydney

In 1950, at 16, Fisher relocated to Sydney with hopes of pursuing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. However, he soon realized that this path wouldn't lead him to car designing. This realization led him to explore panel beating, where he eventually secured an apprenticeship with the NRMA. In 1987, Paul Kelly and Jeff Brown did a story on Dale for Super Street Magazine. According to that story, Dale did the round of the few remaining coachbuilding firms before he took the apprenticeship with NRMA.

First Custom Build: Rolly's FJ Convertible

Fisher's journey into custom cars began earnestly at the NRMA. He started crafting custom accessory parts like fender skirts, grilles, and side trims. His first significant project began as a collaboration with another apprentice. "It started with just an FJ engine," Dale told Kelly and Brown in 1987. "Rolly Huyshe was an apprentice motor mechanic and I was a panel beating apprentice at Car Repairs, the NRMA workshop at that time, and we had a 48/215 in to have a new roof put on it. I was helping the tradesman do it and when he cut the old roof off I started raving on about how I'd like to do it as a convertible." This project marked the beginning of Fisher's foray into creating Australia's first Holden convertible conversion in the 1950s. The 1948 FX Holden didn't come as a 2-door model, and Rolly told Dale that he wanted to build one. He asked if Dale wanted to come out to his place and work on it. "We started with only the engine, then we got the subframes, then a bodyshell. We welded utility rails underneath and of course we didn't have jackstands or much equipment - we were only kids - so we tipped it on its side, welded on the rails and tipped it back up again before we cut the roof off," Dale recalled about his first custom project. Many of the panels he used were salvaged from irreparable junk he meticulously repaired. Although another panel beater in Sydney registered the first FJ convertible, Fisher's influence was undeniable. According to The FJ Holden: A Favourite Australian Car By Don Loffler, Barry Cartwright was the "unnamed panel beater." His Holden was featured in Wheels magazine in April 1956. According to that article, Barry spent 500 spare time hours transforming a wrecked 1955 Holden Special into a two-door convertible.

After five months of hard work, Rolly's convertible made it onto the roads. According to Dale, it turned heads like crazy. It also helped establish Dale's name, and people started bringing their cars to him for custom work like Continental Kits, spats (fender skirts), and body dechroming.

Second Custom Build: Dale's Personal FJ Holden Convertible

As Dale's reputation in Sydney grew, he faced a unique challenge. Despite his increasing fame for customizing others' vehicles, Dale himself did not own a custom car. Recognizing this, he decided to embark on a personal project that would not only serve as a testament to his skills but also fulfill his desire for a custom vehicle of his own. After completing his apprenticeship, Dale saved up and purchased a well-maintained FJ Holden with 22,000 miles on the clock. This car was not just any vehicle; it was to be Dale's canvas for showcasing his creativity and expertise. Unlike his previous projects, this FJ Holden was special — it was Dale's everyday transport, and thus, the modifications had to be done part-time, fitting around his regular work schedule.

Dale's approach to customizing the FJ Holden was methodical and driven by a clear vision. He utilized the resources available to him, working after hours and on weekends at his workplace. Reflecting on this period, Dale told Kelly and Brown: "With the boss's permission, I'd use the workshop after hours to do my own thing. I'd just keep a record of the materials and pay for what I used." This quote from Dale encapsulates the dedication and passion that went into every aspect of the build. In line with his previous work, Dale converted the FJ Holden into a convertible. Other modifications, such as peaked headlights, gave the car a modern and aggressive look. The rear was dressed up with a Continental Kit as a nod to the classic American custom style, something that enhanced the car's rear aesthetics. Fins were popular at the time, and Dale added a pair for a dramatic flair to the vehicle. The build was completed in 1958.

The Plymouth and The Pontiac

After completing his work on the FJ Holden, Dale didn't rest on his laurels. His next project was a 1950 Plymouth, a vehicle that, in its original form, was far from what Dale envisioned. True to his nature, Dale transformed this stock car into a custom, and it underwent significant modifications under Dale's skilled hands. He nosed the car, seamlessly leaded the seams, and added hand-made side trims and hubcaps, showcasing his attention to detail and craftsmanship. One of the standout features Dale intended for the Plymouth was a set of Cadillac tail lights. However, due to their scarcity in Australia, he had to improvise. Dale's solution was both creative and elegant: he used Zephyr fins, crafted the extensions and surrounds by hand, and fitted them to the Plymouth. The result was a car that, while not featuring the coveted Cadillac lights, exuded a unique and classy charm.

After completing the build, the Plymouth made way for an imported 1950 Pontiac. This car received a series of mild custom touches, reflecting Dale's evolving style. It served as his daily driver until a bold decision in Easter 1960. Dale, driven by his passion, removed the roof of the Pontiac, surprising his pregnant wife, Yvonne. The Pontiac, now roofless, was not exactly the ideal family car, especially with a hospital visit looming. The Pontiac was later adorned with a striking two-tone trim and paint job in yellow and black. This customization further enhanced its appeal, and by the following year, it found a new owner in Newcastle.

Impact on the Custom Car Scene

As the 1960s dawned, the custom scene in Australia began to pick up. Continental kits and fins of all shapes and sizes were in vogue, keeping Dale busy with after-work projects. His creativity was not limited to large-scale modifications; he also designed custom hubcaps for various cars. One notable project began when a customer brought in a brand-new FB straight from the dealership, requesting a twin headlight conversion. This led to more headlight customization jobs for Dale, showcasing his adaptability and the growing demand for his unique skills.

A New Challenge at Castle Hill Auto Repairs

Dale's journey in custom car building led him to Castle Hill Auto Repairs, marking a new phase in his career. Here, he undertook a particularly challenging project: converting a wrecked HD wagon into a bright yellow HD convertible. Despite the car's poor condition, Dale was motivated by the challenge. The project, initially his idea, evolved into a collaborative effort at the shop. A misunderstanding arose when Wheels magazine featured the convertible, inadvertently crediting the shop for Dale's past independent work. Although this caused some initial frustration, Dale acknowledged the situation's fairness in retrospect.

Gerry Sweeting's HR Holden Utility

One of the memorable customizations Dale undertook in the 1960s was for a client named Gerry Sweeting. The car, an HR Holden utility, underwent a significant transformation under Dale's hands. Using a hacksaw, he chopped off its roof, reoriented its tail lights to give it a Mustang look, and added unique features like a handmade folding roof and bonnet scoops. Initially painted in a striking green metallic, the car went through multiple iterations under different owners. Yet, it remains a testament to Dale Fisher's unmatched skill, attending car shows even today.

Dale's Transition to Teaching and Opening His Own Shop

In 1974, Dale's expertise in panel beating led him to a part-time teaching position at Granville Technical College in Sydney. His talent and experience were now shaping the next generation of custom car builders in Australia. By 1976, Dale expanded his professional horizons by opening his own shop in Blacktown. While primarily focused on smash repairs, the shop continued to see a steady flow of custom jobs.

Staying True to Traditional Techniques

During a period when fiberglass bolt-ons gained popularity, Dale remained loyal to traditional steel file finishing and lead-wiped custom work. He even crafted steel replicas of fiberglass panels for clients who preferred metal over plastic. One notable creation from this era was an XC Falcon two-door convertible conversion, complete with lakes pipes, a front air dam, and a rear wing – a first of its kind in Australia.

Retirement and Legacy

Dale retired at the end of 1984, closing his Blacktown body shop and taking a well-deserved break. Over the past 30 years, he had kept track of only a fraction of the cars he worked on, though he retains a vast collection of photos and a comprehensive file of his designs and ideas. Reflecting on the extent of his work, Dale told Super Street Magazine, "It's hard to say; it'd be in the hundreds. My books stopped at two hundred and eighty-something, but that was years ago. I stopped keeping records because there didn't seem to be any point."

Dale's prowess is unmatched in Australia. He single-handedly executed more convertible conversions from both two and four-door cars than anyone else in the country. While some shops might have produced similar numbers, they operated with several hands on deck; Dale worked solo. Dale's journey in the custom car world was one marked by passion, creativity, and a touch of pragmatism. Despite his deep love for custom car building, the reality of the industry in Australia meant that Dale often found himself balancing his dream with the necessities of a more traditional automotive career. Dale always hoped that custom car work could become his full-time occupation. However, the demand for such specialized services was insufficient to sustain this as a standalone career. As a result, Dale continued working on standard automotive repairs, fixing dents and reviving damaged stock cars for his employer. Fortunately, his boss was understanding and supportive of Dale's passion. This support extended to allowing Dale to apply his custom flair to the workshop's utility vehicle and granting him after-hours access to the workshop and its equipment. This arrangement meant that, though relegated to weekends and spare time, Dale's custom work never ceased. Reflecting on his career, Dale shared his thoughts with Super Street Magazine in 1987: "I think I've always been disappointed that there wasn't enough custom work to make it a full-time business," he said. "When I was younger, all I wanted to do was make custom cars, every day from dawn to dark. I'm older now and I guess I've lost some of my enthusiasm to some degree. But when I was 16, I wanted to be a coach-builder, something like George Barris, but perhaps not so way-out and exotic: not really bizarre customs, but quality and class bodies, more like the Clenet sports cars and the Excalibur. Not in fibreglass! But in that style." Dale continued, "Barris has done some really eye-catching things, but most are a bit way-out. Some have been brilliant technical achievements, but they're not really practical, like the clear bubble roof. There was never the money nor the market for ideas like that in Australia in those days. Nowadays you'd have a better chance - you see things like panel vans with gullwing doors, for example - because the money's there. Obviously, I missed the boat - I was a bit too early!"

Under the Influence

In 2019, Dale's son, Darryn, told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that growing up with Dale as your dad meant a childhood surrounded by classic cars and the hum of tools; "I was raised into the custom car scene." For Darryn, cars weren't just a mode of transport. They were a way of life. His dad, Dale, was knee-deep in the custom car game from the 1950s until he hung up his tools. Darryn's first car? A 1962 Studebaker Lark he's had for over four decades. And while he took cues from the classic 1950s leadsleds, being an aircraft engineer added a unique spin to his customizing style. Aussie styles were a bit different from what was seen in the US, mostly because getting your hands on American cars wasn't that easy. But that never stopped the Fishers!

Cars Restyled by Dale Fisher

Rolly Huyshe's 1948 FX Holden