10-4 Magazine / December 2025 47 are also many companies who value their long term, professional, representative drivers – those who go the extra mile in caring for and preserving a positive image of the company and its valued customers. I can name a few who not only appreciate those drivers, but they also reward them with extra gifts of shiny stuff and a standout truck. If you are one of those few, then this article is for you, too. Now, let’s get into the meat and potatoes (or the turkey and dressing) of this month’s information. I want to be abundantly clear, as I have written many times about one certain fabrication shop, Pickett Custom Trucks (PCT) in Buckeye, Arizona. I also do a little work there for the owner and management team, Mr. Rod Pickett and his sidekick, the fabrication guru, Steve Gringo (AKA Steve Mitchell). Their shop is only one of many who do wonderful custom work. They also carry a line of products deemed worthy of their reputation. Made to order parts that are not only beautiful to hold, but they fit your application perfectly. We have all seen the chrome shop displays with “replacement parts” for (insert your brand and type of equipment here). It’s priced at whatever the market will stand, or drivers are willing to pay. Most do not carry any warranty or have any return policy. This is important when you are laying out a fair price for what you believe to be quality work or workmanship. Note: most dress up or cover up parts are listed as warranties by manufacturers, not distribution outlets (chrome shops). In short, that means if it bends, bend it back, if it rusts, that’s driver neglect, and if it breaks, don’t call us, call 1-800-BAD-PART, then send it to the scrap pile! If you’re wondering, “How do I get a true made-to-order part that fits my application?” What is the process of purchasing a special part and how much should it cost? First, let’s address the issue of cost. All prices are subject to the complexity of the product. For example, a standard I-panel (the filler panel below the frame and between the fuel tanks) for a Peterbilt 389 with standard spacing of 135-gallon tanks is a product that is easily replicated and duplicated once there is a pattern, so that’s somewhat of a more common request. Now, keep in mind, the more you option that standard part by adding lights or recessed pockets with hidden features or whatever, the more complicated it becomes. The type of lights you choose can make a huge difference in pricing, too. I’m reminded of an old phrase: “The cost of cool ain’t cheap, and cheap ain’t cool!” If you are requesting a one-off part for your 2007 Volvo, that’s a little different, since most fabrication shops don’t have a pattern worked up to work with. That means someone has to either find a truck just like yours to measure or you will need to make an appointment to have your specific truck measured to ensure the placement is correct and that they are comfortable taking on your request. I recommend the later choice so there is less chance of making mistakes. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, it means it’s not a cookie-cutter piece, and the price will reflect that. Also, don’t be alarmed if you are asked to place a downpayment on your work order – it’s common practice to put a little skin in the game before they begin to process your request. None of us want to put forth a great effort building something “special” only to get cheated when no one shows up to claim it. In today’s metals market, a single sheet of aluminum can run $200-$500, and good quality 304 stainless can be between $250 and $1,200. Most I-panels require about a half sheet of material, depending on the design or style. For reference, I inquired with our fabrication guru on the mill, grade, or thickness of preferred materials. His recommendation was dependent on the application. His range was between 16 gauge and 1/8 inch. Many of the pre-packaged parts are made using 20 gauge material, which is thinner by design and cheaper to mass produce. Depending on the process of manufacturing, this can also affect the structure of the bends and therefore be more prone to cracks and breaks. To the average consumer, that may result in disappointments and/or failures. With all this in mind, just the cost of materials, not to mention highly skilled labor, is the difference between “custom” and “cuss-um” truck parts! Okay, with materials out of the way, let’s talk process and labor. Like any other true tradesman, they are worth their weight in gold. And I’m not just speaking of the fabrication guy, but the paint and body guys, as well. Note to all the young people out there who aren’t sure how or where to find a career path – many of these jobs pay well and some have a promising future. If you
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