48 10-4 Magazine / December 2025 might be wondering why I feel qualified to speak on this subject it’s because I have been the test dummy for many of the products on the market today. Not with the current manufacturers, but with some of the original designers of these products. I feel like the guy from State Farm Insurance (I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two). Some pertinent advice to those who are currently in the process of or plan to in the future build a truck worthy of the pages in 10-4 Magazine – there are no short cuts to success. A knock off part may cosmetically look the same, but it will not last or perform like a true custom truck part. My confidence comes from hands-on experience with broken parts and redesigned ones that eventually get replicated by the name-brand distribution companies that flood the market with look-a-like cookie-cutter items. It’s still buyer beware – if you want quality, then take the time to search it out. Personally, I’m still running my original I-panel built by and “gifted” to me by Steve Gringo (my son) more than 10 years ago. It doesn’t get pulled off at the end of a show season or the beginning of winter either. It is a true testament to the skill of a craftsman, the attention to materials, and the lasting endurance of a well-made product. Nice job, son! Next, let me address the process of cutting and/or shaping the raw materials into a work of art worthy of gifting to yourself or someone else. The machines necessary to do all these things are big, bold, and beautiful – and very expensive. They also require people trained to use them. This isn’t a task you learn in a weekend while playing basketball. Many of these products are made by one craftsman, using multiple technologies, theories, and applications of expertise. From the initial drafting process to the conversion of long hand measurements, to machine language, to digital control of the plasma table, the program then goes to the heavy break for exact and sharp bends, to the final process of hand welding or tig welding the shape for strength and durability. The sign of a better built product is one that does not show a start or stop of the process. To achieve this, all welds are hand ground to perfection and sanded before polishing or paint is applied. In most cases, the welding process is used to add body to the seam and not stretch the existing materials, unlike the stamping process, which can weaken the seam and lead to premature failure. This process will generally give a part a more uniform appearance, and the final inspection should be the reflection of craftsmanship, not crap-an-ship! Lastly, let me touch on the time requirements for products of this caliber. Any production company can stamp or cut products from a continuous roll of steel, aluminum or stainless, then slip that blank into a high strength hydraulic press using a product die to form the desired shape. Wham bam, thank you, mam! Then, stack it on a pallet and ship it out the door. That doesn’t make it good, it makes it cheap and ready-made, meaning it (or you) will look just like everyone else. The parts I am talking about are for the driver/owner who really wants to stand out among his or her peers. Budget for a few big ticket items that make a statement, then select a style of products you prefer. Remember, most custom shops specialize in specific types of product lines. Contact a shop you trust and make an appointment to discuss having pieces made to order. Their time and experience are valuable, and not a commodity to be wasted. Choosing the right shop or builder is a crucial step in the process since the parts they build can be a considerable investment and you probably plan to keep them for a long service life. This will also allow you to plan your timeframe around their production schedules and give the fabrication shop ample time to prep materials – it is not a simple task to plan, design, mock-up, test fit, and then finally build or produce a custom part. It will also give you a clear explanation of their process and price structure. And, any time a product builder is personally involved, they can discuss and express the pros or cons of specific designs. Also, having a well-informed customer can help the process go better, as well. Keep all this in mind when considering having custom parts (gifts) made. Merry Christmas to everyone from Aunt Barb, Penny the pooch, and myself. We wish you all Seasons Greetings from the North Country up here in Michigan. If you have asked for some cool parts for your truck as gifts, let’s hope the giver has read this article and now better understands the anatomy (and process) of these types of gifts. As we reflect on this past year, we make a toast with a mug of hot spiced chocolate as we snuggle in front of the fireplace and watch it snow, wishing you all a Happy New Year, too! Here’s hoping 2026 will be our best year yet, 10-4! n
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