The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Patrick's restorations

For at least 2 years Patrick's of Casa Grande, AZ has advertised on their site that they do complete restorations of AD trucks. Bring your own or get one of his. Does anyone have any first hand info about that? I thought about calling, and I guess that's the only way to know for sure, but I almost feel like "if I have to ask, I can't aford it". Prolly can't. Does he price a lump sum or piece meal? Anybody? Thanks

Frank50 ...

I have been down to Patricks many of times. They will do a complete restoration of your vehicle or you can pick one out of his lot. When Patrick is finished you will have a better than new truck. He doesn't skimp on any detail, however he is a purest and you won't get much deviation from stock components. I don't know how much he is charging today but whatever he is asking I think is well worth the price.

Because my truck is my project I have chosen to do things on my own. But I like they way that Patrick does things so I have built my '52 3100 from his advice.

Give him a call they love to chat!

$30,000 stock or warmed up last time I asked him. Which is not bad considering what that will get you at a dealership nowdays. Since everything you need to do it yourself can be found on this site I think that's the way to go. When I did'nt know what to do next a good search of the archives always got me back on track. As chev235 say's Patrick is very knowledgeable and a great resource for parts and information.

Curt B.

I have never talked to the folks at Patrick's but most comments are positive; the phone people are knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and that Patrick himself may answer the phone. Their parts and service, Saginaw conversion, etc. are reported to be the best. They have a good reputation. I'm sure a truck done by them would be done right. Thanks.

Or you can do it yourself for $30K. It speeds up the process to buy turn key. But you're left scratching your head if something needs dinkin with. Oh, and did I forget the chest puffing when someone asks about your truck.
I'm still waiting for that since mines still just a barely rolling chassis.

I understand that he doesn't do the drivetrain stricly stock. You will definitely not end up with a motor with dippers and I think that there are some other changes. There is quite a waiting list, so I understand.

My first dealings with them came after my writing him a letter with a question. he didn't write back but phoned. Said it was more personal.
A few years back I called to ask where I could get a copy of the ad in his catalog of his rear gear conversion. If you have seen the catalog it shows a stock AD passing a semi. The lady I spoke with was Patrick's wife, I believe and she volunteered to send me a few of those ads. They are actually posters and quite large so I have one on my shop wall.
My gut feeling after these two small experiences with him are quite positive.

An engine rebuilder that I deal with does business with Patricks. I saw him the day after he returned from a trip there. He said that I really need to see the operation. I am under the impression that he has in excess of a hundred ADs just waiting to be attended to!

That is correct he has that many trucks to choose from. If anyone is passing through the area I encourage you to stop at Patricks. He usually has 4-5 trucks at various restoration stages. I bet you'll be impressed at the least and you'll probably walk away with a new friend.

On one of my first visits to his shop Patrick and his wife took me out to lunch. They are the nicest people you will ever meet. Phillip his son has also become a good friend of mine. No matter when I call they have always made the time to make me feel like their #1 customer.

I apologize if this sounds like a sales campaign but they have been more than generous to me with information and support.

Sounds to me like an endorsement of the best kind. A satisfied customer.

I took my torque tube along with the gearset and bearings I got from Patrick's to an old local driveline shop. The guy had 40+ years of experience and was more than impressed with the quality and fit of the parts. He practically begged me to tell him where I got them from. Bill, that poster sounds sweet but passing a semi in your 'bolt is even sweeter!

Curt B.

If you deal with them in any way you will be very happy. Even if you don't buy anything and just need advice they will talk you through any problem, they have helped me a bunch. I would pay an extra buch based on service alone.