Boyce is in a different subset of business than a lot of surplus guys here. Boyce is in the "we build them the way you want them" business not the "cheap surplus" business. They are not the best deal. What they are is for guys that don't have time, or don't want to make the time, to build one out themselves. Folks that would rather go ahead and spend their money on quality work while they attend to other things.
I'm one of those guys. I ordered my truck in August and expect delivery maybe by June. It's done the way I want it done. I stopped by there before Thanksgiving and got details settled with them. How I want my winch in the bumper, color and touch up process, looked over the different tires and rims, etc, etc.... They (Dallas Boyce) is great to work with. His dad is in the office next to him. His grandpa was out in the shop shipping parts. I recently got some parts from Memphis Equipment and the parts fellow there had known them for 30 years and had nothing but great things to say about them. Their shop is old school. Half dozen guys working on trucks in bays, brake lathe turning, rolling bins, custom axle stands on casters, paint booth attached to the building. Yard looks like a yard kinda messy but inside was all business. Not TOO clean but not cluttered either. Those of us that have done similar for a living can tell what's up by looking with a eye to detail.
So what was I doing there? I bought a M936A2 and drove it from MI to CA the week before Thanksgiving. I had them install a fiberglass hard top for me on the way home. Called maybe 7 or 10 days before my trip and ordered it. Sent them a picture of the truck they matched the paint. Rolled in right before they opened on a Monday morning they made space for the wrecker in the shop, had me roll in, had a young man install the top, on my way in 3 hours. Helped a little bit talked to the guy installing he knew these trucks well. Spent the rest of the time touring the place (self guided), settling details on my order, talking shop. Tried to stay out of the way as much as I could but there's just so much cool stuff there had to bother them just a little bit......
Since then I've bought a few parts from them. They ship fast, send emails, stock is correct. Not the cheapest once again but awesome service. Also called for some broken bits sent pictures made calls; they were right on it knew right what it was. I had a broken CTIS pressure switch I needed could not find the PN they sent one to me for free. I needed an ODO that reads more than 7500 miles (stupid CA laws) they made a remark about Commiefornia ruining it (I agree) and sent me a ODO free of charge. I foresee a long friendly business relationship with these guys.
If I could have bought a Boyce bobbed M35A2 on the used market I would have. The fact that there are none around says a LOT. The long lead time is actually good because I send them a chunk every couple months and by the time my truck is done it'll be mostly paid for. Very little cash I'll have to carry when I pick it up. It'll be the color I want with the options I want. Could I do it myself? Working full time maybe over a few years I could make one like what I'm buying. Hauling it off for paint would be an issue. I would rather spend the time working on getting my wrecker to fully operational mint condition though. CTIS and all. That's just my priorities and where I'm at. Other guys have more time available that's fine.
Anyways not sure if that helps as I actually don't have my truck in hand. After meeting the guys and my visit I know it's going to be done right and they'll stand behind the product. Still a used truck no gaurantees but FOR SURE if a disaster does happen those fellows will help make it right for their people. Of that I'm certain.
