Rick's American Restoration specializes in returning original Chevrolet C/K trucks to show-grade condition. The shop blends period-correct fabrication with modern drivability upgrades.
Owners trust Rick's American Restoration for frame-off restorations, corrosion repair, and historically accurate interiors that honor each truck's era.
| Shop | Location | Core Specialty | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rick's American Restoration | North Hollywood, CA | GM C/K 1960–1987 frame-off restorations | 8–14 months typical |
| Lead Technician | Rick Jimenez | Mechanical & fabrication lead | Onsite oversight |
| Body Fabrication | In-house | Panel forming, seam welding, rust remediation | Handled internally |
| Paint & Finish | Custom mix | Duplicolor period-correct colors | Matte or gloss options |
Authentic GM C/K Truck Restoration
Rick's American Restoration focuses on trucks built from 1960 to 1987, emphasizing authenticity in body lines, badges, and grille orientation. Each restoration begins with archival research to match factory build sheets and trim codes.
The team strips vehicles to the frame, repairs every section with CNC-machined gauge tools, and rewires the harness to support modern safety systems without altering the visible profile.
Frame-Off Rebuild Process
Clients receive a detailed project plan that outlines milestones such as template creation, metal shaping, and door alignment checks. Clear communication keeps expectations realistic and timelines transparent.
- Initial assessment and 3D body scan
- Template making and parts sourcing
- Frame reinforcement and rust correction
- Mechanical rebuild with modern reliability upgrades
- Interior retrim with period-correct materials
- Paint, final assembly, and dyno tuning
Parts Sourcing & Hardware
Rick's American Restoration leverages salvage yards, GM parts programs, and aftermarket suppliers to locate correct components. When OEM parts are unavailable, the shop reproduces brackets, emblems, and lights to factory specs.
Hardware such as u-bolts, spring shackles, and torque-arm bushings is upgraded to modern alloys for durability while retaining correct outward appearance.
Mechanical Reliability & Drivability
Under the vintage steel, trucks receive updated suspension geometry, disc brake conversions, and improved cooling that passes California emissions standards. The goal is a truck that feels safe on today's roads yet remains visually faithful to its years.
Engines are balanced, blueprinted, and paired with rebuilt automatic or manual transmissions that suit the truck's intended use, whether concours showing or weekend drives.
Preserving Your Truck's Historical Value
Choosing Rick's American Restoration means selecting a partner that respects the lineage of each GM C/K while delivering contemporary performance. The shop's meticulous documentation and craftsmanship help maintain concours-level authenticity.
Discreet modern updates are integrated seamlessly so the truck remains recognizable as its original era yet dependable for regular use.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do you work on trucks that have previous frame repairs or rust damage?
Yes, the shop specializes in correcting prior poorly repaired frames and extensive rust, returning them to factory geometry with corrected alignment.
Can you match my truck to an original factory color and trim level?
Duplicolor color matching and verified build-sheet research allow accurate recreation of period-specific hues and trim combinations.
Will the restoration pass smog inspection and registration in California?
All completed trucks are prepared to meet CARB requirements, with labeled emissions components and documentation to support registration.
Do you provide a written contract and estimated completion date before work starts?
A detailed proposal with milestones, parts lists, and a timeframe is provided, and changes are documented through signed revisions.