"We started collecting Ford,...
"We started collecting Ford, Chevy-GMC, and Dodge trucks to use for developing plans and fitting parts for customers as far away as New Zealand. Our museum-yard of over 80 vintage trucks covers most of the rest of the property. We also sell some of these experienced parts. We're continually expanding our offerings, from Australian Utes to fire engines to military vehicle restorations."
For as long as we can remember there has always been a copy of the first edition of Custom Classic Trucks shelved somewhere here in the office, but we're darned if we can find it now. Who knows, maybe the trash man snagged it and sold it on eBay, or perhaps the dog ate it. If our memory serves us well, Bruce Horkey and his company: Bruce Horkey's Wood & Parts, Inc., has been a valued advertiser since that very first issue. That said, we figured it was high time CCT readers got a good firsthand look at Bruce's family operation, and since nobody knows the story better than Bruce himself we'll use his words.
A '66 GMC gauge cluster customized...
A '66 GMC gauge cluster customized by Bruce Horkey and company.
"Between production runs of...
"Between production runs of bed kits, we're willing to fill custom orders for hardwoods other than our standard oak and ash. Other species are available like African mahogany, Bubinga, purpleheart, teak, padauk, cherry, walnut, hickory, and most domestic hardwoods."
"Here's a custom fuel fill...
"Here's a custom fuel fill access door that is all cut from the same board, almost disappearing when closed. A special aluminum support rail allows the door to pivot open when touched by finger."
"This is a traveling box display...
"This is a traveling box display we put together to use at the shows we attend to help showcase many of the parts and accessories available to our customers."
"After graduating tool and die school and a hitch in the U.S. Navy I started my working career in 1975 doing cabinet and furniture work. In my spare time, I built a hot rod '54 Ford F-100 and realized a need for replacement bed parts and accessories for the truck rod restoration hobby. By 1985 the truck parts portion of the business had grown to the point where we (my wife, Mari, and brother Ted) decided to go full time on building truck parts and phased out the cabinet portion of the business.
"Fulfilling a truck guys dream included purchasing an acreage near the rural southwestern Minnesota town of Windom. We initially built a 40x60-foot shop and over the years, have grown it to a 12,000-foot complex of specialty areas, enabling our crew to provide personal service to satisfy our customers."
"Our shop truck, a '55 Ford...
"Our shop truck, a '55 Ford F-250 with a warmed-over 429-inch Ford, C-6, Vintage Air, oak and stainless floor, riding on air-ride suspension. At Bruce Horkey's Wood & Parts, we live trucks!"
"Located in close proximity...
"Located in close proximity to the prime hardwood growing region of SE Minnesota and SW Wisconsin, we're able to select from over 4 million board foot of inventory at our supplier's warehouse, enabling us to offer a wide selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods."
"We will pre-assemble your...
"We will pre-assemble your box, assuring a "bolt together" fit when you're ready to put your truck together. Staining and finishing of the bed wood is also an option. We can help you achieve that complementary color and look that's so important to blending the wood's classic richness with today's paint and upholstery finishes."
"This heirloom 1938 International...
"This heirloom 1938 International stake bed truck is in the Ellingson Auto Museum in Rogers, MN. We built and finished the metal platform and ash floor and racks."
"Because of our extensive...
"Because of our extensive inventory we can offer a full range of high-quality pickup box related parts to help with your custom or restoration project. We also have a full line of licensed replacement parts for your project."
"This stainless gas fill is...
"This stainless gas fill is being fitted to a customer's purpleheart bed kit. Personal service and customer satisfaction is our goal."
"Our friendly, knowledgeable...
"Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is eager to help customers get the parts they need at competitive prices."
"Ted Horkey speaks Dodge fluently...
"Ted Horkey speaks Dodge fluently as well as Chevy, GMC, and Ford. Custom orders are welcome. We'll help you with any special needs you may have."
"As an example of the personal...
"As an example of the personal service we extend to all our customers, this box and related collected parts from other vendors was crated and shipped to New Zealand."