Thoughts on Boyce built trucks.

[Digger440]

Hey all,

I am in the market for a bobbed duce and Boyce definitely has my interest.

I have the tooling and knowledge to buy one and do everything myself. However, I lack time and the want to start another major project.

I haven't seen or heard anything negative about Boyce build quality and customer service. I know they have been in the mil-surp truck business forever as I can remember their ads for rockwell axles in the back of 4 Wheel magazines. Longevity and lack of negative reviews has to mean something right?

 

[davidb56]

Hey all,

I am in the market for a bobbed duce and Boyce definitely has my interest.

I have the tooling and knowledge to buy one and do everything myself. However, I lack time and the want to start another major project.

I haven't seen or heard anything negative about Boyce build quality and customer service. I know they have been in the mil-surp truck business forever as I can remember their ads for rockwell axles in the back of 4 Wheel magazines. Longevity and lack of negative reviews has to mean something right?

they have done me good on parts. remember, its still a "used" truck, with a old engine.

 

[topo]

I bought a 1967 M52A2 from Boyce about 15 years ago over the phone and they shipped it to me . I was told the truck sat out side the fence at the Forest service yard and was never used by them then Boyce bought it at a auction and put it back in running condition .

when I got it I pulled the hubs and greased the bearings and honed the wheel cylinders I found water in the transmission from cab top being weathered away and rain running down the shifter there was no lube oil in the winch .

Old used trucks need maintained Offen it is just taking something apart and clean and oil it .

Boyce Equipment A+ from me

 

[Digger440]

they have done me good on parts. remember, its still a "used" truck, with a old engine.

Thanks, and yes I am very aware that these are 40-50 year old trucks. However, they seem to take care of all the "normal" multi fuel issues ( headgasket, bypassing the FDC, etc.). They also told me thay would install the pyro/boost gauge I want if I shipped it to them.

I hope aa member here with one of their builds can chime in.

 

[Digger440]

I bought a 1967 M52A2 from Boyce about 15 years ago over the phone and they shipped it to me . I was told the truck sat out side the fence at the Forest service yard and was never used by them then Boyce bought it at a auction and put it back in running condition .

when I got it I pulled the hubs and greased the bearings and honed the wheel cylinders I found water in the transmission from cab top being weathered away and rain running down the shifter there was no lube oil in the winch .

Old used trucks need maintained Offen it is just taking something apart and clean and oil it .

Boyce Equipment A+ from me

Thanks Topo,

I am looking at a full build, not just one of their surplus rigs. But, I appreciate your vouching for them.

 

[rustystud]

Boyce does good work. Very high priced, but good work. They used to have a shop up here just south of Seattle.

 

[KN6KXR]

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.

 

[Mullaney]

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.

.
Nice writeup!
Given the opportunity - it sure would be neat to see another Boyce Report when you get your truck in June. Oh, and pictures too!

 

[Digger440]

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.

Thanks for this write up!

I am also in the camp of being willing/able to pay for quality work and not having the time to do it myself. Last summer I found and bought back the first car I ever owned (1972 Charger). With that on my plate I just want something I can get in and drive.

Almost 100% of everything I have read about Boyce has been positive and in speaking to Dallas a couple times he is pretty personable and doesn't try to puff smoke up your posterior. If everything works out I will probably put my deposit down this week and begin the waiting process.

 

[Shooter308]

This was the position I was in, been wanting a deuce for several years, but I'm always working and was willing to pony up the cash to get into the game without needing to do lots of initial work myself. So I reached out to Boyce. Dallas is very easy to talk to, and will call or text with any questions to verify your needs/wants. 9 months ago I started the process and was told the truck would be 9 months out for completion. Well, I just received the truck before the weekend. I haven't had time to really dig into it. But have taken the kids for some laps around the field. I think it looks amazing, yes it's old metal and even paint can't make it perfect, but it appears to be well done. Honestly, I have nothing to say bad about my experience with Boyce Equipment. When I will need parts, I'll be calling them first. Picture is fresh off the trailer. More to come if needed/wanted.

 

[Mullaney]

This was the position I was in, been wanting a deuce for several years, but I'm always working and was willing to pony up the cash to get into the game without needing to do lots of initial work myself. So I reached out to Boyce. Dallas is very easy to talk to, and will call or text with any questions to verify your needs/wants. 9 months ago I started the process and was told the truck would be 9 months out for completion. Well, I just received the truck before the weekend. I haven't had time to really dig into it. But have taken the kids for some laps around the field. I think it looks amazing, yes it's old metal and even paint can't make it perfect, but it appears to be well done. Honestly, I have nothing to say bad about my experience with Boyce Equipment. When I will need parts, I'll be calling them first. Picture is fresh off the trailer. More to come if needed/wanted.

.
She looks really good to me! Nice looking paint too.
Grab more pix when you can so the rest of us can drool over your new-to-you truck!
Good to hear about a good experience.

 

[Digger440]

Should have updated this a while back. Instead of buying a 46k Deuce I spent the money I had to pay off all of our consumer debt.

But, not all was lost, I found a pretty nice M1078 and got that instead.

 

[Shooter308]

Here's some of the additional pictures I could grab. Just finished up the title transfer and got a plate. Took it on its first road journey with me.

 

[KN6KXR]

Should have updated this a while back. Instead of buying a 46k Deuce I spent the money I had to pay off all of our consumer debt.

But, not all was lost, I found a pretty nice M1078 and got that instead.

That's an excellent truck as well! I wouldn't be buying a custom unless I was down to just the mortgage. Been up to my eyeballs absolutely no fun. Ever since I paid it all off I've really enjoyed either paying cash or hefty downs and 0%. You can get a classic M35A2 later. Enjoy not feeding the credit thieves best thing I've ever done for myself financially.

 

[Maverick1701]

Hey all,

I am in the market for a bobbed duce and Boyce definitely has my interest.

I have the tooling and knowledge to buy one and do everything myself. However, I lack time and the want to start another major project.

I haven't seen or heard anything negative about Boyce build quality and customer service. I know they have been in the mil-surp truck business forever as I can remember their ads for rockwell axles in the back of 4 Wheel magazines. Longevity and lack of negative reviews has to mean something right?

I bought my truck from boyce for much of the same reasons. I wanted a truck that had been gone through and was ready to go. I wanted a vehicle I could spend time enjoying vs working on for months and months).
It was a great truck. I owned it from 2010-2021 and it never gave my any major issues.
You may pay a slightly higher price than buying from a PO (I paid $10K for an M35A2 w/winch) but I understood that going in and was fine with it...for what I got out of it (truck in great shape ready to enjoy)