Tri City Customs in Oklahoma City: Custom Fabrication and Performance Parts
Tri City Customs is a full-service automotive fabrication and parts shop operating in Oklahoma City that specializes in custom metalwork, performance modifications, and fabrication services for trucks, hot rods, and specialty vehicles. The business bridges the gap between off-the-shelf parts retailers and high-end custom shops, offering both sourced components and in-house fabrication for customers who need work tailored to their specific builds.
What Tri City Customs Actually Does
The shop functions as both a parts supplier and fabrication facility. Rather than stocking only pre-made parts, the team builds custom components: frame modifications, suspension mounts, exhaust systems, and structural reinforcements for vehicles undergoing significant alterations. This dual model means a customer shopping for a specific performance part can also have that part custom-fitted or modified on-site if standard fitment does not work. The operation serves DIY builders, restoration enthusiasts, and owners of modified trucks and classic vehicles who need precision work beyond what chain retailers offer.
Services and Pricing Structure
Tri City Customs charges for fabrication work on an hourly basis, with rates confirming prior to the estimate. Custom fabrication labor typically runs $75 to $125 per hour depending on complexity and materials involved. Basic services such as part sourcing and assembly cost less; full custom frame or suspension builds run significantly higher and often require a deposit. The shop also sells performance parts at competitive retail pricing, though exact inventory and pricing should be confirmed by phone since stock changes with customer projects and seasonal demand.
The shop does not operate as a quick-service facility. Projects are quoted and scheduled in advance; there is no walk-in parts counter with immediate gratification. Customers planning a visit should call ahead with their specific needs so the team can allocate time and confirm availability.
How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Options
Oklahoma City has multiple tire and quick-service shops (Firestone, Discount Tire) that handle basic maintenance and routine parts installation quickly and affordably. Those venues suit customers needing tires, brakes, or filters within a few hours. Tri City Customs serves a different purpose: it is the choice for owners whose projects fall outside standard service menus. Performance shops like Uptown Car Audio and other specialized fabricators exist in the market, but Tri City's emphasis on structural and suspension fabrication rather than audio or cosmetics sets it apart. For metal fabrication specifically, independent welding shops can handle one-off jobs but typically lack the automotive expertise and parts integration that Tri City provides. For restoration work, some body shops in Oklahoma City can handle collision and paint, but fewer combine that capability with custom frame and suspension modifications under one roof.
Choose Tri City Customs if your vehicle needs custom-built components, non-standard fitment solutions, or structural modifications. Choose a chain tire shop if you need tires or routine service in a day. Choose a traditional body shop if your focus is collision repair or paint.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
This shop is ideal for truck owners modifying suspensions, hot rod builders planning frame alterations, and classic car restorers needing precision metalwork. It suits people comfortable with longer project timelines and willing to invest in fabrication labor. It does not suit customers seeking quick tire changes, oil service, or parts pickup the same day. It is also not a dealership service center; it does not handle warranty work or routine factory maintenance.
What the First Visit Involves
Bring your vehicle, detailed photos of the planned modifications, and clear communication about the end goal. The team will assess the project, discuss feasibility, explain the fabrication process, and provide a time estimate and cost quote. Complex work may require a follow-up consultation after the initial assessment. Deposits are typically required before fabrication begins; confirm the specific deposit policy when requesting a quote.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Tri City Customs operates during standard business hours and maintains a shop floor for in-progress vehicle storage. Parking for your own vehicle is available on-site. Confirm current hours by phone before visiting, as fabrication schedules occasionally affect availability for walk-ins seeking quotes. The shop is located in Oklahoma City proper; exact address and directions are best obtained directly from the business.
Tri City Customs fills a concrete need in Oklahoma City's automotive ecosystem: custom fabrication work that requires engineering skill and metalworking capability, available locally without shipping parts out of state or contracting distant specialists.
