Dyess Customs in Oklahoma City: Custom Automotive Work and Collision Repair

Dyess Customs is a full-service collision and custom automotive shop located in Oklahoma City that handles both accident damage and custom fabrication work. The operation combines insurance-coordinated repair with in-house welding, painting, and custom builds, positioning it as a dual-purpose facility in a market where most shops specialize in either collision repair or aftermarket customization, not both.

What Dyess Customs Actually Does

The shop performs collision repair on vehicles of all makes and models, ranging from minor fender damage to frame-straightening work. Beyond standard accident repair, it also takes on custom builds: metal fabrication, engine work, paint jobs, and full restorations. This dual scope means a customer can bring in a truck damaged in an accident and leave with collision repair, or return separately for custom suspension or body modifications. The facility maintains relationships with major insurers for claim coordination, which simplifies the process for customers whose vehicles are accident-damaged.

Services and Pricing

Collision repair pricing depends on damage extent and is quoted after inspection. Insurance claims are handled through direct coordination with carriers, which means the customer typically pays their deductible rather than the full repair bill upfront. Dyess Customs provides written estimates before work begins.

Custom work is priced per project. A basic paint job (single color) costs considerably less than a multi-stage custom finish with graphics. Engine builds, frame modifications, and fabrication work are quoted individually based on scope. The shop charges a diagnostic fee to assess damage or understand what a custom build requires; confirm current rates when calling.

Labor rates for collision work in Oklahoma City range from $45 to $65 per hour depending on the shop. Dyess Customs falls within this range, though rates should be verified directly. Custom fabrication labor is often quoted as a flat rate per project rather than hourly.

How Dyess Customs Compares to Other Oklahoma City Options

Most collision shops in Oklahoma City (such as those operating under regional chains or dealership service departments) do not offer custom fabrication; they focus exclusively on accident repair and insurance coordination. Conversely, custom shops that build hot rods or perform restorations rarely handle routine collision work. Dyess Customs bridges this gap, making it the right choice if you need both services without managing two separate vendors.

For collision-only work after an accident, dealership service departments may offer factory-matched parts and warranty alignment, particularly if your vehicle is still under coverage. However, dealerships typically charge higher labor rates (often $80 to $110 per hour in Oklahoma City). Dyess Customs is the better option if you want competitive pricing and don't require factory service records.

For custom builds, Dyess Customs competes with independent custom shops across the Oklahoma City metro. The advantage here is that if your custom project gets damaged before completion, the same facility can repair it without transferring between vendors or explaining the work to a second team.

Who This Shop Suits and Who It Does Not

Dyess Customs is ideal for owners of older vehicles (1990s and earlier) that benefit from custom work: restoration projects, engine swaps, or suspension upgrades. It also serves everyday drivers who need collision repair without the dealership markup. Fleet operators appreciate direct insurance coordination and straightforward labor rates.

The shop is less suitable for drivers who prioritize factory-warranty alignment or who need their vehicle serviced only for maintenance (oil changes, tire rotation). Those looking for a quick mobile detail or minor cosmetic touch-up should look elsewhere; Dyess Customs is geared toward structural repair and fabrication, not detailing.

What the First Visit Involves

For collision work, call or visit with photos of damage and your insurance information. The shop will schedule an inspection, assess whether the vehicle is drivable, and provide a written estimate. You'll authorize the work (usually through your insurance company if the claim is filed), drop off the vehicle, and receive an estimated completion date.

For custom work, bring reference images, dimensions, or a detailed description of what you want. The shop will schedule a consultation, provide an estimate, and discuss materials and timeline. Custom projects often take weeks to months depending on complexity.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Dyess Customs operates Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours available by appointment. Exact hours should be confirmed by calling ahead, as hours may shift seasonally or with project deadlines. The facility has dedicated customer parking and a waiting area. Most repairs take 1 to 2 weeks; custom builds take 4 to 12 weeks depending on scope. The shop offers loaner vehicles or can arrange towing for vehicles that are not drivable.

Dyess Customs fills a practical niche in Oklahoma City's automotive market by combining collision repair with custom fabrication under one roof, eliminating the friction of coordinating separate shops and the cost premium of dealership collision centers.