Builder's Profile: Reb Auto
COMPANY: REB AUTO
OWNER: RICK BARTOK SR.
ADDRESS: Lower mainland, bc
TEL: 604-543-3768
WEBSITE: www.rebauto.com
WHAT THEY DO: DESIGNS AND FABRICATING, REBUILDING AND RESTORATIONS.
Background: Rick Bartok started out honing his skills in the late 1960’s as a body man in Prince George, B.C. After stints at shops in Vancouver, he established REB Auto in the early ‘70’s on Riverside Drive in North Vancouver. After a few moves and stints with family members, REB Auto now operates out of a great shop in Surrey, B.C.
PP: Have you always been interested in cars?
RB: I have always loved cars from a very young age. I loved building sleepers back then. They weren’t much to look at on the outside, but always went like heck. That was of course back in the day when it was commonplace to race cars off the line at a stop light...I rarely lost.
PP: How did REB get started?
RB: After I learned the trade working for a few companies I decided I wanted to give it a shot on my own. So I opened up a shop located under the Second Narrows Bridge specializing in restoring write-offs. We did well over 250 cars and then decided to expand beyond write-offs so we opened Rebuilds and Restorations (R&R) that was located in Burnaby. It was a full-service shop with a machinist, upholsterer, body man, etc., but in the late 90’s it had run its course and we decided to buy this property and go back to strictly restorations and customization.
PP: What does REB specialize in?
RB: If I had to summarize it I would have to say it is problem solving. We have a 10-step system we use to evaluate each project which gives us the ability to determine how long the project will take and how much it will cost the customers. We strive to take out all of the surprises so the customers have peace of mind when they are building a vehicle with us.
PP: What makes REB stand out from other custom shops?
RB: I would have to say it is our ability to fabricate many components on site and our experience. We have the equipment required to fabricate or repair most any problems we encounter. If we can’t find it we’ll make it. Something not all shops in the industry are able to do, so it sets us apart that way.
PP: Who is the REB’s typical customer?
RB: I don’t think there is one. We work with customers of all budgets and desires. When a vehicle leaves our shop the only goal is that it is done right the first time and the customers enjoys the experience every step of the way associated with building the vehicle... whether it is a daily driver or show vehicle.
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