MADE IN AMERICA | Boyd Welding: One of the World’s Top Fuel Cell Producers

AMERICAN-MADE, HIGH-quality products have a massive impact on not only the truck industry, but on almost every other industry in today’s modern world. The level of quality and skill that come with handmade American goods is second to none and incomparable to their brand rivals to the East. If you’re cool with an inexpensive, less than- perfect part on your custom-built truck, then you have some options out there. But if you’re looking for perfection and craftsmanship that you can be proud to show off, you may want to start looking local.

DAVE BOYD WAS NICE ENOUGH TO GIVE BOTH SOLOMON AND ME A TOUR OF THE FACILITY DURING WORK HOURS SO WE COULD GET AN ACTUAL GLIMPSE OF AMERICAN MANUFACTURING.

SITTING IN THE SHOWROOM ARE FULLY COMPLETED CHEVY C10 FUEL CELLS SO YOU CAN ADMIRE THE QUALITY AND PERFECTION.

This month’s American Made feature story highlights one of the C10 community’s top fuel cell producers in the country: Boyd Welding. The company specializes in custom fuel tanks and small to medium quantity production runs. Each and every Boyd tank is manufactured, packaged and shipped from its Florida facility to locations all over the world. To maintain its standards and success, the company focuses on safety, accuracy, quality welding, appearance and production times, says Dave Boyd, owner.

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“These core values have provided us the opportunity to continue working with some of the best car builders and biggest OEM companies,” he says.

WILD SHAPED ALUMINUM TANKS OF ALL KINDS FILLED THE SHELVES AND EACH ONE OF THEM HAD A UNIQUE STORY TO GO ALONG WITH IT.

Dave was kind enough to give us a quick tour around the production area and see firsthand how these cells take shape. Everywhere we turned, oddly shaped fuel cells made for super interesting stories. From helicopter tanks to C10 cells, Boyd Welding has seen it all and has probably built it more than once. Dave explained that paying attention to the details on each tank is the key to staying on top.

“Our tanks are built from prime scratch-free aluminum sheets, TIG welded by hand and handled with care through every process, ensuring a scratch-free finish,” Dave says.

FULLY ASSEMBLED TANKS WITH PUMPS AND HOSES LOOKS TOO NICE TO USE, BUT WHEN FUNCTION AND QUALITY MEET, IT’S AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

Once the tanks are fully welded, they move into the testing phase to check for leaks and weak welds. Each and every tank is hydro pressure tested to 5 psi to ensure a leak-free tank and is backed by a two-year structural warranty.

WITH THE PARTS AND PIECES CUT, IT’S ON THE BENDING PROCESS. ALL TABS, BRACKETS AND TANKS ARE BENT TO SHAPE AND ORGANIZED ON THE SHELF WITH A PURCHASE ORDER AND BUILD SLIP.

NOW TIME TO MELT SOME METAL. CJ’S STATION IS CLEAN AND PICKED UP TO ENSURE NO DAMAGE OR SCRATCHES TO THE TANKS.

Along with these tanks come all the pieces and parts to assist in a perfect install. An inventory like that would bury many builders who haven’t gone digital. Dave managed that concern with his online hub that allows customers the opportunity to simply order online. Same-day shipping is available, too, for those guys who like to wait till the last minute to order parts.

HERE YOU CAN SEE BRANDON DETERMINING THE BEST LOCATION FOR THE THREADED SLEEVES.

PRECISION WELDING AND UNIFORM LINES ARE TOP PRIORITY FOR DAVE’S CREW. TREVOR TAKES PRIDE IN HIS WORK AND IT’S OBVIOUS IN HIS WORK STATION.

Boyd Welding also offers an online reference chart of universal tanks, transfer tanks or replacement tanks that may offer a quick-fix solution to your project. Custom fuel cells can be designed and ordered simply by submitting a drawing online. Once your design is received, you should get an estimate within a few hours.