DKM's Paint & Body

DKM's Paint & Body DKM's Paint & Body is owned and operated by a 3rd generation auto body technician. He worked so hard, and I always idolized, and looked up to him. SWCC.

DKM’s Paint & Body didn’t start out a goal or plan, it started life as a dream, not even my dream. Let me explain, as a kid my dad worked at a body shop from the time I can remember until roughly 2000. He never pushed me into doing anything I really didn’t want to do. He always said when you grow up and find a career, I just want you to be happy. Actually as a young boy I wanted to be a carpenter

like my grandpa. Then fast forward a few years, I started showing interest in cars, and really got to paying attention to dad’s work. The amazing things he would do to complete rubble of messes and turn them into looking brand new again. I was hooked I wanted to learn as much as I could, as fast as I could. He started to notice that I started gettin into it and he got so excited but didn’t try to show it because he didn’t want to pressure me into something I wasn’t gonna love down the road. A couple years went by and things didn’t change, I just kept getting more and more passionate about it. My dad and I would talk a lot about how to fix this and that and then it got to where we were thinking about starting a shop together. After we visited about it off and on, it just sent me into a whole different gear. I wanted this so badly. Unfortunately, that’s not what life had in store for either of us. My dad’s mental health diminished roughly around 2000. It crushed my whole world but I vowed to someday follow out that dream and would turn it into a goal to one day to do this. In 2009 I graduated high school then went onto SWCC for collision repair. In 2010 I passed the ASE Certification tests along with all the ICAR training. After finishing SWCC, I went to Northwest Technical School from 2011-2012. My dad also went to Northwest Technical School for auto body. This was more of an on the floor type learning vs. I ended up going to Skills USA in Missouri, winning and moving on to take 8th in the state for refinishing and test taking. I got out into the field and unfortunately my mental health declined so the dream had to take a back seat for some years. I always tried to follow up with the education. Then I got the right help that worked for me and a lot of life changes. I decided to finally go all in on my dream. DKMs Paint & Body is my business name. The DKM’s part of it isn’t for me it’s my dads initials, Daniel Kevin Mackey, since he isn’t able to be right with me on this journey it’s only right to name my business after my dad who I owe all this to in the first place. So, all that being said, it would be very hard to find anyone as passionate about this business as I am. Thank you for looking at our page and we hope to do business with you in the near future. If you have any questions or would like to visit about repairs and/or refinishing your dream project, just send us a email or a message.

The Big D BlockEvery once in a while you stumble onto something that works so well you wonder why you didn’t build it ye...
08/07/2026

The Big D Block

Every once in a while you stumble onto something that works so well you wonder why you didn’t build it years ago.

This project started with an old sanding block idea that my dad used for years. Out of respect for him, I’ll keep the details of his setup to myself, but it inspired me to create something of my own.

I wanted to combine some old-school thinking with a few modern touches and build a sanding block that fit the way I work.

The result is what I call The Big D Block.

I redesigned the handle for better leverage and comfort, built the block around a rigid acrylic base, finished it with a burned wood look, Mojito Jeep Green accents, neon green acrylic, multiple coats of clear, and topped it off with a custom 3D printed logo made by Kaylee.

After putting it to work in the shop, it’s quickly become one of my favorite tools. It cuts fast, stays flat, and has made blocking large panels a whole lot easier.

Sometimes the best tools aren’t bought off a shelf—they’re built from experience, trial and error, and ideas passed down through generations.

Thanks Dad for the inspiration.

Vidalia Build UpdateI was able to track down a spare tailgate from a salvage yard so I could start experimenting with so...
08/05/2026

Vidalia Build Update

I was able to track down a spare tailgate from a salvage yard so I could start experimenting with some custom ideas without cutting up the original tailgate.

The first step was adding a recessed license plate box to the center of the tailgate. After measuring, cutting, fitting, and welding everything in place, I worked it back out and got it ready for the next phase.

This is just the beginning of the custom metal work on this piece. I’ve got a few more ideas planned, including cleaning up the overall look and hiding some of the factory features for a smoother custom appearance.

More updates coming as the build continues.

Tim Parrot dropped off a set of new race car components that needed refinished before going on his dirt track car.After ...
07/22/2026

Tim Parrot dropped off a set of new race car components that needed refinished before going on his dirt track car.

After some prep work and cleaning, everything was sprayed in direct-to-metal black and is ready for assembly.

Sometimes it’s the small details that help tie a build together.

Larry Kimble’s Super C Restoration UpdateMaking some great progress on Larry Kimble’s Farmall Super C from Grant City.Th...
07/15/2026

Larry Kimble’s Super C Restoration Update

Making some great progress on Larry Kimble’s Farmall Super C from Grant City.

This tractor survived the tornado that came through the area several years ago, and now it’s getting a second chance.

After complete disassembly, the tractor was sandblasted, prepped, and refinished in fresh International Harvester red. We also installed new rubber and refinished the wheels in International silver to bring everything back to life.

There’s still more work ahead before it’s finished, but seeing it go from a weathered survivor to this stage makes all the hard work worth it.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue bringing this old Farmall back to its former glory.

Vidalia truck build update.With the engine already out of the truck, we decided to freshen things up while everything wa...
07/08/2026

Vidalia truck build update.

With the engine already out of the truck, we decided to freshen things up while everything was easy to access. The engine was resealed, the timing gear was replaced, a new oil pan was installed, and several other odds and ends were taken care of along the way.

After cleanup and prep work, the engine received three coats of epoxy primer/sealer before being finished in classic Ford Wimbledon White.

One of the coolest parts of this project was getting the opportunity to spray it with my dad’s paint gun—the same paint gun he used to paint this truck back in the 1990s. Kind of a full-circle moment seeing the truck come back through the shop and using the same equipment that helped build it years ago.

Definitely more to come on this build as progress continues.

Happy Fourth of July everybody stay safe and enjoy your holiday🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎆🎇🧨
07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July everybody stay safe and enjoy your holiday🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎆🎇🧨

I’ve had quite a few people ask about the custom panel built into my shop door, so I figured I’d explain what it is.The ...
07/04/2026

I’ve had quite a few people ask about the custom panel built into my shop door, so I figured I’d explain what it is.

The center section of the garage door was removed and replaced with a custom fabricated insert built by Tim Parrot. The outside panels open up, allowing filters to be installed on the inside of the shop.

The goal was to improve airflow and filtration in my paint booth setup and help maintain proper booth operation while painting.

It’s one of those projects most people don’t notice right away, but it has made a big difference in the shop.

Big thanks to Tim Parrot for designing and building the insert. If you’re looking for fabrication or welding work, don’t hesitate to reach out to him. He does quality work and helped bring this project to life.

06/29/2026

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let everyone know that the shop will not be open to the public during the month of July. I will still be available by phone, Facebook Messenger, or text to provide estimates and schedule appointments to look at potential projects.

During this time, my main focus is finishing up the projects currently in the shop so I can take some time away for an upcoming appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

I’ll also continue posting our weekly project updates and content, so be sure to keep an eye on the page!

Thank you all for your continued support, patience, and understanding. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a great July!

— Dan

New project rolling into the shop!This Willys Jeep body came in through a referral from Rob at Auto Clinic. Rob is handl...
06/27/2026

New project rolling into the shop!

This Willys Jeep body came in through a referral from Rob at Auto Clinic. Rob is handling the mechanical side of the restoration while I tackle the body and paint work.

The owner delivered the body, hood, grille, windshield frame, and related sheet metal pieces, and we’re beginning the process of evaluating what it needs before moving into repairs and restoration.

It’s always exciting to get a new classic project in the shop, especially one with as much history and character as an old Willys.

Looking forward to sharing the progress as this one comes back to life. Stay tuned for updates.

Larry’s 1969 Torino update.Once we got into the passenger-side quarter panel, we found rust damage in the lower front an...
06/17/2026

Larry’s 1969 Torino update.

Once we got into the passenger-side quarter panel, we found rust damage in the lower front and rear sections. After searching for replacement panels and coming up empty on both new and used options, the decision was made to fabricate the repair sections from scratch.

Templates were made, new patch panels were formed, and the rust was removed approximately 2 inches into clean metal before the new steel was fitted and welded into place. The welds were then finished and prepared for the next stage of bodywork.

Not every restoration has replacement parts available. Sometimes the only option is to build what you need and keep moving forward.

Slowly bringing another classic back to life.

Address

803 Central Avenue
Bedford, IA
50833

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+16608530455

Website

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