Classix Auto Recyclers Inc

Classix Auto and Trux was started in September, 1989 as Classix Auto Recyclers, Inc. Its founder and owner, Steve Ruben had gained valuable experience since childhood working in an auto salvage business owned by his father and uncle.

Specialization was something that Steve had believed in for a number of years before the formation of Classix. The auto salvage industry in the greater Cincinnati, OH and tristate area was undergoing many changes in the mid to late 1980s, with the formation of import salvage yards, Ford only yards, and all domestic late model yards. What this market did not have was a salvage yard for older vehicles, specifically collector cars.

Steve was always a General Motors oriented guy, so this was an obvious choice. Also in mind was the vast interchange of parts among the GM cars and trucks. Pre-1980 (1979 and older), was also something of prime interest because of mostly pre-emissions and pre-electronics in the GM cars and trucks of that period. Hence, Classix would specialize in pre-1980 General Motors cars and truck salvage. The company began purchasing cars and trucks from different sources including individuals, tow lots, salvage auctions, and other salvage dealers.

The inventory included an enormous amount of NOS GM parts and accessories, including sheet metal, emblems and moldings, and a vast number of other small parts. After about three months of organizing and inventory of these parts, Ruben started an advertising campaign in Hemmings, and other national publications. This led to a national, and in some cases an international footprint in the collector car and restoration marketplace. 

While this acquisition was a giant step into the classic car restoration market, Steve had his eye on further expansion into this new industry which was gaining momentum through a new medium, the Internet. In late 2000, Classix purchased the inventory and assets of Gearbox Grannies, a nationally known distributor of reproduction, aftermarket, and NOS General Motors parts and accessories. With a catalog of more than 26,000 parts and accessories, Classix was now poised to have an impact on the GM restoration parts market.

After undergoing numerous expansions to their original facility in Sharonville, OH, it was time to make a change to the company's business plan. With older vehicles becoming more difficult and costly to acquire, and the aftermarket restoration parts accounting for 80-85% of total sales, Ruben decided in late 2011 to close the salvage yard, and move the business to a 6000 sq. ft. warehouse 5.5 miles south to Reading, OH. Downsizing was a very difficult decision, but the time had come, as Steve had turned 60 years old, and the operation of the yard had run its course. 

After about a 12-month transformation of the new facility, including a 1000 sq. ft. showroom, 4000 sq. ft. warehouse, and a 1000 sq. ft. restoration and service shop. Classix began to take on some restoration projects for its customers. The scope of the restorations would be limited to under-car and sheet metal fabrication. This would include floor pan installation, trunk floors, and other related services. Also offered are disc brake conversions and certain assembly projects.