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Rick Schmidt – Ask Rick:
A Little Green to Start the Month
This month on the National Parts Depot hotline, Rick Schmidt joins us for a St. Patrick’s Day edition of Ask Rick, and we kick things off exactly where you’d expect — with Guinness, green beer, and whether Lucky Charms might be the safer choice. From there the conversation rolls naturally into green cars, and what makes certain shades timeless while others fall flat.
Rick makes the case that green, when done right, can be stunning. From Highland Green Mustangs to eccentric “Kermit-era” pickups, the color itself isn’t usually the problem — it’s the execution. Straight panels, tight gaps, and proper finish can transform a darker metallic green from dull to jaw-dropping. It’s a reminder that craftsmanship still wins, even when trends change.
Business Reality: Speeches, Tariffs, and Staying Steady
From paint colors we shift into something more serious. With a recent presidential address dominating headlines, the question becomes: do these speeches actually move the needle for business owners and consumers? Rick’s take is grounded. Don’t panic. Don’t freeze. But don’t assume long-term certainty from short-term rhetoric either. Build carefully. Invest thoughtfully. Keep moving forward without betting everything on promises that could shift in a few years.
That perspective leads directly into the restoration world. What is the tariff on Taiwanese sheetmetal right now? Rick breaks it down simply and explains how NPD adjusts pricing in real time rather than waiting and risking larger disruptions later. It’s a practical look at how global trade realities directly impact the hobby — and why maintaining a healthy, transparent business model matters for everyone involved.
Rick also clarifies something he’s said before: Taiwan and China are not the same. Taiwan has long been a cornerstone of quality restoration parts manufacturing, while much of the broader industry has shifted production toward China largely due to cost pressures. Quality can come from anywhere, Rick explains — but only when strict standards and oversight are maintained. It’s a nuanced discussion that goes beyond headlines and into real operational experience.
Chinese EVs in America — Inevitable?
From restoration parts we pivot to OEM speculation. With reports suggesting Chinese electric vehicles may eventually enter the U.S. market — despite significant tariffs — and rumors of potential joint ventures with American automakers, the landscape feels murky. Is it inevitable? Rick doesn’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but he does acknowledge the complexity.
Consumer perception, domestic jobs, pricing realities, and global manufacturing partnerships all factor into the equation. It’s not a black-and-white issue, and Rick approaches it with the same steady realism he applies to everything else: watch carefully, think long-term, and understand that markets evolve whether we like it or not.
Selling Your Business to Your Employees
A listener brings a thoughtful question to the hotline: how do you sell your company to your employees when no family member is positioned to take over?
Rick walks through the basics of seller financing and long-term notes, explaining how these transitions often work in practical terms. But he also delivers a caution that carries weight — if you care about your team, make sure you’re not handing them a mountain of debt without clear long-term growth potential. Succession isn’t just about extracting value; it’s about protecting people and preserving legacy. It’s one of the most candid segments of the episode.
Rick Reviews Trucks: The 5-Year Bet
We close this month with a truck-focused investment challenge. Custom builds under $75,000. Which one makes the smartest five-year play? Rick weighs rarity versus timeless appeal, trend versus durability, and lands on the truck that feels less flashy and more enduring.
Then we pivot to mostly stock examples and ask the same question again: what feels like a true long-term piece rather than a momentary surge? As always, Rick doesn’t just pick a vehicle — he explains his reasoning, giving listeners a framework for thinking about value, desirability, and staying power.
Custom Trucks under $75K:
1. 1947 Hudson Big Boy Pickup
https://www.hemmings.com/
2. 1953 Chevrolet 3100 LS-powered
https://bringatrailer.com/
3. 1976 Ford F-250
https://www.hemmings.com/
OE-style Truck under $75K:
1. 1958 Land Rover Series 2
https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1958-land-rover-series-2-short-hills-nj-619886
2. 1972 GMC C1500
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-gmc-c1500-12/
3. 1968 Ford F-100
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-ford-f-100-107/
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This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot –
your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!
