Take one work truck. Bolt some storage boxes to the tray at the back, and modify the sides of the vehicle so they extend out and up.
And presto. The crew at Protect Industries at Meadowbrook has solved an age-old problem which has plagued tradies for decades.
“By modifying the tub the way we have, we’ve been able to provide a lockable solution without taking away all of the space in the back of the ute,” general manager of Protect Industries Alf Allman said.
“On this particular car, a Toyota Hilux SR5, we’ve put a modern roofrack with all the bells and whistles and lights on the top. It seems to be what people want. We’ve also put custom flares onto the front of the car which has provided width and room for wider tyres.”
It’s one pimped up ride, that’s for sure.
But it’s the basic invention of being able to provide side access to the tub that has the team most excited.
They’ve patented the idea, and they’ve already had a few people hear about it on the grapevine.
“We are talking to a guy who washes trucks, and another guy just likes the convenience of side access,” Mr Allman said.
“It could suit a photographer, a tradie, anyone really who carries around a lot of expensive gear that they want lockable access to. And you still get to keep the basic benefits of the tub.”
Protect Industries specialises in vehicle modifications, and has recently seen a rush on four-wheel-drive cars.
“Some people buy a brand new car worth $100,000 and then they bring it to us to ensure it has every comfort and function they need,” Mr Allman said.
The tub modification however, isn’t going to cost quite that much – about $15,000-$18,000 to complete the transition from traditional ute to functional work vehicle.
“Our business started in a backyard garage,” Mr Allman said.
“Now, here we are in this slick workshop. We’re meticulous and we usually work with a high-end clientele. But this new invention is really exciting.”
Protect Industries also sells car tracking technology (Trakpro), distributes Pompanazzi Quartz Glass Coating products, a paint protection for cars, bikes, boats, any type of glass, jetskis etc, and it has a retail shop with all types of unusual and functional gadgets for four-wheel-driving enthusiasts.
