Pickup/ute body business? Opinions please

[G00MER]

Hi all.

So after 14 odd years of climbing I’m feeling old and debating hanging up my harness.

Working as a subby climber all my kit is chucked in the back of my hilux day to day and getting it in and out annoys me because you can’t reach whatever you want without climbing in.

So... Before I started tree work I did welding/fabricating, and after seeing the ‘ute canopies’ used in Australia I’ve finally started to make one for myself after years of just thinking about it.

Something similar to this

 

 

I think they’re awesome and make the back so much more usable.

My question is, do you guys think there’s a market for this type of thing in this country? They’re big business in Australia but I have my doubts as I’m not sure we use trucks as much here.

Should I start making them?

[Steve Bullman]

A lot of the utilities companies have similar setups. That’s probably where your market would be.

 

as for hanging up the harness, do it the sooner the better. I wish I had done it 5 years earlier than I did 

[G00MER]

A lot of the utilities companies have similar setups. That’s probably where your market would be.
 
as for hanging up the harness, do it the sooner the better. I wish I had done it 5 years earlier than I did 

Yeah, I wish I had done it earlier!

[ForestryFinance]

That looks class! Although I would say a lot of people use a pickup here as a “mixed use” vehicle or as their every day vehicle and might not want their family-type car to look as worky as that. 

Still I reckon it could work here, but need to just really carefully think through how you market and promote it to make sure you hit the right type of buyer 

Edited September 3, 2019 by ForestryFinance

[CDMR]

It looks awesome but doesn't it turn it into a thief magnet?

[G00MER]

It looks awesome but doesn't it turn it into a thief magnet?

Hopefully not. It should be more secure than any hardtop or even the back of a van.

[Conor Wright]

Savage looking! Wouldn't mind something like that for my hilux, not necessarily as complex as that, but to be able access through the sides would make a serious difference to the versatility of the rear tub.

I would imagine there is a market for such custom builds.

High security bespoke type builds may suit your business idea more than multiple units built to a price.. just a thought.

[Johnnyboxer]

What sort of rough price ?

[G00MER]

Savage looking! Wouldn't mind something like that for my hilux, not necessarily as complex as that, but to be able access through the sides would make a serious difference to the versatility of the rear tub.
I would imagine there is a market for such custom builds.
High security bespoke type builds may suit your business idea more than multiple units built to a price.. just a thought.

The one in the picture is quite kitted out.
The basic canopy is fairly simple but can endlessly fitted out with drawers, dividers, storage, rear door, whatever is needed for its purpose.
I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I’d much rather take twice as long to make one at a time exactly how it’s wanted than have a factory making loads.

[Steve Bullman]

Definitely make it modular