FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pre Fitting Aqualu Parts
Please note that all products must be pre-fit prior to starting any bodywork or painting. The reason for this is to ensure that the components are going to work as intended with your existing set-up. If alterations are required they will likely need to be made at this stage. All Aqualu products are designed to work with the original OEM steel components. We have tried to replicate our products as close to the originals as possible but please be aware they are not an OEM product and some minor alterations may be required on your end to achieve your desired fitment.
Painting Aluminum
We do not do any painting in house, and send all our work out for painting or powder coating. We suggest that you follow the recommendations of your paint manufacturer or contact a reputable body shop who is familiar with painting aluminum.
For our restorations we like to powder coat our aluminum bodies first, and then we use a top coat. After powder coat you can block the body out with filler then use a urethane primer and urethane top coat. If you choose not to powder coat the body first, you will have to use an epoxy etching primer before the urethane primer and top coat are applied.
When painting, just make sure you treat the body first with an etching primer that is made specifically for aluminum. There are many different paint suppliers out there; you just want to make sure you are using products specifically designed for the aluminum. The etching primer is going to leave a nice surface for the paint to bite into. Some customer have also rhino-lined the bodies, it is just really a personal preference. If you are using a spray on bed liner you will need to prime the body beforehand.
How much work will have to be done to your products prior to painting?
All welded seams are ground down and finished with a scotch brite pad. Some minor body work may be required depending on your desired color and finish. (Darker colors may require more prep work before painting)
Can I leave the aluminum body raw?
We do recommend that you treat the bodies with some form of paint or powder coat as opposed to leaving it raw aluminum. However some customers are just leaving the bare aluminum bodies as is, it's really just a personal preference. Over time the aluminum will dull and form oxidation but it's not a big deal and can be buffed out.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a reaction that occurs between two dissimilar metals. To avoid the possibility of this happening you will want to isolate the metals. Paint is a barrier, but we provide a tube of Sikaflex polyurethane compound to apply to sections on the body where the steel and aluminum meet. We also advise placing rubber (Ex: old inner tubes) between seat mounts and roll bars, or any other area where the two metals join.
What are your products made of?
All our products are made from 5052 marine grade aluminum alloy, with the bodies being constructed out of .156" (5/32).
Are the bodies difficult to assemble?
Over 90% of the components purchased from us are assembled by the purchaser/ end user. We do recommend basic knowledge on mechanics since the old body does need to be removed. We suggest you allow 30-40 hours for assembly depending on your skill level and desired end result.
How does the aluminum Land Cruiser body attach?
The front floor of our aluminum body overlaps the floor on the cowl by approx. 3.5". We use a tube of Sikaflex, a marine grade polyurethane adhesive to adhere the aluminum body to the steel cowl. There are a series of 6 bolts, (two bolts bolting the floor together on the passenger’s side, 2 on the driver’s side and one each into the door posts) that along with the Sikaflex keep the body and cowl together.
Are your bodies stronger than the original steel bodies?
Yes, our aluminum bodies are considerably stronger than the original steel bodies. Our bodies are approximately 3 X’s as thick and 60% stronger than the originals.
Can you bolt and weld the body and cowl together?
For shipping purposes we bolt the tub and cowl together and mount to frame (if applicable) and ship out as a complete unit. We typically only bolt the tub and cowl together, however if you prefer we can also weld in addition to the bolts. We do not do this unless requested because if you were ever to be involved in an accident, you may be able to salvage the front or rear portions if they are not welded together.
Are your products in stock?
A large percentage of our products are in stock and ready for shipping. Custom orders typically take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the level of custom work required. In stock items can typically ship out within a few days from receipt of an order. An estimated shipping date will be provided to you at the time you place your order.
Do you sell replacement Land Cruiser transmission covers?
Yes, although our transmission covers are made to work with our aluminum bodies only. They are available both with and without holes and shifter boots. The reason they differ from the originals is because the floor in our aluminum bodies is slightly different than that of the originals.
Can you make replacement bodies for Bronco’s/ Scout’s?
We have looked into Bronco/ Scout bodies in the past but because of all the compound curves and rolled edges we are unable to produce them cost effectively.
Please note that all products must be pre-fit prior to starting any bodywork or painting. The reason for this is to ensure that the components are going to work as intended with your existing set-up. If alterations are required they will likely need to be made at this stage. All Aqualu products are designed to work with the original OEM steel components. We have tried to replicate our products as close to the originals as possible but please be aware they are not an OEM product and some minor alterations may be required on your end to achieve your desired fitment.
Painting Aluminum
We do not do any painting in house, and send all our work out for painting or powder coating. We suggest that you follow the recommendations of your paint manufacturer or contact a reputable body shop who is familiar with painting aluminum.
For our restorations we like to powder coat our aluminum bodies first, and then we use a top coat. After powder coat you can block the body out with filler then use a urethane primer and urethane top coat. If you choose not to powder coat the body first, you will have to use an epoxy etching primer before the urethane primer and top coat are applied.
When painting, just make sure you treat the body first with an etching primer that is made specifically for aluminum. There are many different paint suppliers out there; you just want to make sure you are using products specifically designed for the aluminum. The etching primer is going to leave a nice surface for the paint to bite into. Some customer have also rhino-lined the bodies, it is just really a personal preference. If you are using a spray on bed liner you will need to prime the body beforehand.
How much work will have to be done to your products prior to painting?
All welded seams are ground down and finished with a scotch brite pad. Some minor body work may be required depending on your desired color and finish. (Darker colors may require more prep work before painting)
Can I leave the aluminum body raw?
We do recommend that you treat the bodies with some form of paint or powder coat as opposed to leaving it raw aluminum. However some customers are just leaving the bare aluminum bodies as is, it's really just a personal preference. Over time the aluminum will dull and form oxidation but it's not a big deal and can be buffed out.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a reaction that occurs between two dissimilar metals. To avoid the possibility of this happening you will want to isolate the metals. Paint is a barrier, but we provide a tube of Sikaflex polyurethane compound to apply to sections on the body where the steel and aluminum meet. We also advise placing rubber (Ex: old inner tubes) between seat mounts and roll bars, or any other area where the two metals join.
What are your products made of?
All our products are made from 5052 marine grade aluminum alloy, with the bodies being constructed out of .156" (5/32).
Are the bodies difficult to assemble?
Over 90% of the components purchased from us are assembled by the purchaser/ end user. We do recommend basic knowledge on mechanics since the old body does need to be removed. We suggest you allow 30-40 hours for assembly depending on your skill level and desired end result.
How does the aluminum Land Cruiser body attach?
The front floor of our aluminum body overlaps the floor on the cowl by approx. 3.5". We use a tube of Sikaflex, a marine grade polyurethane adhesive to adhere the aluminum body to the steel cowl. There are a series of 6 bolts, (two bolts bolting the floor together on the passenger’s side, 2 on the driver’s side and one each into the door posts) that along with the Sikaflex keep the body and cowl together.
Are your bodies stronger than the original steel bodies?
Yes, our aluminum bodies are considerably stronger than the original steel bodies. Our bodies are approximately 3 X’s as thick and 60% stronger than the originals.
Can you bolt and weld the body and cowl together?
For shipping purposes we bolt the tub and cowl together and mount to frame (if applicable) and ship out as a complete unit. We typically only bolt the tub and cowl together, however if you prefer we can also weld in addition to the bolts. We do not do this unless requested because if you were ever to be involved in an accident, you may be able to salvage the front or rear portions if they are not welded together.
Are your products in stock?
A large percentage of our products are in stock and ready for shipping. Custom orders typically take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the level of custom work required. In stock items can typically ship out within a few days from receipt of an order. An estimated shipping date will be provided to you at the time you place your order.
Do you sell replacement Land Cruiser transmission covers?
Yes, although our transmission covers are made to work with our aluminum bodies only. They are available both with and without holes and shifter boots. The reason they differ from the originals is because the floor in our aluminum bodies is slightly different than that of the originals.
Can you make replacement bodies for Bronco’s/ Scout’s?
We have looked into Bronco/ Scout bodies in the past but because of all the compound curves and rolled edges we are unable to produce them cost effectively.
