• Notice for iPhone users: DO NOT use the image size reduction option when uploading photos to the forum. This causes portrait images to post as landscape. We have added a warning to the image insert pop-up as well.

Aqualu (is not) shutting down operations - retiring

Well unless you just leave your Jeep out in the weather all the time, it will probably be good for a long time. Mine was out in the weather for the first 7 years, then in a garage the next 32 years and mine is about 98 % rust free. Remember aluminum body and almost any other hardware besides aluminum will end up with electrolysis in any salty air. I grew up in the Caribbean and saw many a corroded aluminum windows and skiffs over time. Go for it !
 
Doesn't Aqualu provide all the tubs for ICON as well? I wonder if they would entertain buying their assets.
 
Well crap. So we are down to 2 options now right?

1. MD Juan, I think we all know how bad these are.

2. The Shell Valley fiberglass tub. Anyone actually run one of these? How is the fitment? The only people I talked to that have were on CJ7s but like 20+ years ago. No idea how they are nowadays.

Did anyone buy the old Kentrol molds yet? From talking to Toby they were the only ones measurement wise were absolutely correct and had some sort of documentation for permission from Jeep to do so. If this is true I would love this option. But as far as Aqualu goes, are they actually making any more tubs this year or just selling off what they had? I'm going to have to give this some thought. I want to replace my tub eventually but I wasn't ready to do so yet. This sucks.
 
Ron84cj said:
Did anyone buy the old Kentrol molds yet? From talking to Toby they were the only ones measurement wise were absolutely correct and had some sort of documentation for permission from Jeep to do so. If this is true I would love this option. But as far as Aqualu goes, are they actually making any more tubs this year or just selling off what they had? I'm going to have to give this some thought. I want to replace my tub eventually but I wasn't ready to do so yet. This sucks.
Click to expand...
I know only what you saw in the initial announcement I posted RE making any more vs selling anything off.
 
Hey everyone!

I am relatively new at Aqualu (Luke) and am out here on social & forums to try to clarify what's going on up here in Canada.

The owner, Todd, is working toward retirement but he's got a party lined up to continue business operations. We're still building and shipping bodies like crazy right now as well.

Also - yes, the pricing has gone up a bit over the last few years - but our material and labour costs have gone up even more than what you're seeing on our price lists unfortunately. We're eating as much as we can but we still need to make some money somewhere! lol

So if anyone needs anything - feel free to reach out to me directly at luke@aqualu.com and I'll make sure you're well taken care of.

Luke
 
Hello Luke,

I'm very happy to hear that there is potential for Aqualu to continue production. I did my first Aqualu swap on a 1978 FJ40 in about 2000 or a bit earlier (it was one of the first second gen 40 series tubs you sold). I also helped my mate Brian import and install one in Australia and I shipped the first HJ47 over to America which you guys used as a template for the troopy tub.
I was incredibly impressed at the time and remain so to this day.
 
Yep, that's great! Thank you for the update! :cheers:
 
So do the Aqualu come ready to build, door openings correct, body mounts, etc.. or do they need fitting like the steel bodies that are available?
 
Interceptor said:
So do the Aqualu come ready to build, door openings correct, body mounts, etc.. or do they need fitting like the steel bodies that are available?
Click to expand...
My experience on the toyota side is that they fit beautifully with minimal adjustments. I've yet to do one on a jeep but I imagine similar levels of quality.

As I mentioned before, I would happily trade my rust free factory tub for an Aqualu tub but I would never trade my rust free tub for an MD Juan.
 
Last edited:
bigwalton said:
Saw this announcement on their FB page... now I have to accelerate my tub decision.

🚨
WE'RE RETIRING
🚨

Aqualu Industries will be closing our vehicle replacement parts business effective December 2023.
We would like to thank all of you for your business and loyalty to our company over these many years. We are proud to have played a part in keeping alive the off-road culture all over the world!
We will be selling our current inventory throughout the year and offering weekly specials. Keep an eye on our social pages for these sales that will include full packages of some very unique parts that can be made into one-of-a-kind vehicles.
If you have been waiting for the right time to get some of our parts, this is the year.
We hope we have been successful in our goal to offer quality products and customer care, see you on the Trails!

View attachment 108108
Click to expand...
 
All you need is your body mounts. My tub was a 3B stretched 20”. Rear inner fender raised up to top of rear sidewall. No wheel cutout.
Then front fenders raised 3” to use 2A hood. Both hood & fenders were stretched 7”. 3B to provide plenty of engine compartment room for V8!
Chopped windshield 2”
Package of tub, fenders, grill, & windshield with shipping crate 590 lbs
As it sets on LJ frame, Dynatrac 60’d, 39” BFG, crate gm stroker, 4L75 trans & altas 4.3 weights is 3,610
Order fast! Was 8 week delivery. People call it “bad ass” for reasons pertaining to GM I call it “Black Cloud”
Ha!
 
Aqualu Industries said:
Hey everyone!

I am relatively new at Aqualu (Luke) and am out here on social & forums to try to clarify what's going on up here in Canada.

The owner, Todd, is working toward retirement but he's got a party lined up to continue business operations. We're still building and shipping bodies like crazy right now as well.

Also - yes, the pricing has gone up a bit over the last few years - but our material and labour costs have gone up even more than what you're seeing on our price lists unfortunately. We're eating as much as we can but we still need to make some money somewhere! lol

So if anyone needs anything - feel free to reach out to me directly at luke@aqualu.com and I'll make sure you're well taken care of.

Luke
Click to expand...
Luke so happy to hear your update! Great products!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top