Pura Vida
What an absolute noob
If this forum was of another topic and consisted of primarily Hispanics, I’m sure a joke about that topic and Hispanics would be perfectly appropriate
Aqualu is shutting down.
- Thread starter 1MOA
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An era of working with your hands or building tangible items is on it's way to dead in this country. I own a cabinet shop. I started it when I was 23 years old, and with about $10k in cash.
I'm 42 years old.
I'm also the youngest person in the shop.
When I punched in this morning, (Wednesday morning), I already had 29.6 hours in this week. I haven't encountered many kids that are willing to flat out GRIND to make it happen. And that's what it takes. Will. Perseverance. Determination.
The thing about manufacturing industries is the incredible cost of entry. I've got 8000 sq/ft, and about $1.2 invested. I don't think I could do what I did twenty years ago today. Same age, same circumstances, but today. Automation has made so many processes in my industry so good, and so cheap, that there just isn't enough hours in the day to work for free with minimal equipment to compete with established companies doing the same scope of work.
A buddy of mine works for a good sized fabrication shop. They make a lot of parts for some bigger companies that you've all heard of. Last year, they dumped a few million into a couple of sheet lasers. They are ballistic fast at cutting. A 21 year old with a dream just doesn't have the resources.
That doesn't mean it can't be done. But you gotta be smart, lucky, and willing to work your tail off. You gotta be all three.
If I were to guess, the owner of Aqualu is a serious car guy. When his business reached a certain point, he had the capital to risk branching off into something he enjoyed. If I were to also guess, the bodies are not what keeps the lights on. It's fun for him though. But, that is 100% speculation.
It's a good time to pull the pin. The last three years have been very hard on the small business owners.
Sincerely,
Middle Aged Token White Guy
You are correct. Many reasons for what you say here. I have been to China many times and realized 1n 1989, first trip, that we were done (manufacturing) . As of now, population difference between them and USA is over 1 BILLION people, we lose. Next is money and business building. Culture also.. I just hope all the work by Aquala carries on because their products were so great for the FJ40/45 community for restorations. All their work was so good, I would hate to lose it.
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What’s constitutes middle age? Trying to figure out if I’m supposed to be offended
suzuguru
SILVER Star
Pura Vida
What an absolute noob
I’d say middle age is 40 up until whenever your hair goes completely gray
Redgrrr
I have a problem with 40s
Is it though? I’ve never considered mud a forum for a particular group of people or race.
There are Cruiserheads from all over the world here as well as all walks of life. I’m a lower middle class carpenter. Not that that matters.
Pura Vida
What an absolute noob
fjwagon
SILVER Star
This sucks, anytime a business stops producing any fj' products it makes you wonder about supply and demand. Makes me think what cascading effects it has on the fj40 aftermarket manufacturers that produce niche products. But at the same time it's still amazing to see products being made on a vlehicle no longer produced and has long ago stopped being imported to the U.S. I'm still looking for an ARB bumper that ARB stopped producing. But it has not stopped me from looking elsewhere for a similar bumper. We can only hope someone can breathe life into Aqualu or some vendor comes along and fills the void.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
Listen you grumpy SOB… I AIN’T MIDDLE AGED YET!
I don't read beno's statement as racist, simply an honest observation on the demographics.
I, however, am offended. So much so that, when I read this, I spilled my craft IPA all down my Patagonia vest (that my Labradoodle is now licking up). I might just shave my newly grown, graying beard in protest. Just wait til the guys at Cars and Coffee hear about this one!
Now I’m offended!!!
OPMACHINE
SILVER Star
Unfortunate to see another quality American manufacture walk away. Big blow to all who dream of a rust free Land Cruiser. I hope somebody is willing to pickup the torch, Icon4x4 would probably be a steady customer. I am curious what tooling they are using to form the panels?
middlecalf
SILVER Star
Canadian ones too!
OPMACHINE
SILVER Star
North American
It was indeed a joke about the demographics of IH8MUD. Apologies if I upset anyone.
OPMACHINE
SILVER Star
I thought this was a safe space
pbgbottle
Forum Lifer
Sounds to me more like “we are closing our automotive line “
I would think he really just sold it off to the highest bidder as it was to much work for the shop maybe just saying. ,
I know nothing pretty good business to just shut I hope somebody will continue to build them.
I would think he really just sold it off to the highest bidder as it was to much work for the shop maybe just saying. ,
I know nothing pretty good business to just shut I hope somebody will continue to build them.
The last couple of years have been really hard on smaller businesses. It’s a sad day to see Aqualu close their doors. Hopefully some one with the right skill level will invest in the equipment and continue making parts for LC’s. Congratulations to the owner though for being able to reach retirement.
Good thought, but only giggling very young or old minority non-losers could do it and not lose a mil.
-Beno
[Edit: this is a joke, lest anyone get all cranked about it]
