Aqualu Bodies
Each body is constructed from 5052 .156 gauge aluminum. The material is 3 times thicker than steel resulting in a product that exceeds the stock bodies strength by 50% yet because it is aluminum, it is three times lighter – you have that extra strength at virtually the same weight as a stock body.By Al Vandervelde
Looking to build a classic CJ – or resurrect an old one eaten away by the brown plague? Riding in a fiberglass Jeep not your thing? Aqualu Industries may have the product for you.
Aqualu is the longest running manufacturer of alloy Jeep bodies in North America. Located in Kelowna British Columbia, Aqualu’s state of the art production facility utilizes three computer controlled CNC machines to produce precision components for their full line of Jeep, Land Cruiser and Suzuki Samurai bodies. With over 13 years of experience in vehicle body production and over 20 in the marine industry you know your body will be built right.
Aqualu’s roots are in the marine fabrication industry – the Name Aqualu is derived from Aqua – Aluminum. Who better to put the care into your Jeep body than a company that constructs pontoons and components for houseboats exceeding 80 feet in length! Aqualu also creates components for Freightliner & Western Star trucks and does custom fabrication work for many companies in Canada and the USA.
Each body is constructed from 5052 .156 gauge aluminum. The material is 3 times thicker than steel resulting in a product that exceeds the stock bodies strength by 50% yet because it is aluminum, it is three times lighter – you have that extra strength at virtually the same weight as a stock body.
The bodies are formed and welded by hand with both Mig and Tig processes. As the entire 11,000 sq ft machine shop is dedicated to aluminum construction, the environment is kept clean for superior welds in all their products.
Each body is designed for the best possible fit of stock doors, tailgates, hoods, tops and window frames. The transmission tunnels have been expanded to accommodate a wide range of aftermarket transmissions and the firewalls are left blank so you can drill and place your wiring where you want it. The alloy used offers superior corrosion resistance compared to steel and painting your body only entails an aluminum specific primer available at any body shop supply store. Aluminum is also an excellent ground so all you need to do is run a ground strap from your body to the frame and you can ground all your electrical components to your Aqualu body.
To make sure your project is completed in time Aqualu stocks virtually every body they make. This includes CJ 2(3) A, CJ-5, CJ-7, CJ-8 (Scrambler). CJ-8 (bobbed- Scrambler) and their custom CJ 1/2 cab and box. Aqualu also makes CJ dashes in many configurations to match your gauge package requirements.
On the Land Cruiser side Aqualu produces bodies and cowls for the FJ-40 (all years), FJ 45 (short and long box versions), plus fenders, flares (in several widths for your custom axles), tailgates, dashes and more…
Aqualu is also well versed in shipping world wide so there is no problem getting your body to you on time and in the best shape possible.
Electrolysis is the reaction of two dissimilar metals – creating corrosion (think aluminum rim corrosion against steel brake parts). A few simple steps will make sure your body will last a lifetime. When installing body mounts - use rubber or poly mounts – this will insulate the body from the steel frame. When mounting a roll cage – use small pieces of tire inner tube between the cage mounts and your new body. In places where it is hard to reach and you still need to mount steel components, Sikaflex caulking can be used very effectively to keep the metal components isolated.
Aqualu Industries
250-765-6714