Tosca Industries

Tosca Bash Plates Now Available for Mitsubishi Challenger and Triton

2011-10-10T11:14:00.007+10:00

Tosca Industries is now able to supply bash plates for current series Mitsubishi Challenger and Triton. Tosca plates are designed to replace the existing two plates with stronger ones.

Tosca bash plates are made of 3mm steel and are designed to easily bolt on in place of the existing plates.

Mitsubishi Challenger and Triton plates are currently made on demand but will become a regular product if demand proves high enough.

Please visit www.tosca.net.au for more information or to make an enquiry.

Tosca Bash Plates for Pathfinder and Navara

2011-04-14T15:10:00.003+10:00

Our bash plates are loved by many. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about bash plates

What are bash plates?
Bash plates are strong metal plates designed to protect the undercarriage of 4WD vehicles. Tosca's bash plates are made of 3mm etch primed steel and were originally designed for a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder R51. There are five plates in the full set: intercooler, sump, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank.

I want 5mm plates. Can you help me?
Yes. But these will only be made when you have placed an order and they will be more expensive. Please call us for a quote.

Who fits the plates to my vehicle?
Most people fit the plates themselves. The plates are easy to fit with all the front plates designed to bolt straight into existing holes. We include the longer bolts required for this. The fuel tank plate requires three extra holes to be drilled and tapped in the chassis. This is relatively simple but some people prefer their mechanic to do this for them (they have the necessary hoists).

We are happy to fit the plates for you, however we are a busy workshop, and you will need to arrange a day to leave your vehicle with us. The charge for this service is $270 for all five plates and $80 for the front two plates only.

My vehicle has a nudge or bull bar. Will the plates fit?
Yes, they fit with a bull bar.
Yes, they fit with a nudge bar but... you will need some additional spacers and longer bolts. Please talk to us before you place your order.

Can I come and pick up plates now?
We generally have a few sets of plates in stock, but sometimes we do run out so please call us first! If you'd like the plates painted you'll need to allow a few extra days. If you are using your 4WD the way it was intended then paint is not going to stay pretty for long. Most people don't bother with this.

Can you send plates anywhere in Australia?
Yes. Tosca plates are currently being used in most states. Call us for a freight quote.

I heard that the plates will fit my Navara. True?
The sump and intercooler plates also fit the Spanish built Nissan Navara D40 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 models. The later models are built in Thailand and we have not yet fitted plates to these models.

Will the plates fit my Pathfinder R50?
Unfortunately not. The undercarriage is vastly different to the R51.

What plates can I see in the picture above?
You're looking from the front of the vehicle, so you can see the front intercooler and sump plates.

Return of the Tosca

2011-03-31T13:32:00.005+10:00

After a short break during which our old blog grew a few weeds and nearly buckled under the weight of 18 months dust, we are back! The weeds have been poisoned, the cracks bogged and an industrial blower has blasted the dust to a happier life on some other neglected online persona.

This is despite the blog admin email address being hijacked by another user. A user in the same office as it turns out, but they could be in the Sahara for all the good that is unless they can remember the password.

It is remarkable how little can change in 18 months. Why is it Easter before anyone remembers to order the truck that has to be finished before end of financial year? In a year where Easter descends rather later than normal, simple arithmetic dictates that unless an army of oompa loompas marches into the workshop, not everyone will get their end of financial year wish.

If you are one of the handful of people who read this blog and the previous comment landed in a fertile part of your brain and sprouted fervent end of financial year desires then know that you are likely too late. Give us a call though, you never know, there's always a good supply of coffee at Tosca. Those oompa loompas might just be ready to upgrade their tastes and launch a Tosca takeover.

Tosca Industries Approved ROLA∙CASE Distributor

2009-09-11T09:51:00.007+10:00

Tosca Industries is pleased to announce that they are now an approved distributor for the popular ROLA∙CASE and ROLA∙Shelf vehicle storage solutions.

These Australian products have helped many owners of trade, service and specialized vehicles organize their equipment, tools and merchandise.

Tosca regularly fits ROLA∙CASE cabinets, shelving, gas bottle holders and more in trucks, vans, canopies and 4WDs. The products are suitable for all enclosed vehicles.

Call Tosca today to discuss how you can use ROLA∙CASE in your vehicle to save space, organize your gear, make your life easier and ultimately save money.

3D design brings vehicle bodies to life

2009-07-31T15:18:00.002+10:00

Tosca Industries has always led the field in innovative vehicle body design. Now with new 3D design tools, Tosca can bring customers’ design ideas to life.

“We regularly talk customers through the design process. People often have a picture of that dream vehicle in their head. It’s getting it out of their head and into the real world that’s the challenge,” says Operations Manager Adrian Toscano.

While experienced at 2D drawings, this is the first time staff has used a 3D modeling tool.

“There is scope for great accuracy and attention to detail. We are able to show customers how all the toolboxes, shelves, drawers, steps, doors and ancillary equipment fit together. Working with the customer we can refine the design before we start to build the vehicle body,” said Mr Toscano.

Tosca Industries has seen an increase in vehicle body building efficiency since implementation of the new design system, which also allows the strength of parts and moving components to be assessed.

The picture attached is of a horse float recently designed using the new 3D design tools.

“We pride ourselves on our detailed product knowledge. This new design tool allows us to provide even greater customer service.”

Lift-off bodies

2009-05-01T14:40:00.004+10:00

Tray or canopy – what do you need today?

Easily removable lift-off bodies have always been popular at Tosca Industries.

This innovative design allows you to turn your vehicle back into a ute and leave your gear fully secured in your canopy.

The lightweight aluminum canopy attaches easily to a ute or can stand supported by heavy duty steel legs. The system is simple to operate and comes with fully integrated legs and handles. No bulky attachment pieces are required – your storage space isn’t compromised at all.

In minutes, you can reverse your vehicle in, attach or remove the canopy and drive off!

Get organized – get a lift-off body from Tosca Industries today.

When did you last give your body a workout?

2009-02-19T14:23:00.003+10:00

Everyone recognises the importance of getting their vehicle serviced regularly. Very few people extend this courtesy to their vehicle’s body.

Servicing a vehicle’s body will increase operator safety and extend the life of the vehicle.

Ever thought about getting these things checked?

Body mounts and bolts

Lighting and wiring mounts

Auxiliary and main battery systems

Tail gates, hinges and catches

Gas struts and brackets

Tie down points and straps

Doors and locks

Tool boxes

Get niggling problems fixed and life will be far more comfortable.

Do you….

stand in the rain trying to get the door to lock?

fish around in the dark to find that elusive screwdriver?

prop the door with a broom or poly pipe or your head?

We can repair or replace broken lights, leaking gas struts, doors that don’t lock, buckled shelves, worn hinges and sticking drawer slides.

We can also fit items such as shelving, extendable work benches, ladders, water tanks, lighting, underbody drawers and extra toolboxes.

Check out the accessories section of the Tosca website for inspiration

Call us now to book your vehicle body service.

Creature comforts

2008-11-20T11:36:00.005+10:00

Lurking in the back of every tradie’s mind is the blueprint for that dream vehicle they plan to commission one day. Unfortunately, a hectic lifestyle, coupled with a distinct absence of ready cash, often means that blueprint never sees the light of day.

However, there are a range of adjustments you could make to your current vehicle to make life just that little bit easier. And it need not cost the Earth.

By far the most popular product at Tosca’s new online store is the spring loaded zinc plated tie-down ring. When fitted appropriately this ring can be used to secure heavy loads. You can now have a tie-off point exactly where you need it. All for the grand sum of $8.80.

Sick of that door with the dead gas strut hitting you on the head every time? You can get a new one for just $19.50.

Busted the locks on your toolboxes? Sick of coaxing them closed? Lost some tools due to theft? There are a range of different handles available at our online store, or make an appointment and Tosca can fit new handles for you.

Like to be able to wash up after a hard days work?? How about a water tank fitted under the body with a soap dispenser already in place?!

Underbody toolboxes and drawers and also very popular – at least it will help get things organised and off the tray of your ute!

Of course, the discerning customer can have a fridge, coffee machine and pie warmer for the ultimate in tradie jobsite comfort!

Weight does matter!

2008-10-29T13:40:00.003+10:00

Before you purchase any vehicle it is really important to take the time to sit down and list ALL the items you intend to carry or fit to the vehicle. Not paying enough attention to weight limits is one of the most common problems that Tosca encounters. That one tonne ute might be cheap but is it adequate for your needs? How much have you budgeted for future mechanical repairs? Overloading a vehicle is illegal and increases the chance of damaging a vehicle and having an accident. It can also impact on insurance claims.

A vehicle’s load capacity refers to absolutely everything you put in the vehicle AND anything you intend to tow. Assuming you won’t be driving on the moon…..it all weighs something; the body itself, what you pack in it, fuel tanks, toolboxes, bull bars, additional lighting, the driver, passengers etc

The load must also be distributed evenly and properly secured – it might make access marginally easier but maybe it’s not a good idea to have all your steel fittings stored in lockers on the driver’s side.

Average weights of some things you might want to carry/fit to your vehicle

(Please note: these weights are intended as a rough guide only. You MUST consider your individual circumstances when calculating the total weight of your loaded vehicle)

Steel tray: 175-290kg
Aluminium tray: 110-180kg
Underbody drawer: 120kg
Compressor (Renegade 2.5HP Twin Compressor 76L): 60kg
Generator (Powerchief 5.5 KVA petrol): 78kg
Concrete cutter: 50-180kg
Long range fuel tank (95L full): 140kg
Coffee machine: 10-80kg
Engel 21L portable fridge: 18kg

It is imperative that you select a vehicle that will legally and safely carry all your gear. We highly recommend slightly over-sizing your vehicle to allow for a future expansion of carrying capacity.

Underbody Drawers

2008-10-22T10:30:00.006+10:00

Ever seen a man stop in his tracks and stare longingly at the back of a ute? Chances are he's lusting after an underbody drawer.

This ultimate lockable spacesaver holds toolkits, straps, racks, parts bins and all manner of other necessities, leaving the tray free for load carrying - no more swearing at that pesky electrical tape rolling around in the back, or having to fish occy straps out from behind the driver's seat (while you offer tantalising glimpses of your plumber's crack to the world).

These nifty drawers make use of that wasted space between the tray and the chassis of your vehicle. They can be purchased in a range of sizes (with a mounting kit) or can be custom made.

Depending on your vehicle type, most drawers can be fitted in a day. Fitting the drawers can be a tricky job which may require removal of the whole tray body. We therefore recommend that you have these fitted by Tosca. However, if you have the necessary skills, tools and equipment then you may be able to fit these yourself.

Tosca is happy to answer any questions you may have – contact details are on our website www.tosca.net.au

Bash Plates

2008-10-14T14:44:00.003+10:00

One of Tosca’s most popular products is the bash plates we make to fit the Nissan Pathfinder R51. One disaster and you’ll never venture out without steel bash plates again!

We have designed bash plates to protect the fuel tank, intercooler, sump, transfer case and the transmission. The plates are made out of 3mm etch primed or galvanized steel. The etch primed plates can be painted (usually black).

Bash plates are easy to fit. All the front plates (including the transfer case) are designed to bolt straight into the existing holes and we include longer bolts for this purpose. The only plate that requires a bit of professional assistance is the fuel tank plate. An additional hole needs to be drilled and tapped into the vehicle to accommodate this plate. This is a relatively simple job but some people who aren’t confident doing this have had their normal mechanics do this for them when getting the vehicle serviced. Mechanics have all the equipment required to fit the plate and a hoist to lift up the vehicle (which is easier than lying on the ground to fit them).

Watch this space: we’re currently working on a full set to fit the Nissan Navara (the Pathfinder intercooler and sump plates will actually bolt straight on to the Navara without any mods required)

Welcome

2008-10-14T09:53:00.002+10:00

Tosca Industries has been designing and building specialised canopies, toolboxes and vehicle bodies since 1986. We are a family business employing skilled local tradespeople to manufacture high quality custom products.

Bodies That Turn Heads

We've started this blog so we can share some of our ideas and products that can make your mobile workplace, trailer or weekend escape vehicle the envy of all your friends.