Category: 2015 Spring Locksmith Build at Dup-A-Key

2015 Spring Build is the development of the newest locksmith truck, “The NV in SD”, and the Eco Support Vehicle, “Big Red”. Stay tuned to this blog and tag along as we build out these new mobile key making platforms.

Dup-A-Key Nissan NV Locksmith Truck 2015 Spring Build

wes-nv-newThe third locksmith truck in the Dup-A-Key commercial fleet. Technically, a station wagon, this vehicle has a low profile and small footprint, but has more room inside than the other trucks. This is Weston after receiving the key truck. The new Dup-A-Key locksmith truck is sweet. This is an exciting build out for us.

We scoured the internet for the Adrian Steel tool boxes we would need for the build. Weston found them in Placentia, near Anaheim. We got a good deal on them and even had one left over for Big Red, our new beach lockout tricycle build.inside-adrian

So then comes the custom fabrication. Weston lives for this part. We put all the hardware in and make the measurements for cutting the toolboxes and fitting them into the locksmith truck. You need a certain amount of room to move around between benches. So you have to cut out around the wheel wells and tighten everything up against the wall. Here is my handiwork, cutting out a shelving unit for the work bench where the wheel well is going to be. vince-wheel-well-holesThe blue tape is there so I don’t slice my hand when the grinder kicks. Cutting commercial grade steel takes time and a few cutting wheels.

wes-mugginWes is cutting and drilling things too. He wears eye protection to protect his long eyelashes. He wants to know what’s up? Are you mad dogging him? Better not.

wes-van-goofHere is the base of the work bench ready to be installed. Weston wants to know what’s taking so long to get it in the van. I’m documenting this install, Wes. Chill.

wes-back

They’re all fitted in! Time for a well deserved brewski. Looks good, Weston. Living the High Life. You are a craftsman. That top on the workench is not staying on there. It was the old one. We don’t like it. Stay tuned for the rest of the 2015 Spring Locksmith Build. We’re having fun this year building out locksmith vehicles. Vroom vroom.

Dup-A-Key Moves Beach Trike Eco Project Forward

Big Red Cruises on to the PB Scene

big-red-shop-600
Safety is job 1 at Dup-A-Key. New flag and cool helmet.

We call the new Pacific Beach Key Shop Eco Support Vehicle  ‘Big Red‘, after the cinnamon gum. The Dup-A-Key Locksmiths were stoked to see the red tricycle beaming in the fresh sun of the first day of Daylight Savings ending. The world had turned. The sweet sights and suntan lotion smells of spring had arrived in Pacific Beach. Due to an unusually warm winter, the days of beanies and hoodies had never arrived. We went straight back to bikinis and board shorts and there was no complaining from the Dup-A-Key crew. Working the winter was chill and the warm winter carried the promise of a warm summer, which meant a couple things. Fish and tourist traffic would be in abundance. Money and meat. Yum.

Summer beach locksmithing has it’s own set of problems, the biggest being parking. Getting parking is a piece of cake before 10 am. You cruise right in. The parking beach dragon rears its congested head around 1:30 pm after the marine layer has burned off. The parking problem is, there is none. A Dup-A-Key penetration specialist will have a lockout call three blocks south and over two west. He gives up a coveted parking spot he wrangled earlier in front of the key shop. He gets to the call and there is nowhere to put the truck. Wall to wall traffic and a desperate circling pattern ensues. Round and around. Finally, the hazards are flipped and the truck is blocking a lane of traffic while he pops the door. Not fun for anyone. Contributing to the congestion now. He would then spend 30 minutes circling the key shop to find another parking spot. The parking dilemma  stopped the locksmith tech from being happy and productive, and burned unnecessary fuel.  This was a frustrating, wasteful problem, and needed to be addressed.

Dup-A-Keys nimble, eco- friendly, support vehicle
Dup-A-Keys nimble, eco- friendly, support vehicle before it is outfitted for locksmith service.

Enters Big Red. Dup-A-Key’s  solution to local Pacific Beach simple locksmith jobs during high traffic beach days. A tricycle could weave it’s way in and out of busy beach traffic, did not require a parking space, did not require fuel, and could be secured to almost anything. It’s service area and locksmith job scope would be limited, but with the right toolbox, it could handle local car lockouts, residential lock-picks, and simple residential re-keys. It could also be used to pick up supplies and with the right signage, is a nifty little marketing vehicle. It was an idea the Dupe Boys had deliberated on before, but had never pulled the trigger on. Then, one beautiful spring morning, the local PB bike shop, Pacific Coast Cycles opens another location next door, and outside their shop was a shiny red 6 speed tricycle for sale.  It was promptly purchased. Plans were drawn up, and supporting purchases were made. Stay tuned to our blog as this eco-friendly support vehicle is outfitted and implemented at our Pacific Beach Locksmith Shop.