Pacific Beach Locksmiths Reinforce Toolbox Supports for High Speed Jump Conditions

We could all agree that our Pacific Beach Locksmith Eco Trike, Big Red, named after the cinnamon gum, was pretty cool. There were a couple concerns, though. Could it withstand high speed turning and stopping stress factors? More importantly, could we consistently jump it off plywood ramps and curbs without shearing the bolts off the toolbox or bending the frame? Time for some performance tests. Let’s run it through the gears, boys. Giddyup!vince-performance-testBig Red has six gears, so it can haul rear end. That’s good, because it has a big one. Here I am slamming through the gears, double checking my foot placement as I reach launch speed. It hit the ramp squarely, didn’t get much air, but made a perfect three point landing. Nice run. Upon inspection, the toolbox bolts looked like they held fast and the frame still looked brand new. With the weight of the tools it might have been ok, but .. Why take the chance? We discussed various supports, voiced their pluses and minuses, and decided the bottom support made the most sense.support-strut-redThis is after the two initial bends. We needed to drill the holes for the toolbox, bend the bottom of the support up out of the way, cut it, and determine the exact location for the bolt that would run through the frame. We considered running two bolts through the frame, but felt that doing so, would remove too much material on the frame and degrade the support strength. Here is Weston heating the steel before bending it.wes-bend-torch-support-redWhen it’s hot enough, it’s time to get to bending.
wes-bend-supportBending…wes-bend-support-bend-2bending..
wes-bend-support-bend-3 aaand bent. Next we cut off the excess steel and bolt the support to the tricycle frame and the bottom of the toolbox.red-bottom-support-completeLooks great. Now we can push Big Red to perform in extreme high speed beach conditions. Stay tuned for our wacky summer locksmith beach adventures!

If you need locksmith beach service, give us a call. 858-750-2224 

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Pacific Beach Locksmith Eco Trike New Decals and Power Tools

toolbox-painted-outsideThe toolbox for Big Red has been painted inside and out. It took quite a few coats of paint to get it just right, and it looks great. Big Red’s toolbox is ready for installation and decals. Just in time too. Summer beach traffic has already reared it’s ugly head last weekend. Some chick passed me on the shoulder of an off ramp on Sunday, while traveling at speed. She’s not sneaking up the side on a red light. She’s full on making her own lane while we’re all driving. What’s wrong with you, girl? Are you that starved for attention? People are driving crazy already. It’s a free for all out here at the beaches in San Diego.

toolbox-painted-inside A small set of compartment drawers were also added for odds and ends. After the paint has dried for a few days, I start applying the first of the vinyl decals for our Pacific Beach Locksmith Eco Trike toolbox. I didn’t have any spare decals, so there was a lot of measuring and remeasuring before I applied the graphics. I figured it took less time measuring two or three times than ordering more vinyl decals and having to go pick them up. I went slow.

vince-start-vinyl-redWeston has an aversion to taking pictures, so I asked Jessica to take some shots of me, so it didn’t always look like I wasn’t doing any work. I asked her to shoot them so you couldn’t see my fat neck. It was a difficult task, but she made short work of it by shooting me from behind. It’s clearly my best side.
vince-pull-tape-locksmithI went and grabbed the sunbrella out of the office that I had bought for the Locksmith Trike a few days ago from the thrift store.  It was cool breeze with the sunbrella. We are going to integrate a spot to attach the umbrella, if needed, when we secure the workbench top onto the toolbox. The option for a little shade while working on the bench will be a relief. I really noticed the difference. Chill.vince-vinyl-side-one-done-redThe first side of the toolbox turned out pretty good and then I really started to crank it out. Side two went on very quickly, since I had just applied the same decals on the other side. Then I moved to the door of the toolbox.vince-vinyl-second-side-redThe toolbox door took a while because the spacing needed to be correct. It needed to look right; not just be measured out perfectly. There is Dan, getting some face time with the camera. Smile, Dan. Come on. One smile, Dan. Usually, he’s smiling. Laughing politely at my stupid jokes.vince-measure-back-vinyl-dan-redvince-dremel-redHere I am using the Dremel tool to grind down some sharp corners inside the slide out drawer. Details, details. Then we were ready for a road test. With six speeds, Big Red can haul. The trick is remembering to downshift when you’ve slowed down the trike, so your not crunching your way back to the lower gears to get moving again. With the extra weight in the toolbox when the tools are added, it is an important point to remember. The seat was squeaking every time you pumped the pedal and it was quite annoying. I took the seat off, tightened the springs, and sprayed silicon on the squeaky sliding parts on the bottom of the seat. It was a big improvement. vince-performance-testWe got a lot of looks as we ran the six speed tricycle through its paces. Big Red really pops. There were amused and curious looks. Others had crazy looks, but crazy looks are pretty standard for the beach area. Some people really can’t relate to the fresh hell that summer beach traffic unleashes on our Pacific Beach locksmith team. It will be sooo nice not to have to drive around in circles and scrap for every parking space, going to and coming from all the locksmith calls at the beach.
vince-red-promoteThe lady in this Pontiac really likes our Locksmith Eco Trike concept. I talk to her for a bit about the parking challenges and approaching a solution.
It’s hard to convey some experiences if you haven’t been through them yourself. It’s not just finding and securing one spot at the busy beach parking lot, relaxing at the beach, swimming, and then later you go home. We need to find 6 spots at the beach, without going swimming at all. We are fishermen and swimmers. We need the ocean. At least the ocean air on our face and in our lungs if we have to work that day. Not playing bumper cars in the San Diego streets with lost, sunburnt newbies, and fierce, frustrated locals. If you don’t secure your parking spots, then you’re  hanging your locksmith truck’s rear end out into oncoming traffic, and gambling that your ride doesn’t get crushed by a texting tourist. Gambling that the parking nazis don’t ding you, while you’re just trying to make a decent living, to support your family, in a congested, hectic beach destination locale. Not the best odds. It’s tough, man. We will adapt. We will overcome.vince-back-red People see a funny red trike. We see the ocean breeze on our face, and a front row seat to peruse the visually stimulating beach scene, unconcerned about parking spaces, and who’s in pole position at the stop light. We feel the glow of the sunshine on our skin, breathing fresh ocean air, as we get a bit of exercise. Pumping the trike pedals, gliding by the sea wall, and surveying the beach, the delights sunbathing on it, and Big Blue. We think about killing fish and swimming in the ocean; as it should be. Laid back, cruising down a quiet side street, cutting through a back alley, dodging lights and frantic drivers, feet pushing pedals towards the locksmith call, and beyond. If I don’t get caught up in the beach traffic fray, I’m slated to arrive early. The customer is comforted and relieved. Now everyone is happy. wes-big-red-first-rideLook. Weston seems happy about it. He did a nice job building out the toolbox and installing the sliding drawer and compartment drawers. The prep before the paint is very time consuming. You need to prep correctly and apply multiple coats if you want the paint job to look great. He put the time in on the toolbox paint job and it shows.

wes-looking-backIf you are going to show up on a red tricycle to a locksmith call, you better bring your A game. We needed top notch tools. We needed full size cordless power tools that are truly powerful. When the customer sees your tool bag contents, there would be no discussion of your abilities without a locksmith truck. Of course he can do the job. Look at those tools. One particular power tool set came to mind. The Makita Blue 18 Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 Inch Drill/Driver and the Makita 18 Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 4 1/2 Inch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder. These are no nonsense high quality cordless power tools. They are for real. Especially the cut-off tool. Have you ever seen such a magnificent cordless angle grinder? She’s a beauty.new-makita-redIf you need beach locksmith service in San Diego, give Dup-A-Key Locksmiths a call at 858-750-2224. Swing by our Pacific Beach locksmith shop at 1478 Garnet Avenue and get your house key duplicates, car chip key copies, extra factory keyless entry car remotes, laser cut keys, and motorcycle keys made.  While waiting,  enjoy a tasty treat from Frosties, a slice and a brew from Hoboken, visit the various thrift stores and the pawn shop, and watch the people parade slowly stroll west, towards the water.

Jack Frost and I chose not to smile. Just look cool. Haines Street is in effect.haines-street-hooligans-mean-muggin


Pacific Beach Locksmiths Fit the Eco Trike Toolbox Before Painting

wes-toolbox-big-red-2  The welder called and said our toolbox was ready. We jumped in the locksmith truck and jammed tunes as we cruised over to scoop it up; our minds racing.toolbox-back-from-welder Did we have the bolts, drill bits, washers, and nylon nuts for it? We need paint. Happy happy joy joy. Then, we went to work. We fit and mounted the aluminum plate on the tricycle. It took a while to figure out where to place the toolbox so it was stable and we had enough room in the rear for our rear end. If the toolbox was mounted too close to the seat, it would be uncomfortable, at best. We needed room to pedal and have the room to really dig in if we had to bust a move.big-red-inside-unpaintedWe are confident that we are going need to reinforce the 4 mounting points with either a strap, or a bottom strut. It’s solid and secure, but it needs to be able to withstand our locksmith techs jumping it. You know they’re going try to jump it. Give them a piece of plywood and a few cinder blocks and they’re all stuntmen. One bad jump and the bolts shear. Not a good scenario. It needed to be ready for their wear and tear, devil-may-care approach to traffic. The same reason we wrap the locksmith technician phones in these ‘indestructible’ cases. Indestructible? They’ll put that claim to the test. Don’t tease them.wes-toolbox-open-big-redThese are the new ape hangers. It makes the ride nicer not having to stoop over the bike. The old handlebars were silver. I like the black better.
big-red-toolbox-build-wesThe box mounted nicely and now we needed to install the drawer for the key duplicator. The mounts for it have been welded into the toolbox and the drawer sliders were next. toolbox-slider-wes-build-3big-red-toolbox-slider-wes-tiredWeston, you look tired. Are you sleeping and drilling again? Weird.big-red-toolbox-sliders-wes-2It went in well. Then we took it all apart, for paint. Stay tuned as we primer, paint, and decal our new locksmith beach trike, Big Red.toolbox-primer-wes

Pacific Beach Locksmith Eco Trike Key Duplicator Platform Framing and Dup-A-Key Locksmith Vinyl Decal Mockup

This is the inside of the toolbox for Big Red before we sent it off to the welder. We need to have the holes filled and weld the mounts for the slide out key duplicator platform. The bottom of the toolbox is made of aluminum and must be cut and fitted to Big Red. Weston bought aluminum instead of steel for the bottom of the toolbox to reduce the weight. Steel is typically two and and half times more dense than aluminum. Hopefully, it will also reduce some corrosion. It will be painted white, so I doubt that it will matter much.toolbox-insideThese are the pieces of the sliding platform that the key duplicator wil be on.sliding-partsWeston did a nice job cutting and bending the frame for the platform. corner-bend-holdHere’s a close up of the angle. Ready for our welder’s steady hand. closeup-corner-bendHere is the platform as it should look inside the toolbox. The key duplicator platform was cut from the only shelf that came with this Adrian Steel toolbox. It’s like waiting for Christmas morning on this toolbox build. We’ve been naughty, too. Hmm.
sliding-mountWe had the vinyl decals cut when we cut the NV locksmith truck decals. Here is a mockup of what it should look like in a week or so. We’re digging it.

trike-back-decal-mockuptrike-side-decal-mockup

Stay tuned as our Pacific Beach locksmith trike helps us overcome our beach traffic and parking hurdles. We might get a nice set of calf muscles, and tone those glutes in the process. As long as we’re not driving around in circles all day, looking for a parking spot, we’ll be stoked. We got some medium sized ape hangers for it (not in above photo). It’s easier on the posture, not bending over.

Pacific Beach Locksmith Installs Pegboards for San Diego Mobile Locksmith Truck

This is where the pegboards need to go for the car keys and house keys in our Nissan NV subcompact cargo van.front-pre-pegFirst, Weston makes a template for the curves on the the roof line so it’s nice and tight. peg-board-templateAfter the roof line is  traced, he jigsaws the pegboard, and frames the back.pegboard-framing-2Easier said than done.
front-peg-boardUmm.. OK, show-off. That’s enough. We opted to put bags between the peg boards where the partition slanted back instead dropping straight down and having a gap behind the board and a loss of space. Glad we did. The bags fit well there and we thought about putting lockout tools there but it seemed a waste of space. Two pegboards aren’t going be enough.peg-board-front-side-view Here is the pegboard above the workbench. Now there is a lot of room for hanging keys. That wire hanging is for the fan but we moved the fan to the corner of this side door. It’s a better fit for the truck there and boosts the cross flow of air pretty good. It reminds me of the old fans in the school buses for the bus driver.complete-peg-boardsWeston has done it again. Well played, sir. It’s time to install the key machines, hang the keys, stock the car ignitions, mount the first aid kit, new tool bag, organize the lock hardware, and put bags behind the machines.wes-nv-build-usa-bandanaBest vehicle build ever, besides his Scout II build, or his VW Beetle build. Ok. Ok. Best Locksmith Truck build ever. This was a fun one, and we are happy that we gained two inches between the benches from what we had in the old trucks. We cut it in tight. Stay tuned for decals and equipment install. We have to sell ‘El Burro’. We’re not buying new tires for it, again.

Pacific Beach Locksmiths Prep to Install the Toolbox to the Big Red Eco Trike Rapid Response Locksmith Unit

So we have completed the NV of SD Nissan locksmith truck and have now set our sights on completing our Eco Friendly Rapid Response Trike – Big Red big-red-toolbox-ground-2

So, it has some holes that need to be repaired and a set of mounts welded on the inside of the box to install the slider brackets for the key duplicator. It is off to the welder on Cass Street for some touchup work. big-red-toolbox-bolt-holes

Here is Weston propping up the box so you can see what it will look like once it is installed. We’re going to paint it white and the decals for it are ready to go. So exciting to have this ride on line. It is going to make our locksmith rekeys, car lockouts, and lockpick runs around the beach a lot easier on the boys. Hope our welder gets it back to us this week. Stay tuned for the our rapid response locksmith trike that can circumvent beach  traffic and doesn’t need a parking space or gasoline. big-red-toolbox-wes-back-smile Heres a side view. I’m glad Big Red is a 6 speed. A quick estimate puts the extra weight load at 85 – 90 lbs. Looks like we should all be in excellent shape by the end of the summer. Yaa! Summer is here!big-red-toolbox-wes-smile

Pacific Beach Locksmiths Install Electrical in New Nissan San Diego Locksmith Truck

NV-wiring-componentsSo the shipment for the Nissan electrical arrived and we went to town on wiring up the locksmith truck. We went the solenoid setup over the diode setup for the battery charging system. We had the diode system in ‘El Burro’ . I remember one of the guys at Broadway Electrical saying they were “not that great”. He was right. It was problematic and had to be replaced, after frying itself out. Didn’t do wonders for the battery either.  Those guys at Broadway Electrical, in Lemon Grove, are great. They really know their stuff. They ran a short down for us once.  We searched for a couple days. It kept blowing the fuse and we couldn’t find it. They ran it down. Good service and knowledgeable. Solenoid all the way for us. We have the same charging setup in the ‘The Stickman’ and it works great. Not one problem.

light-wiring

Running the lines for the lights and the fan went pretty quick. Nice and tidy. Here is Weston, checking out his handiwork at the fuse box. Solid marine grade setup he found on the web. Perfect for our ocean air environment.

wes-fuseboxSo then comes running the main electrical wire to the engine compartment.
vince-running-wireThis can only really be properly done by removing the seat. You almost always have to remove the seats on a good build. You don’t want wires sticking out or chaffing on a bad run. I know your wire comes in a thick plastic coating, but you have to hide and protect your electrical system. It’s more fragile than you would think.

vince-wire-frontNext I run the wire into the center console and then through an existing hole under the dashboard. I look rad in those Oakleys. I managed not to scratch them throughout the  run. My eyes felt super relaxed the whole time. Hooray Oakley! Made in USA. USA! USA! Bringing back the chant! vince-running-line-consoleThis is me, licking the emergency brake handle. That’s a pretty hair bun. 
engine-compartment-locksmith-truckSo the wire has been run through to the engine comparment and there is a  lot of room in the front engine compartment. That  made mounting the solenoid a piece of cake. There is a nice spot on the body near the battery.

solenoid mount

Here is the two battery charging system all hooked up and with the inline fuses for both batteries installed. Overall, a tidy little install. Good job, Wes.complete-electrical-engine

Pacific Beach Locksmith Tabletops Installed in NV of SD Locksmith Truck

It has been three weeks since the last post about the 2015 Spring Locksmith Build and I’m sorry for the delay. There has been a lot of working and sleeping, as it tend to go with buildouts. There is finally a chance to update you all on the Locksmith Build. It’s been a fun one. Check it out!

NV-toolbox-wes-goofSo the last time I posted, we had installed the toolboxes and shelving, and now it was time to build the tabletops. This tabletop had to fit the high security machine, the HPC key cutter, and a pinning kit. Tetris anyone?wes-sizing-tabletopJust like the shelving and toolboxes, we needed to cut the toolboxes in as close to wall as possible for maximun space. Here is Weston looking at his handiwork. We cut them in real nice. and we were happy about the space.wes-router-workbenchOne of the toolbox mounts was on top of the toolbox, where the tabletop would be. Here is Wes routering out the bottom of the tabletop so it would lay flat on the top of the toolbox. wes-tabletop-sandNext came the sanding. I know it looks like I’m doing no work, but Wes isn’t taking any pictures of me. I am sanding as well, but you wouldn’t know it.
table-tops-before-backslashNice and level.  Next came the backsplashes so small lock parts and springs going flying could be reasonably retrieved. We also didn’t want a bunch of key dust falling behind the toolboxes where the vacuum couldn’t go.

tabletop-tape-squareThen came the measuring, the angles, the remeasuring, the cutting, the remeasuring. The saw had a laser light. That was pretty helpful. After all the little pieces of the backsplash were cut, we glued them and hit them with the brad gun. Here is Weson wiping excess glue from the seams. Nice job.wes-tabletop-airgunweston-pencil-workbenchBoth sides turned out nice.  The vise needed to be installed on this side.
vince-workbenchweston-workbench-1Now it was time to run the electrical for the machines, the lights, the fan and install the charging system. Stay tuned for the next installment of the 2015 Spring Locksmith Build.

Pacific Beach Locksmiths Install San Diego Mobile Locksmith Truck Hardware

The 2015 Dup-A-Key Spring Locksmith Build in Pacific Beach continues and the NV locksmith truck is looking good. With the shelves configured and fitted it is time for paint.nv-toolboxes-paint-prep

Here is  Weston putting a fresh coat of paint on the shelving unit. nv-toolboxes-paint-wes

nv-toolboxes-paint-wes-2 Look at his wide paint stance and excellent form. Weston opts for the black protective gloves made by Raven because he says they look cooler. Now using his mad paint skills for good, not evil; his Mom is so proud.

After the paint fumes subside, we are ready to mount some toolboxes. nv-install-vince-drillHere are the Dupe Boys drilling holes for the mounting brackets and points.N-toolboxes-install-wes-drillNext, is the fabrication of  the toolbox mounting brackets themselves. Here is Weston bending the mounting brackets.nv-mount-bend-wes-2propane-closeup

He heats the metal up so it is easy to bend and the steel doesn’t break.nv-mount-bendmounts-ready-for-paintNice job, Wes! Those brackets are looking good. Let’s install those bad boys. nv-toolbox-mount-rightnv-toolbox-mount-leftThey went in really nice and the NV locksmith truck is ready for wiring and table tops. Looks like it’s time for Dup-A-Key locksmith decals as well. nv-toolboxes-mounted-2 nv-toolboxes-mounted-rear-viewIt feels like summer is already here and our Dup-A-Key locksmiths are looking forward to a great season popping locks and making car keys in San Diego in our new ride.  Stay tuned to our San Diego Locksmith Blog as our 2015 Spring Locksmith Build continues.

 

The New Slick Lock Puck Hasp Design Reduces Install Time and the 360 Spinner Sleeve Prevents Force Attacks

NV-slick-locks-corner-shotThe 2015 Locksmith Spring Build marches on at the Pacific Beach Dup-A-Key Locksmith Shop. The Dupe Boys have installed their new Slick Locks mounting brackets and American Lock puck locks with the Slick Locks 360 Spinner and we are really happy with the easy install and low profile design.

slick-lock-frontCheck it out!  We went with American Lock puck locks because of their special ribbed pin design, making it harder to pick; giving her a heightened sensation.slick-lock-driver-alone The 360 Spinner inserts have a really cool design. They reduce the chance of a forced attack, by making it difficult to get a solid grip on the puck lock.
slick-lock-driver-handSlick Locks 360 Spinner design turns the locks into a rotating bearing that prohibits locks from being forcefully twisted off. It will just spin.slick-lock-hand-keyPretty neat. It has a split ring insert to install on the front of the Slick Locks 360 Spinner. It keeps the American Lock puck in place. Sweet looking lock.slick-lock-hand-reverseThe back of the lock looks like this. The spinner is recessed behind the puck lock, making it resistant to prying the spinner lock guard off. NV-slick-locks-rear-door-bracket-2Check out the mounting bracket hasps. The hasps install where the latches mount on the doors. These are the rear barn door brackets.NV-slick-locks-side-door-bracketCheck out the side door hasps. They bolt right into the current mounting brackets. Yes, I photshopped out the VIN to our truck. Stamp tool.hasp-driver-sideThis latch insert style is a lot easier to install than the older style where you had to diassemble the door panel and maybe take out the seats so you could get enough room to drill the holes and install the carriage bolts for the protective hasps that went around the locks. Here is an older style example.old-hasp-designThis protective hasp provides solid protection, but it  is a real pain to install. You had to be super careful while drilling into your door panels and there are access panels that had to be made to ensure correct tightening of all the bolts. These panels had to be filed or you run the risk of slicing open your hand on jagged metal. slick-lock-hand-key-openWith the new puck locks installed, it’s time to complete the NV hardware install and reconfigure the Dup-A-Key locksmith equipment. The sun is setting on El Burro’s San Diego locksmithing rampage. You have served the Dupe Boys well, old friend. Stay tuned to our San Diego Locksmith Blog as our Pacific Beach locksmiths complete the Dup-A-key 2015 Spring Locksmith Build and prep for an excellent summer.

If you have a commercial vehicle and would like to discuss security options, give Dup-A-Key a call. We can work with you to come to a solution.

858-750-2224