1. How do I start my build with Kettle Customs?
Once you’re ready to get started, fill out our quote form or contact us directly with your vehicle details. We’ll send a detailed quote outlining your chosen tray, canopy, and accessories. A 30% deposit secures your build slot and starts your custom CAD design. After CAD approval, we move your project into manufacturing, where every component is laser-cut, folded, welded, and finished in-house.

2. How long does a build take?
From the time your CAD design is approved, our standard build time is around 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity and current workload. We’ll keep you updated through design, fabrication, and finishing so you always know your build status.

3. What kind of paint or finish do you use?
All Kettle Customs builds are finished in a two-stage 2K (“two-pack”) automotive coating system — an epoxy primer for corrosion protection followed by a polyurethane topcoat for deep gloss, UV stability, and long-term durability. This is the same technology used on OEM vehicle bodies and produces a smoother, richer appearance than powder coating. Unlike powder coat, 2K finishes can be touched up or repaired on-vehicle, making them ideal for hard-use rigs that still need a premium look.

4. What materials do you use?
We manufacture using a combination of 5052 and 5083 marine-grade aluminium, mild steel, and stainless steel — selected for strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. All parts are CNC laser-cut and CNC folded for precision. Assembly is completed using OEM-approved structural adhesives, sealed and stainless rivets, and only stainless-steel fasteners, ensuring long-term integrity in any environment.

5. What latching system do you use?
Our canopies feature two-stage rotary slam latches paired with American-style paddle handles. This setup offers smoother operation and greater security than standard whale-tail handles. Each canopy uses one unique key, so there’s no need for multiple generic keys, and the doors close securely with a single slam.

6. Are your builds Australian-made?
Yes. Every Kettle Customs tray, canopy, and accessory is designed, cut, folded, welded, and finished entirely in-house at our Somerville, VIC facility.

7. Are your designs customisable?
Absolutely. All of our products are parametric CAD designs, meaning lengths, heights, and sections can be resized or re-configured without affecting the integrity of the overall structure. This lets us tailor every setup — from canopy size to internal layout — to suit your exact needs without a full redesign.

Finance (via Acquired Financial Services)

8. Do you offer finance options?
Yes — we’ve partnered with Acquired Financial Services (AFS) to offer flexible, affordable payment plans. AFS compares 65+ bank and non-bank lenders to find a suitable option and keep repayments affordable.

9. How does the AFS finance process work?

• Request a quote for your build from Kettle Customs.

• Pay your 30% deposit to secure your slot or proceed with finance pre-approval through AFS.

• Apply with AFS (online or by phone). Many customers receive pre-approval in under an hour (case-by-case). acquiredfinance.com

• Choose repayments and term with your AFS specialist.

• We begin CAD once the deposit is paid or finance is confirmed.

• After CAD approval, we move into manufacturing while your repayments continue per the AFS schedule.

10. What are the repayment options with AFS?
Repayments are typically weekly (or as agreed) over a term set by the lender. AFS focuses on competitive rates and low repayments, presenting all costs upfront. (Specific rates/fees depend on your approval and lender.) acquiredfinance.com

11. Do I need finance approval before my build starts?
Yes. We begin the CAD design after your 30% deposit is paid or when your AFS finance is approved. This locks your build into our production schedule to avoid delays.

12. What if my finance isn’t approved?
You can still proceed by paying the standard 30% deposit and settling the remaining balance prior to pick up. We’ll discuss alternative payment options if needed. (AFS can often workshop solutions across many lenders, but approvals are always case-by-case.) 

13. What warranty do you offer?
Every Kettle Customs build comes with a Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty covering workmanship and structural integrity. If a structural component fails due to a manufacturing defect, we’ll repair or replace it.

14. Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. We can ship or deliver anywhere in Australia, and for Victorian customers we offer local pickup and installation at our Somerville workshop.

15. Can I include my own accessories or custom requests?
Of course. We can integrate your supplied accessories — such as fridge slides, lighting systems, or 12 V gear — into your build where possible. We’ll confirm compatibility during the CAD stage to ensure everything fits and functions perfectly.

Still have questions?
Email Jace@kettlecustoms.com.au and we’ll walk you through finance, design, or build details so you know exactly what to expect from your Kettle Customs setup.