KUSTOMIZE YOUR 4X4

OakieKustoms of Farmington, Michigan, began building custom 4x4 vehicles in 2001.  Specializing in construction of custom jeeps, broncos, and a special Hummer H1 conversion package, these vehicles not only look great, but handle well on the street as well as having great off-road capabilities. 

Owner and originator Doug Longenecker is a welding engineer from The Ohio State University and a graduate of the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  With a passion for cars and specifically off-road vehicles, Doug also runs an automotive repair franchise. 

“The jeeps are built from the ground up using skills I learned at Hobart,” says Doug.  “From the frames to the body, they are welded, cut and fabricated.  We custom build many components to improve the original equipment.”

OakieKustoms features an exclusive package for H1 owners.  Do you ever wonder why you are driving the biggest, “baddest” vehicle on the road, but can barely fit into it?  OakieKustoms has a design to eliminate the “doghouse” and give you ample space by completely reconstructing the interior and providing a new custom steel frame that is entirely TIG (gas tungsten arc) welded. 

“We lift the vehicle, drop the floor, add 44-inch tires, and allow you to choose the floor plan for the new space created inside the truck,” says Doug.  “There is a lot of great space and it greatly improves the comfort.  We can also soundproof the vehicle so road noise is no longer a problem.  Combine this with a Duramax conversion and you are talking about making the most awesome 4x4 even better!” 

In addition, OakieKustoms also installs a shift-able transfer case that allows the vehicle to run in 2-wheel drive, improving the gas mileage significantly. 

“We have many different combinations of components and styles of finished products from which to choose,” Doug continues.  “We can build Custom CJ8 from a 10-second quarter mile jeep to a monster with 40-inch tires that still drives close to stock.”

Engineering plays a big part as careful consideration is given to make sure these vehicles handle smoothly on the street, since this is where the majority of the normal driving will be done.  Front and rear steering is offered on all of these jeeps. 

THE POWER OF POWDER COATING

All of the undercarriage components are powder coated for long life and great looks.  Most any other truck that is older than just a few months will begin showing rust and corrosion.  The undercarriage of a five-year-old vehicle from OakieKustoms still looks new.  This is the power of a powder coating that provides an ultra-tough paint process making it extremely chip resistant. 

“We completely strip the components down and have them powder coated,” says Doug.  “We then build them with new internal components, using the highest-quality available every step of the way, based on the particular needs or desires of the customer.”

Building time is anywhere from three weeks to three months depending on the model and modifications per build.  Since each one is different, many people change their minds during the build when they see something they would like to incorporate, which can add to the build time. 

Explore the possibilities at http://www.oakiekustoms.com

Doug Longenecker also does contract and consulting work in quality, production, and implementation of lean manufacturing techniques.  He is experienced in welding of titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, copper, beryllium, and carbon alloy steels.  He is a member of the American Welding Society and other industry-related organizations and serves on the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology Program Advisory Committee.