Introducing the new Macsim 550 Stainless Steel product range

550 Stainless Steel is a high strength martensitic stainless steel with a chemical composition of 13% - Chromium, 1.5-2.4% Nickel, 2.0% Molybdenum, 0.16% Carbon, 0.10% Nitrogen, AND 0.003% Boron.

Designated as YUS550, it has been specifically created to provide improved hardness, and improved corrosion resistance when used for the manufacture of self-drilling screws, pins, and other high strength fasteners.

Two important properties of a stainless steel self-drilling screw are drive ability and corrosion resistance.YUS550, when tested using the Vickers Hardness Test, returns tip hardness  greater than 500Hv, which means that the screw will be able to drill through a 5.5mm steel sheet. YUS550, when tested using an industry standard salt spray test of 5% NaCl, at 35 degrees Celsius, for 240 hours, returns results that places its corrosion resistance better than the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel.

Available in the head types of hex head, hex head with neoprene, wafer head, and countersunk, and available in lengths of 16mm to 50mm, the Macsim 550 stainless steel range of screws is suitable for use in all applications where corrosion resistance is important.

This screw range is suitable for fixing metal to metal, timber to metal,  and plastic to metal. Please note, 550 stainless steel is not suitable for use within 100 metres of a marine environment.

If you are interested in purchasing this Macsim product, please contact your local Construction Supply  Specialist member.

ToolBox™ Original is an MS polymer, moisture curing adhesive and sealant in one

Building on a heritage of 130 years and over four decades of experience in the Australian construction industry, H.B. Fuller offer a multi-use adhesive/sealant that is truly a ‘tool box’ in a cartridge.

Toolbox™ is a hybrid moisture curing adhesive and sealant with high grab strength for use in a wide variety of critical adhesive and sealing applications. Toolbox™ cures to form a tough, waterproof seal and will adhere to a wide range of substrates. Its versatility means it can replace most water based and solvent based construction adhesives, polyurethane adhesive and sealants as well as silicones in construction, marine, transport and industrial assembly applications.

Tool Box™ is solvent and isocyanate free that grabs fast first time. It bonds to almost any substrate including timber, metal, glass, ceramics and concrete, provides rapid skinning and  curing, and is mould, UV and water resistant.

Tool Box™ is also perfect for sealing gaps in expansion joints in concrete, brick, mortar, plumbing and roofing as well as sanitary sealing in wet areas.

Toolbox’s permanent flexibility provides high performance bonding and sealing results surfaces prone to movement or vibration. It can even be used as a gasket in tank flanges. It will maintain superior adhesion in temperatures up to 100˚C, and provides excellent adhesion to Colorbond in both wet and dry conditions. And, for an even stronger bond Tool Box High Tack will help you get the job done. The high viscosity formulation offers

a fast-grab, quick curing solution which is perfect for applications such as mounting signage or ceiling components. Just like Tool Box Original, High Tack is impact, shock and vibration resistant making it ideal in automotive applications  especially with wall paneling in caravans and acrylic/ABS shower units.

Toolbox™ Original is available in white, black, and grey cartridges; Tool Box™ Invisible in crystal clear invisible; and Tool Box ™ High Tack in white.

For more information contact your nearest CSS Member store.

The Safety Boot Guardrail System provides contractors with a proven method for the easy construction of a safe, reliable and cost effective free standing guardrail that complies with the requirements of AS/NZ4994.1:2009 and AS1657-2013.

Locally manufactured in Melbourne, the Safety Boot has been an effective form of edge protection on Australian Building Sites for over fifteen years. Originally it was designed and developed in the United States and it is now used on countless construction sites throughout the world. Given its proven history of being a safe and reliable system the Safety Boot continues to be a popular choice by contractors looking to ensure they have a certified fall protection system in their work place.

A major benefit of the Safety Boot System is that it is extremely versatile. Not only can the contractor utilize existing timbers on site to erect the Safety Boot Guardrail, on completion of the project and the timbers have been removed, the Safety Boots can be easily repacked compactly and transported or stored ready for the next project.

A detailed instruction manual is provided with each Safety Boot kit which enables the contractor to identify which fasteners are suitable for the particular application. This information is extremely important as leading fastener suppliers have provided technical data to ensure their products conform to the latest AFEC detail regarding their use in Safety Critical Applications.

The Safety Boot Guardrail System is an effective and code compliant form of edge protection which has and will protect contractors from fall related injuries in the work place. Further information regarding the Safety Boot is available from any ConstructionSupply Specialist member throughout Australia.

Get more holes with every single Alpha Gold Series Jobber Drill, at no extra cost.

Longer-lasting and fastercutting drill bits are the dream of every tradesperson and nothing beats the Alpha Gold Series drill bits, that outperform any other brand.

Manufacturers such as Brett from a truck body builder in QLD have been saying for years that no other drill bit comes close to Alpha, “In fact, they last nearly twice as long as other brands I have used!”

The manufacturers of quality drill bits focus on issues such as the correct raw material, perfect termpering and theangle and design of the cutting point. For example, Alpha Gold Series Drills boast a 135-degree split point, which means it cuts faster than other drills on the market.

Alpha Gold Series Drill bits are also made from finely tempered M2HSS steel, and have a titanium nitrate coating. This combination of features mean they outlast all competitors, drilling faster and staying sharper for longer. Rigorous independent testing backs this up proving that the Alpha Gold Series Drills outperform other Australian drills on the market by more than 30% – giving you more holes for your dollar in every single drill bit.

Now Available – Check out the new Alpha Silver Series drill set specials in the F.A.T.MAG. Same quality uncoated Alpha jobber drills at awesome pricing. For more information, call your nearest CSS member store.

Taking the time to understand correct fastener selection is a no brainer when a poor choice can, and often does, result in you taking a financial hit. By Tracey Porter

It is difficult not to resort to clichés when discussing the subject of screws. But the truth of the matter is when it comes to selecting the right one for the job you’re doomed if you get it wrong.

ITW Buildex product development engineer John Mallet, who has spentalmost his entire 40-year career involved in the design of the tooling which manufacturers such fasteners, recalls an incident in North Queensland some years ago where the incorrect fastener was chosen for the region and corroded much faster than would normally be expected. The building concerned was within 150 metres of the coast line and the roofing sheet used in conjunction with the fastener was designed for severe marine environments, Mallet says.

The fastener corroded within just six years of roof installation, however the roofing sheet manufacturer had recommendations on its website that in the case of severe environments, a thorough review of the site and conditions needed to be undertaken. “It was later determined the fastener supplied was not suitable for the environment and therefore not warrantied. The end result of which meant it fell to the builder to replace the fasteners at their own cost.”

Mallet, who is heavily involved in product prototype manufacture, says most fasteners are manufactured from carbon steel before being case hardened. What this means in actual terms is that the hardening process results in a hard outer case which enables the fastener to drill through cladding and materials while the softer inner cores gives the fastener strength while maintaining ductility.

After hardening, the protective corrosion coating is applied.

He says there are several main types of self-drilling screws used for fastening to timber and/or steel commonly used by DIYers and those in the construction trade.

ROOF OR SIDE CLADDING

Available as a Roof-Zip type of product (for use with lightweight battens and timber). They are available as metal fasteners for a steel purlin (designed for drilling and installing into steel such as in the use of a large commercial building) or a Type 17 fastener for fixing

cladding to timber (for use with timber

battens or when a building is re-roofed).

Typically, the cladding fasteners have

a hexagon head to drive the screw and

an integral flange which retains a EDPM

rubber sealing washer in place (the

sealing washer is to ensure a watertight

seal on the cladding).

BUGLE BATTEN SCREWS

Have a head shaped like a bugle and come with an internal hexagon socket to drive the screw. They are usually used to fix timber house trusses on the wall of a house or attaching the wall to a timber foundation. Another use is for landscaping such as planter boxes and retaining walls.

DECKING SCREWS

Usually used for fixing timber decking to a timber frame, the head of this fastener is usually an internal square drive. When installed the fastener is flush or just below the surface of the decking. Some are designed so that the installer does not need to pre-drill the hole in the decking and have special drill points to reduce end splitting of the timber.

CHIPBOARD FASTENERS

Sometimes called multi-use fasteners, they feature an internal square drive or a cross recess drive with a thread designed to be driven into chipboard, plywood or MDF so as not to split the timber. In most cases when installed the head is flush with the surface.

PLASTERBOARD (DRYWALL) FASTENERS

Designed for fixing plasterboard to timber or metal wall frames and ceilings. They come with a bugle head for ease of entry and are sold singularly or in plastic strips for speed of installing when used with a collated tool.

FASTENERS FOR FIXING FLOORING TO METAL FLOOR JOISTS (WING TEKS)

Recommended for indoor use, this  fastener has a flat, countersunk head with a cross recess drive. Contains two parallel wings the purpose of which is to drill a hole in the timber so there is clearance between the thread and the hole. The wings then break off when they make contact with the metal joist.

FASTENERS – EITHER TIMBER, METAL OR ZIPS WHICH HAVE SPECIAL METAL PLATE ASSEMBLIESFOR CYCLONIC REGIONS

The metal plates (referred to as cyclone plates) are designed to withstand cyclone conditions. The plates’ function is to help stop the screw from tearing through the roof cladding by providing a wide area. They must conform to government standards.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCREW

As with all fasteners, ensuring you start off with the right one ensures a long working life & security.

When selecting a screw, it’s important to get the gauge and length of the screw right for starters, then look at whether you’re drilling into timber or steel and work towards the coating required to meet the conditions the screw is to be used in. (i.e. Inside or outside, in corrosive environment, non-corrosive environment etc).

For example, using a timber screw when drilling / fixing to steel may result in the point not penetrating, even if it does, the coarse thread will not provide a secure fix into the steel.

Using a steel screw in timber results in failure because the fine thread cannot form a thread and engage/bite into the timber.

Mallet says. “While the lifespan will vary depending on a myriad of conditions, decomposition is usually the first sign and most obvious sign screws will need replacing.

“As soon as a reddish tint appears on any part of a fastener or red dust or weeping commences, the fastener has reached its useful lifespan.”

So when looking at screws for fasteners, it is important to remember that these are engineered parts that

have specific purposes and selection of the right screw is paramount.

Gauge, length, material to be fixed to, finish, compliance with codes & Australian Standards, accessories are just a few criteria that form part of the selection process.

If in doubt seek expert advice as it can save you time and money. 

Six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes has been a perennial crowd favourite throughout a career that has spanned more than two decades. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. By Shane Conroy

After claiming his sixth Bathurst 1000 title in 2015, TeamVortex driver and sentimental favourite Craig Lowndes had a horror run at his favoured Mount Panoroma track just 12 months later. Mechanical problems destroyed his chances of going back-to-back in 2016 and he finished well off the pace. The event commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the death of legendary driver and Lowndes mentor Peter Brock. It was a race he desperately wanted to win.

For Lowndes, Bathurst is not just another race. It has held a special place in his heart since he won the inaugural Peter Brock Trophy in 2006. “It was the most emotional race that I have ever driven, and winning it is something I will always cherish,” he says.

“There’s something spiritual about the track. As soon as I drive into town and see the white rock signage of ‘Mount Panorama’ it gives me goosebumps. I’ve been fortunate to drive a lot of tracks, and I still regard it as one of the best.”

Driven to compete

While Lowndes is a perennial crowd favourite at the iconic event, his long list of achievements spans well beyond the Mount Panorama dais. He’s a three-time Australian champion, holds the record for the most race wins in the history of the V8 Supercar Championship, and was the first driver to reach 100 Championship wins.

“Also close to my heart are my five Barry Sheene Medals, which is the Supercar’s best and fairest award,” says Lowndes. “Off the track I was very humbled to be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, for my ‘service to motor racing and the community’.”

Having accomplished so much in the sport, you’d forgive the 43-year-old for wanting to spend less time in the driver’s seat and more time on the couch. But it’s the fierce competition and the sheer enjoyment of driving race cars that Lowndes says keeps him coming back season after season.

“In my opinion this season is one of the most competitive fields that I have ever seen,” he says. “So the constant push to lift and perform both as a driver and a team member definitely drives my motivation.”

Rolling with the punches

That competitive drive has been a constant in Lowndes’s career since he won the national Formula Ford title in 1993 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old. A year later he finished second on debut at Bathurst, and has been a major presence in the sport ever since.

However, that’s not to say that Lowndes hasn’t faced his fair share of challenges. In 1997 he left Australian shores to contest the European F3000 Championship, only to have funding pulled after his rookie season.

“It was the first time that I’d lived in a foreign country so getting my head around that and the language barrier teaches you to think creatively,” he says. “The challenge of new tracks and a new car were a good distraction as I was determined to succeed. I would have loved a second year to apply what I had learnt and prove myself. But that’s the nature of our sport.”

Lowndes was quick to reassert himself on the V8 Supercar scene, winning back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999. Then came the most controversial decision of his career—a swap from Holden to Ford in 2001.

“We are lucky that our fan base is very passionate, so a lot of emotion came with the change,” he says.

“But with the negative there was also a positive. The Ford fans embraced me and with time a lot of the heat came out of the situation. I think people understood that it was nothing personal. It was  about racing.”

Always a team player

It’s testament to Lowndes’s every-man appeal that he’s been able to maintain his popularity with fans throughout his career, no matter what badge is on his  car. Now with TeamVortex, the ever humble Lowndes is quick to shift credit back to his team.

“Triple Eight expanding to three cars has allowed me to stay with the team and has provided me with what I need to perform at the top level. But at the end of the day, I am one cog in the wheel,” he says.

Long-term relationships with sponsors such as GearWrench have also been strong contributors to his success. GearWrench is distributed by CSS partner Apex Tools, and is available in CSS member stores.

“As a brand, GearWrench is second to none for its reliability and quality,” he says. “When I’m in the race car approaching 300km/h down Conrod Straight at Bathurst, all I’m thinking about is how to approach the corner as quickly as I can. My confidence in the car comes from knowing it’s built by the best tools.”

And it seems we’ll be seeing Lowndes roaring down Conrod Straight for at least a couple more years. “Retirement isn’t on my mind. There is a lot of pressure, both physically and mentally on race weekends. So being able to deal with the outcomes and keep your eye on always doing better is essential.” 

Maddison Safety’s vending machines has revolutionised the onsite delivery of PPE and industrial consumables. By Meg Crawford

Maddison Safety has grown exponentially since Tim Maddison’s dad Keith started it in 1990. “In the very early days, the old man was working out the back of his Ford Falcon station wagon,” Maddison says. “Then it went into a shared warehouse, to us having our own warehouse and on to where we are now. It’s been a slow and steady evolution but we’ve continued to grow the whole time.”

Maddison, who has worked with the family business since the early ’90s (barring a period of seven years out for rugby) and managed the sales team since 2003, now largely manages the enterprise and its 20 something staff, albeit with his parents retaining ownership.

Traditionally, the company exclusively sold safety products. “We knew safety back-to-front and wrapped up a good chunk of the market here in the Hunter Valley by becoming the go-to company for safety,” Maddison reflects.

While maintaining that reputation, these days Maddison Safety also locally manufactures a range of goods including leather tool belts, pouches and bags for the mining and construction industries. They also make items to spec, ranging from safety vests in different colour configurations through to leather welding jackets with holes for safety lanyards a the back. More recently, Maddison Safety became a member of the CSS group, which opened out the company’s range to include industrial products.

Rise of the machines

Off the back of those developments, Maddison Safety also moved into the supply, maintenance and restocking of on-site vending machines for its customers. “We saw the concept about 10 years ago at a trade show in the Hunter Valley,” Maddison muses.

“It’s very different to the way we manage vending machines today, but it was a lightbulb moment for us.” Initially, the vending machines stocked PPE (including knee pads, respirators, dust masks, safety specs and gloves), but following a slew of customer requests, Maddison Safety’s vending machines now also stock small industrial consumables, like tapes, drill bits, sealants, cutting discs and padlocks, depending on customer requirements.

The vending machines, which are built in the US as the biggest snack and drink machines in the world, are converted into units suitable for dispensing the items.

To keep tabs on stock levels and usage, Maddison Safety runs a module in its vending machines that requires workers on site to use a swipe card, which must be run through the reader on the machine before the goods are selected and dispensed.

This records every transaction into a live reporting system at the back end, to which both Maddison Safety and its customer have access.

It’s not overstating things to describe the system as something of a revolution in terms of stock management. Amongst other benefits, it enables users to pinpoint over usage of products and obsolete stock, and critical stock levels are set in the machine, alerting Maddison Safety via text or email that it’s time for a refill by one of the company’s several dedicated vans that are permanently out on the road for that purpose.

“It offers the user a 24/7, automated store,” Maddison explains.

A revolution in stock management

With around 50 vending machines embedded in its customers’ businesses, averaging around 40,000 individual transactions each month, Maddison Safety has ample case studies demonstrating their beauty.

For instance, Maddison describes  vending machines on a construction site where the majority of workers are subbies—the machines have been modified to operate on a 100 per cent retail basis (anyone wanting to purchase an item from the machine uses a credit card or prepaid card).

Another customer recently engaged Maddison Safety to supply a workshop vending machine, dispensing items like brake cleaner, WD40 and sealants, the cost of which automatically gets allocated to a job number, so that when an invoice is raised for a job all of the consumables are invoiced also.

The system has also had a few unforeseen benefits, including the capacity for companies to check usage and allocation of PPE in instances of  workplace injury.

Hidden benefits

One of Maddison’s favourite examples saw a mining customer save thousands per month. “In one of our first ever vending machines, the guys were using 6000 pairs of one type of glove every month and within the first month of the machines coming on board, we dropped the number to 2,500.

“We’ve saved them three and a half grand every month on one style of glove, by going to a single transaction. Beforehand, the habit was to take a whole box of gloves underground with them and no matter how many were used, the box would never come back to the surface. Now, it forces the user to grab just one pair at a time. We’re seeing reductions of 30 per cent plus of the consumption of products.” 

With Internet sales becoming more and more popular, it’s becoming clearer there’s one important value the web can’t match—old fashioned expert advice, like you get from a CSS member store. By Sue Nelson

There is no doubt the Internet is a convenient way to shop—browse, click, pay and bang, your next consignment of goods is on its way. But it’s rarely that simple. Most businesses have highly specific requirements for the tools they use, and they need to see them in action, talk through the variations in models with a professional, and have somewhere to return the product if there’s a problem or if they need spare parts.

Our customers, particularly the sort of customers we prefer to deal with, value face-to-face conversations,” says Michael Dann, managing director of CSS member store Allfix Fasteners in Underwood, Queensland. “Nothing beats being face-to-face and eye-to-eye with an expert, asking questions and getting direct answers. They see the investment we have not only in stock but also in bricks and mortar.”

What you see and what you get

It’s clear that many people feel more comfortable purchasing tools they can handle and test out in store, and value the convenience of a returns process that allows them to simply walk back in and chat about whatever it is that doesn’t meet their needs. “They can see the tool and pick it up, they can compare the different brands side by side, and we can demonstrate the features and benefits,” says Michael.

It’s important to be able to check all the details about a product—particularly in relation to safety and parts availability—if you’re in the market for tools. Some websites can lack information, and what you see isn’t always what you receive. “If our customers have any problems with a tool they can simply walk back through the door, instead of having to email, make the phone call and transport the product back. In some cases this isn’t cheap and it’s at a cost to the buyer,” Michael says.

In most cases, an online purchase means the business is based overseas. This instantly brings a raft of regulatory and convenience concerns into play. If the model you choose online isn’t available in Australia, it will be difficult to source spare parts—and if it’s a pneumatic nailer, for example, you run the risk of not being able to purchase the consumables necessary to work the tool sustainably over the long term.

Safety first

There are also safety issues associated with purchasing tools from overseas online sites. Domestic regulations require Australian C Tag approval, and an Australian business isn’t going to honour the warranty if it didn’t sell you the tool. It’s always wise to get advice before you launch in and buy from an offshore company, especially if you have no prior relationship with that business. Michael says he has noticed trends in purchasing habits over time. “Some have tried it and been burnt,” he says. “Our customer base is made up of people who can’t wait or haven’t got the time to look online. We are simply a phone call away, and we deliver to site, usually the same day or the next day.”

Ross Wharton of Resources Trading (also a CSS member store) agrees: “People want knowledge and service. They’re not often totally informed on the purchase they are to undertake. In store we are able to provide options that provide them best value for money based on our sales knowledge. It’s also a bonus to pick up and handle the goods as part of the buying experience.”

Shops offer more than price

Ross doesn’t feel that there will be any permanent shift away from bricks and mortar shopping among his customers, even though competitive pricing might persuade them. “Technology allows them to obtain an online comparison in seconds and use this to bargain with us at the shop,” he says. “But I challenge them on the issue of product fault or warranty returns and how they expect to handle this if purchasing their equipment online.”

Ross thinks that viewing the product in store is usually the clincher for a sale: “Possession is nine-tenths of the law, and having the stock represented on the floor certainly influences the purchase.”

The Australian Retailers Association thinks that added competition might change the in-store experience over the long term. “Bricks-and-mortar retailers are re-inventing themselves,” says executive director Russell Zimmerman. “We continue to see physical retailers take consumers on a journey, providing customer-centric shopping experiences from in-store activities to virtual reality.”

The most important of these experiences is the relationship that forms between the customer and the business beyond the single transaction—particularly when it comes to trade equipment. Retaining customer loyalty has never been more important.

The future of retail

The ARA believes with the rise of international marketplaces, multiple digital platforms and the dynamic needs of modern businesses, it’s those retailers who redefine their businesses to adapt to consumers’ demands that will thrive in the shifting landscape.

“Over the next few years I believe we will see many retail chains reduce both the number and footprint (size) of their stores to cater to consumer demands” says Russell Zimmerman. “But I also think we will see many pure play online retailers open physical stores to cater to  their consumer needs.”

Meet David Moyle, the 2016 Master Builders Association Young Builder of the Year who matches ambition with ability. By Andy Kollmorgen

It’s been a while since Ballarat Construction Management (BCM) director David Moyle picked up a hammer, which is not necessarily to his liking. These days, the working life of the 2016 Masters Builders Australia Young Builder of the Year is “one hundred per cent administrative”, Moyle told the F.A.T.MAG.

But that’s what happens when you start up your own business before your apprenticeship is through and proceed to make a distinct mark on the Victorian landscape with a series of sleek and striking constructions, including the glass-clad, ambitiously futuristic BCM headquarters itself, which was unveiled in May last year to wide acclaim.

That effort won BCM a People’s Choice Award for best building façade at the Architizer A+ awards in New York City last year. The BCM building, a bold celebration of glass and light, pushed the limits of melding construction with design and seems to defy conventional construction principles in a pleasing way, not an unusual outcome for a BCM project.

And the Ballarat firm was in good company in NYC. Other 2016 Architizer prize recipients included Porsche’s North American headquarters and the Allianz Tower in Istanbul.

Learning the trade

Why such acclaim and accomplishment at such an early juncture? It may have something to do with Moyle’s palpable  love for the work, which goes back a long way. “I’ve wanted to be a builder since pre-school, so I set my goals on that,” Moyle says. “There’s never been any question of what career path I should take.”

He’s also had good training. After going through a pre-apprenticeship course as a year 11 and 12 student at Ballarat Grammar, Moyle served a four year apprenticeship with Peter James Construction.

Toward the end, he received plenty of encouragement for following through on his dream. Moyle registered BCM as a business shortly before his apprenticeship ended and made a name for himself in fairly short order— not least because a BCM building tends to serve as a an effective promoter of the business.

“There’s definitely a trend in the buildings we do, though I wouldn’t say we have a specific design aesthetic in mind  with each new build. It’s more of a loosely defined concept—modern, edgy and angular, I guess, however that might apply to the needs of the client and practical demands of the actual construction.”

The secrets to success

Angularity may be its trademark, but BCM has also built medical centres and primary schools whose visuals are somewhat tamer and demonstrate the firm’s versatility.

To some extent, building runs in the blood. Moyle’s grandfather was a Ballarat builder whose homes can be found throughout the area. But along with a hands-on sense of what it takes to bring complex builds to life, the real secret to Moyle’s strong track record seems to be a talent for communication, both with the client and the team of architects and draftsmen which have been central to every project’s success.

“A good, strong relationship between the designer and the builder is absolutely crucial, and we’ve developed some really good relationships with designer through a number of projects,” Moyle says. “Each project is unique, but our management approach has always been based on keeping the lines of communication open for everyone involved, particularly the client. The most important ingredient in any clientbuilder relationship is communication.”

For BCM, good communication  comes down to fortnightly meetings with the client at a minimum and mandatory check-ins with all stakeholders if questions arise.

The bigger picture

Moyle has seen the building industry in Victoria evolve since he got BCM off the ground, and not always in ways that smaller builders would welcome.

“The industry is becoming more challenging to get into,” Moyle says. “There’s a big gap between mum-anddad builders and volume builders, and the gap is growing. In some cases the VBA [Victorian Building Authority] has been cracking down on smaller builders more than it had previously, and the increased red tape can make it difficult, though the intentions are good. We’re somewhere in the middle between volume and mum-and-dad operations, building about 20 homes a year and four or five commercials projects, which is exactly where we want to be.”

Apparently the market agrees. One BCM home building client testimonial starts off on a cautionary note, “It is easy to find horror stories from people who have experienced nothing but negativity with their build and the whole process has become a nightmare.” It then goes on to conclude, “I can honestly say that my experience with BCM was really enjoyable and stress-free from start to finish. David impressed me throughout the project as someone who at all times put the client’s interests first.”

It turns out word-of-mouth can be a powerful multiplier. The jobs keep rolling in, as do Moyle’s administrative duties. But at least he doesn’t have to worry about marketing. “We don’t do any active advertising or anything like that,” Moyle says. “It’s all about  referrals.”

The Sidchrome Project Car for 2017 has been named. This year, the Sidchrome team have got their hands on a ’69 Mach 1 Mustang. The plan is to team up with Charlie Schwerkolt’s Team 18 Supercar crew to manage its transformation into a fully fitted-out muscle car, which will then be given away to one lucky Sidchrome customer.

Over the last two years, Sidchrome has teamed up with the students at Chisholm TAFE and the guys at the Australian VW Performance Centre to transform a baywindow Komib; and last year the project car was a Coyote-powered Cobra replica.

This year’s project has been sitting idle in California since 1988. The running gear consists of a 351 Windsor, FMX auto and nineinch. In terms of theme, Sidchrome has plumped for a pro touring-style vibe, starting with RRS underpinnings front and rear to vastly improve the Mustang’s handling abilities, including a coil-over front end, power rack-and-pinion steering, and a three-link rear end, also with coil over shocks.

The factory engine and driveline will be totally rebuilt, with the aim of a modest but thoroughly enjoyable 400hp. The FMX is copping a rebuild by Pro Automatics with heavy-duty clutch plates, while out back will be a brand-new nine-inch, including a new housing and 31-spline axles. The paint and trim will follow pro touring lines, with carbonfibre accents and a Clarion audio system. 

Check out Episode One of the build on streetmachine.com.au to see the progress. Visit sidchrome.com.au/projectcar to see how you can win this Mustang.