The Ford
Custom is a medium size, front wheel drive van positioned between the
Ford Connect and the
Transit. In production since 2012, the Custom is a modern commercial vehicle with a load compartment that is ideal for conversion into a travelling workshop as well as for the transport of goods.
Design and build is in line with other vehicles in the same class, so the Custom boasts an attractive exterior and a practically shaped, easily accessible load compartment.
The customer who asked Syncro System to convert this
Custom into a mobile workshop specialises in high performance wireless networks. The van was therefore equipped to install and service the radio antennas of the customer’s proprietary network and the various access points installed at end users’ premises.
Good internet connectivity is essential for individuals and companies in the modern world. A constant flow of information is the life-blood of many businesses, and the rapid resolution of technical problems is absolutely essential. So it’s easy to understand the benefit in efficiency and effectiveness that comes from having a well-equipped van able to minimise response times and reduce operating costs.
Working in close collaboration with the customer’s own technical staff, Syncro’s racking specialists were soon able to identify the best way to satisfy all requirements.
The logical first step in fitting out this Ford Custom was to protect the interior of the load compartment. First of all, the floor was covered with a 12 mm thick, resin-coated
plywood liner, complete with protective steel edging. The walls were then covered with laser-cut
lining panels made from honeycomb plastic, a lightweight but tough material that is ideal for protecting thin body panels against damage by falling cargo during everyday operations.
Moving on to the racking itself, on the left of the van the wheel arch has been enclosed in a
closed cabinet with a lift and rotate door that provides easy access for storing various objects. Above this are six large
steel drawers on telescopic runners, complete with devices for holding them shut, non-slip mats and internal dividers. Over the drawers is a metal
shelf, also with a mat and dividers. At the top is a
work surface in 25 mm thick resin-coated plywood, with raised edges to stop items falling off.
Moving towards the cab, the left side racking starts with a storage space for tool and component cases, complete with an automatic retaining system.
Above this are four more metal shelves with mats and dividers.
Moving over to the right of the van, the racking starts with a wheel arch cabinet with a lift and rotate door. This supports four levels of metal cabinets containing
tilting, transparent containers. Containers like these offer various advantages. Firstly, because they are completely transparent, users can see immediately what is inside without having to open them. Secondly, the use of PMMA (the same ultra-strong material used to make aircraft windows) combined with Syncro’s patented design ensures exceptional strength and durability. Each container comes with an automatic locking button to hold it shut, but can be easily removed and replaced whenever needed.
The effectiveness of the racking system in this Custom is enhanced by an intelligent choice of accessories. The left rear door is fitted with a
handwash kit, complete with a 10-litre water canister with tap and a dispenser for Syncro’s top quality hand cleansing cream. A paper roll holder is fitted within easy reach at the rear of the left side racking. Just as practical is the
rail and strap fitted to the bulkhead to secure items of cargo and equipment.
To make use of the Custom’s roof, the Syncro team fitted an aluminium and steel ladder rack featuring Syncro’s exclusive Ultrasilent profile for dramatically reduced noise and vibration. The ladder carrier itself is a tilting model, designed specifically for loading ladders on vans with low or medium height roofs. The roof rack to the side of the ladder carrier is fitted with a side fence and rear roller to facilitate the loading of long items.
Another mission accomplished and another satisfaction for the Syncro team! The job of installing and maintaining wireless networks is sure to get a whole lot easier with this great mobile workshop!