Welcome to the Auto Styling Truckman Blog

The UK's Leading distributors of Quality 4x4 Accessories

COMING SOON - Truckman AeroTop RS for the brand new 2012 Ford Ranger

You've waited long enough for your new Ford Ranger and now you have it you want to accessorise it, make it your own.

Tick Side steps fitted - neat finish, your family now have easy access to the cab
Tick Stainless steel accessories - front and rear light guards, front bar... looking good
Tick Bed liner fitted - load bed protected, not going to damage it now

You've got all of this but there's something missing. Your work equipment is on view and can be easily stolen, your shopping's going to get wet and the back of your Ford Ranger pick-up looks bare.

Auto Styling knows what you're thinking and that's why the ever popular Truckman AeroTop RS hardtop has now been developed to complete the look of your brand new Ford Ranger.

The Truckman AeroTop RS was the first UK hardtop designed to appeal to both leisure and commercial markets. It has been available for Rangers as old as 1999 models and now we have a brand new 2012 AeroTop RS ready for April delivery.

The Truckman AeroTops are made with the most advanced styling, features and technology through the entire market. Built with strength and security in mind the RS hardtop is a perfect top to fit to your Ford Ranger.

2012 Ford Ranger Truckman AeroTop RS

The Truckman AeroTop RS features:

  • Solid sides - increases security and perfect for sign writing
  • Tinted, toughened rear glass
  • Easy wipe clean interior - can be scrubbed or jet washed
  • Integral spoiler with high level brake light
  • Chrome push button lock - keyless remote locking is optional
  • Complete with fitting instructions specific to Ford Ranger

 

The AeroTop RS is available in a white gel finish. It can also be painted to the same colour as your Ford Ranger, using Ford's paint codes we can ensure that the top will be painted accurately to your pick-ups colour for a smart look.

View the full range of AutoStyling's Ford Ranger Hardtops »

Good Value Car Accessories

There are heaps of accessories available to choose from when it comes to your car. The problem is; they all look so similar and they all appear to do the same thing.

What to do??? ... Shop at Auto Styling

Popular car accessories can range from universal mats and seat covers to vehicle specific wind deflectors, front grilles and bonnet guards. Whichever car accessories you choose you can rest assured that Auto Styling only supplies products that are of outstanding quality and certainly value for money.

Style

Car Door HandlesStyling accessories are mostly chrome or stainless steel accessories. Chrome accessories include side mirror covers and side mouldings. The stainless steel accessories include door handles, sill guards and mirror covers. All of these accessories are ideal to enhance your cars aesthetics and designed to complement your vehicle well.

Stainless Steel Car Accessories

Stainless Steel Car Accessories

Car stainless steel accessories are made by the world renowned Cobra brand. These accessories include front bars, spoiler guards and bumper grilles. All of these products are fully legal and not only do they look great on your vehicle but they also act as protection from scrapes and bumps, saving you expensive paint repairs to your car.

 

 

Roof Accessories

Car Roof AccessoriesRoof fixtures allow you to carry extra load without having to worry about where to fit it all. Roof boxes, luggage straps and luggage nets are all available and even a roof box lift to save you the struggle. All of these items come from the premium Thule brand. If you enjoy water sports, skiing or biking there are roof accessories available for your car. Ski carriers are available in different sizes and for different quantities so if your family of three wants to go skiing, no problem. Canoe and kayak carriers are available and even wind surf carriers. These Thule accessories are all universal, allowing them to be fitted to a wide range of cars.

Protecting Your Car

Car Wind DeflectorsCar Floor MatsWhat can be better value car accessories than those that will offer protection. A small cost now to iron out expensive restore and repair costs in the future and a better resale value. Most of these accessories add style to your car, protective and stylish? Bonus. Bonnet guards protect the leading edge of your bonnet from stone chips, preventing damage to expensive paintwork. Headlamp protectors simply protect your cars headlamps. Wind deflectors not only improve driver comfort by preventing unwanted gusts and rumbles of wind but they protect the door trims of your vehicle. If it's warm and raining, you want a fresh air flow to keep your car cool and comfortable but the rain will come pouring in ruining electric window switches and door material. Wind deflectors allow the window to be open whilst blocking the rain that would otherwise creep in. Interior protection for your car includes universal car mats and seat covers. Seat covers are available in either black, navy, red, green or grey and for either the front or rear of your car. They have elasticated edges to allow a better fit for each vehicle. Rubber or carpet mats are available for your car. These will protect the footwells of your car from becoming damp, dirty and worn. The universal mats can be cut down to size using guidelines for an accurate fit.

For those who like to be prepared...

Car Snow SocksSnow socks and dog guards. Two things you didn't think your car needed... best to think again before you regret it.

Last year we had tonnes of snow, this year - nothing. But it's not yet too late, temperatures are dropping again so what's to say there won't be an Easter snow flurry, after all we do live in unpredictable England. Snow socks can help you grip the snow, preventing you from slipping and sliding everywhere. There are options for hundreds of different tyre sizes and they won't only last you this year, but years to come once you buy them your permanently prepared.

Dog GuardsDog guards are particularly useful. You put your dogs in the boot, you’ve just started to drive and next thing you know there are two dogs fighting for the front seat... or your lap. Dog fur is going everywhere, driving is near impossible as you can’t control the gearstick and pull your dogs away, it’s just mayhem. By purchasing a dog guard for your car you can ensure the dogs can’t make a hasty escape from the boot. Dog guards are very cost effective and will save you a lot of stress and hassle. This long lasting product will be one of the best things a dog owner can buy. Put your dogs in the car... and relax.

Shop for car accessories at AutoStyling »

4x4 Wheel Covers

If your 4x4 has a spare wheel stored on its rear you may want to get a cover for it, if not for security but to make it look more appealing.

Let's face it a wheel attached to the back of your 4x4 isn't the most appealing. Even if you want the rough and ready look on your 4x4, a wheel cover will protect your spare wheel from any dirt, mud and debris that might otherwise cause damage to it.

There are different styles of wheel cover to choose from; hard covers, soft covers and stainless steel wheel covers.

Wheel covers are available for a range of different wheel sizes, fitting a range of different vehicle spare wheels including the Jeep Cherokee, Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Shogun and Land Rover Freelander and Discovery.

Auto Styling's range of wheel covers includes:

Cobra Wheel Covers
Cobra Wheel Covers

These covers have a high quality stainless steel finish with an ABS centre plate. They are easy to fit and specifically designed to each vehicle.

ASX Hard Face Wheel Covers
ASX Hard Face Wheel Covers

These wheel covers are composed of a black ABS moulded disk with an elasticated soft vinyl outer layer which ensures a snug, neat fit.

Black Soft Vinyl Wheel Covers
Black Soft Vinyl Wheel Covers

These flexible reinforced vinyl covers fit snugly around the spare wheel and hold in place with an elasticated rear cuff. These wheel covers are waterproof, washable and economical.

Stainless Steel Wheel Covers
Stainless Steel Wheel Covers

These stainless steel covers include either a black or silver centre disk. These lockable wheel covers improve the look of your spare wheel and the security with an integral lock with 2 keys. The outer ring is stainless steel while the centre disk is made from a high gloss plastic.

View the AutoStyling complete range of wheel covers »

Side Steps and Side Bars

You've got kids and a 4x4. Great package, right? Spacious family vehicle, room for the kids, room for the shopping, room for you…Perfect? Not quite.

Your last car; a Fiat Punto or maybe a Ford Focus; a standard family car. You can get everybody in, not the most comfortable of spaces but everyone fits, the shopping squeezes in under the parcel shelf and best of all there's no fuss with the kids, they can just jump in, put their seat belts on and away you go.

Your new car; an Audi Q7, a Ford Kuga or a Toyota Hilux; almost perfect. You can get everybody in with ease, shopping is no challenge - why not chuck the pushchair and your dogs back there too?! Only problem... getting in. You might need a bit of a jump to get in and your kids can no longer put themselves in the car... a climbing frame may seem like the best option.

Auto Styling's solution - Side bars/steps

Side bars or side steps are easily fitted to the sides of the vehicle. All of our side bars are made from high quality stainless steel and are a great addition, enhancing the look and practicality of your vehicle. Side bars are available for 4x4's, vans and pick-ups promoting easier access inside the vehicle. We also supply side bars for cars although these are more widely used for cosmetic purposes. Our variety of side bars and side steps includes products from the popular Misutonida and Cobra brands.

Auto Styling's range of side bars and side steps includes;

Polished and Satin Running Boards

Running Boards
These side steps, which are otherwise known as running boards are great value for money. These strong and firm steps are made from high quality aluminium and feature an anti-slip rubber strip making them the safest available. These running boards are made in the UK and are available with either a polished or satin look finish.

 

Misutonida Side Steps and Side Bars

Misutonida Side Steps
Misutonida stainless steel side steps and side bars are made from high quality stainless steel and have been hand polished for an exceptional finish. Side steps with bars are available in 50mm size and are ultra-hard wearing. Side bars with steps feature moulded non-slip steps in 76mm sizing and are also available with a stylish oval design and even with design moulded steps. Misutonida side steps with bars and side bars with steps promote easy and safe cab access.

Cobra Side Steps and Side Bars

Cobra Side Steps
Most of our Cobra range of side bars and steps are available in a stainless steel or black finish. Cobra is one of the world's largest suppliers of quality vehicle accessories. Cobra side bars and steps are made to precision using high quality stainless steel and are easy to fit. Cobra side steps feature hardwearing aluminium chequer plate steps and the side bars with steps feature moulded non-slip steps within the bar, combining practicality and style.

View the full Auto Styling range of side steps »

Accessories for your 2012 Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux

We all like to look good going into the new year, perhaps make a new year's resolution. Well so have two of our best pick-ups. This year, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux have come to us looking better than ever before certainly proving to be bigger, smarter and more challenge worthy than ever seen before.

Toyota Hilux 2012Ford Ranger 2012

Now it's nice to have a smart, new truck - for a while - but there is nothing better than accessorising your pick-up.

Protect your new truck with items such as bedliners and skid plates. Stainless steel accessories such as front spoiler protectors provide great protection plus look good on your vehicle.

Style your pick-up with front bars, roll bars and side steps. These stainless steel accessories are perfect for enhancing the aesthetics.

Must have accessories for your brand new pick-up truck have got to be a form of load bed cover. Whether you opt for a hard tonneau cover or push the boat out and have a hardtop, bed covers are perfect. If you need to secure work tools and equipment safely out of view, if your other half enjoys seeing how much shopping they can fit into the loadbed (without it spilling over the sides) or even if you have dogs and need somewhere safe they can travel how can you possibly go wrong with a hard top or tonneau cover accessory.

TOYOTA HILUX

Toyota Hilux 2012 RearThe new Hilux has been given a more ‘aggressive and indestructable' look. The 2012 facelift Hilux boasts a new bonnet, grille, headlamps and bumper making it look more rough and ready to go.

Auto Styling's range of accessories includes plastic, stainless steel and bed cover accessories. A wide variety of the Hilux accessories have been carried over from the previous Mk6 2005-2011 model. These include accessories such as bedliners, tonneau covers and hardtops, roll bars, side bars and steps and skid plates. These are accessories which size and fitting position has not changed from the last model. New accessories are also available that have specifically been designed for the changes to the 2012 Toyota Hilux. Front bars and spoiler protectors are available for the newly facelifted front end of the Hilux along with protective accessories such as bonnet guards, headlamp protectors and light guards which are both practical and pleasing to the eye.

FORD RANGER

Ford Ranger 2012 RearBigger, comfier and more presence then before the new Ford is certainly the most supreme Ranger of them all. You may have waited a while for this new pick-up to come out and maybe have to wait longer for your truck to be made, so why not check out our range of accessories that are made specifically to suit the 2012 Ford Ranger, providing practicality and further enhancing the new and improved style.

There is a good variety of products currently available for the new Ranger. These accessories include protective accessories, stainless steel and plastic, practical and styling accessories. Bedliners, bonnet guards and headlamp protectors are available to protect the outer features of your brand new Ranger. If your after a practical truck where you can store tools, equipment and shopping securely out of view then tonneau covers and hardtops are available. Fitting a hard top will also increase the load carrying capacity. Stainless steel roll bars, side bars and front bars are available complimenting the Ranger's standard styling well.

Protecting your tools : Max Toolboxes and SentriBoxes

We've all got so used to the phrase: "There's a recession, prices are going up" that it's no surprise that when popping down to the local hardware store, prices of items such as drills, lawnmowers and even screwdrivers have tripled since you last bought them.

So the last thing you want is to fork out all that money for tools and a sticky fingered thief break into your vehicle and pinch them all. Toolboxes are a cheaper alternative by far. Whether you end up paying for the replacement of the tools and locks/glass on your vehicle or you claim on your insurance and your premiums shoot up, a toolbox will definitely far outweigh the persistent hassle of replacing, repairing and claiming.

Unfortunately, chopping fingers and limbs off is no longer legal. So thieves will persist.

Not only does Auto Styling's range of toolboxes feature heavy duty locks and sturdy thief proof shells but they also act as a visual deterrent. If you don't have window blanks or grilles in your vehicle or solid sides then it will be very easy to peep inside and see the entire contents of your vehicle. If people see the toolbox they usually think trying to steal the goods inside is definitely not worth the hassle and risk of getting caught. Anyone foolish enough to go ahead and try anyway will have a good job to try and break the toolbox open and will later find out that they will still be trying to gain entry by the time neighbours have rang the emergency services and the police arrive.

Auto Styling stocks two different brands of toolbox. The MAX toolbox range is ideally suited to pick-up trucks, fitting the load bed extremely well. The Sentribox toolboxes are more widely universal, better suited to vans and cars and are available in different sizes.

MAX Toolboxes

There are 3 different types of toolbox in the MAX range. The Concorde 1 toolbox, which features one large front opening lid, the Concorde 2, which has two front opening lids and the Phantom Gull Wing which has two side 'gull-wing' opening lids. The MAX toolboxes are high security, tough and durable products. Their high security locking system and heavy duty, slash proof shell makes them very, very hard to break into. Ribbed rains channels and a waterproof outer mean that you can be sure that your load will remain safe and dry.

MAX are a world leading automotive accessory manufacturer who carry out consistent research and development to deliver highly dependable and reliable products.

Max Toolbox
MAX Concorde 1

Due to its large opening lid, the Concorde 1 is better suited if you have larger items to store in your toolbox.

MAX Concorde 2

The Concorde 2 is ideal if you want organisation like a regular toolbox.

MAX Phantom Gull Wing

The Phantom Gull Wing is the best toolbox for saving hassle. Instead of having to clamber into the bed of your truck to open your toolbox and reach out anything inside, the Gull Wings side opening lids mean you can simply access your toolbox from the side of your vehicle.

View the AutoStyling range of Max Tool Boxes

SentriBoxes

Sentri box is a leading brand of vehicle toolboxes with an ever growing reputation. Sentri boxes are perfectly used as van tool safes due to the dimensions but the range of sizes means these universal toolboxes can also be used for cars and pick-ups. Sentriboxes feature an advanced locking system which has four 8mm thick deadlocks, two working horizontally and two working vertically, creating a four point locking system called the XLOCK. Sound complicated? Well it's far from; 1 key for 1 lock in 1 turn. All Sentri Boxes come with 2 keys, so if you're a little clumsy you have a spare.

SentriBox

All Sentri Boxes feature:

  • Twin hydraulic arms
  • Drop down recessed handles with rubber pads to stop any annoying rattles
  • Full width, heavy duty piano hinge welded to the box and lid
  • Tool mat
  • Anti-jemmy bars
  • Fork lift/pallet truck skids
  • Covered power cable access point for charging tools inside the box

 

Van Sentri Boxes/Standard Sentri toolboxes

These heavy duty boxes have sized designed particularly with vans in mind. These toolboxes are composed of either 1.6 or 2mm sheet steel. The standard XLOCK toolboxes also come in a range of sizes which can suit different uses of the toolbox. All these toolboxes come in a black powder coat finish.

Flambox Toolboxes

Flamboxes are designed for the safe storage of chemicals, paint etc. The Flambox has a removable drip tray and loured fume vents on the sides to avoid the build-up of gases. Although these toolboxes can be used as standard toolboxes they are particularly useful if you regularly need to store chemicals. The Flamboxes also feature the XLOCK locking system and are in a red powder coat finish.

Optional Extras

6" wheels are available as an optional extra for your Sentri toolbox. The wheels come in a pack of four with two fixed and two swivel wheels which make moving your toolbox loads easier. The wheels are quickly and easily fitted into pre-drilled holes in the base of the pallet truck skids.

Auto Styling's range of toolboxes are secure and dependable. You might not necessarily want to store tools in them, a toolbox might be your safest place to store shopping instead of your pick-up bed or you may do deliveries for your local door to door catalogue and need a safe and secure storage option. No matter what you use your toolbox for; you can rely on Auto Styling's product range to keep your good safe, dry and secure at an affordable price.

View the AutoStyling range of Tool Boxes »

Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Bull Bars

We often have customers ring up with a question that's been eating at their brains...

I see you're selling bullbars, aren't these illegal?

Answer: No

Auto Styling only sells bull bars that are fully legal and EU compliant. Most bull bars or nudge guards are now labelled by manufacturers as A bars or front bars to avoid associating the name with the original fitment and 'use' of the accessories.

Bull bars or nudge guards originated in Australia and were primarily used as protection for a vehicle and it's passengers in the event of a collision with an animal, 'nudging' them aside, hence the name. These sturdy bars started to become popular in Europe despite having a lack of 'wild animals'. Facts show that the rigid bars were causing accidents and collisions to be worsened, particularly where pedestrians were involved. Accidents that could have remained minor were resulting in serious injuries and even deaths due to the 'indestructible' accessories, with numbers rapidly rising in result of these increasingly popular bars.

On 25th May 2007 older style bull bars were made illegal. Any new bull or nudge guards are promoted as 'frontal protection systems' i.e. Front bars and A bars and have to be fully EU compliant.

What Does EU Compliant Mean?

All frontal protection systems now have to be EU compliant, meaning: the front bars have been tested and have ticked all boxes in compliance with the new law.

Front Bar Pedestrian
  • A minimum level of protection for pedestrians
  • The bar is type-approved for the vehicles they are intended to fit
  • The bar has been crash tested to deem that in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, any injury caused will be reduced in comparison to a vehicle without a front bar

New EU compliant frontal protection systems are mostly fitted for cosmetic purposes. They look good on your vehicle. These front bars are simply no good as a 'nudge guard', they are not designed for rough and tumble.

Some people might think...

I would rather risk fitting an old style nudge guard, that is what I want so that is what I will have.

Think again.

In the event of an accident your insurance claim will not be accepted due to the illegal accessory fitted to your vehicle. Fitting an illegal bull bar will also make your insurance premiums sky high. But that's not all... you could face a penalty of up to 12 months in prison and a substantial £20,000 fine.

Auto Styling's range of frontal protection systems are manufactured by either Cobra or Misutonida. All of these products are EU compliant and TUV certified and each item has its own EU compliance certificate.

Cobra Bull BarsMisutonida

See the full range of AutoStyling bullbars for 4x4»

Choose the right Tow Bar for your vehicle

Fitting a tow bars to your vehicle could be the best thing you ever did.

Need to tow a caravan for a spur of the moment weekend getaway? Can't get all your work gear inside the car so you need a trailer?

Tow Bar = No Problem

Auto Styling's range of towbars are from the well-known Witter brand. This means you can be assured that your top quality tow bar will not let you down, whatever you use it for.

Witter tow bars have been setting standards in quality and design for over fifty years. They are manufactured with the latest CAD technology and are incredibly reliable and safe.

Auto Styling has tow bars for a vast range of vehicles including vans, 4x4s and pick-ups. To prevent your tow bar from being stolen, most of the tow bars can be removed from your vehicle and stored in a safe place while the vehicle unattended.

If it's a caravan you need to tow then our range includes towbars compatible with standard and twin electrics. Twin electric sockets enable indicators and brake lights to function on your caravan plus any electricals inside such as your fridge.

Auto Styling's Witter Tow Bar Range includes:

Detachable Flange Towbar

Detachable Flange Towbar

This towbar offers the versatility of a fixed flange towbar but leaves very little of the towbar visible when detached.

  • Tow and carry cycles at the same time
  • Towball is removed when not in use preserving 'shins'
  • Won't trigger reversing sensors when not towing

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Mainly used in Europe and slimmer than a flange bar this style was the first to offer a detachable version.

  • Towball is removed when not in use preserving 'shins'
  • Unrestricted access to the boot
  • Won't trigger reversing sensors when not towing

Fixed Flange Ball Towbar

Fixed Flange Ball Towbar

Traditionally used in the UK for all serious forms of towing and generally the most cost effective option. A 50mm towball is bolted to a two or four hole plate.

  • Tow and carry cycles at the same time
  • Towing height can be adjusted on the four-hole plate

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Mainly used outside the UK and is the least flexible design to no additional accessories can be used.

  • Less likely to trigger reversing sensors
  • Cannot be fitted with a bumper shield

 

View the AutoStyling range of towbars »

Universal Van Seat Covers

Van Seat Covers

Even though you bought a work van designed to be sturdy and indestructible, you still don't want to ruin its interior upholstery after the first day. Van seat covers will prevent you from doing exactly that.

Auto Styling's universal van seat covers will fit a wide variety of vans. Their elasticated base ensures they fit securely.

Whether you are a builder, engineer, decorator or otherwise, getting into your van at the end of the day may result in staining your pristine van seats with oil, paint and dirt. Seat covers will solve your problem. The van seat covers are waterproof and heavy duty, made from high density nylon fabric. The covers can be easily wiped clean.

The van seat covers are available in either Grey, Navy or Black and come in a set of driver's seat and bench seat covers. These easy to fit covers allow seat belt access, although they are not compatible with seat airbags.

Seat covers are a long term, cost effective means of protecting your van's original upholstery. The ideal thing is, if you decide to change your van, all you need to do is swap your seat covers to the new vehicle and you will have the same long lasting protection as before.

What's more.. as your old interior will be in such perfect condition from using seat covers, it's resale appeal and value will increase paying off the original cost of purchasing seat covers. Perfect win-win situation.

View the full range of universal-fit van seat covers offered by AutoStyling »




Skid plates – helping off-road vehicles stay off road for longer

Fitting your vehicle with skid plates will protect the underside of your vehicle, particularly the key components, from getting damaged.

If you enjoy testing your 4x4 with challenging, rough terrain then you may find it starts to take a beating. Bouncing over uneven, jagged surfaces will not be doing your vehicle any good... unless you fit it with a skid plate.

Auto Styling Stocks skid plates for a range of vehicles. Skid plates are made from either aluminium or steel, attaching to the underneath of the vehicle to protect its key components.

Skid plates are available for components such as transmission case, transfer box, fuel tank and engine bay.

Skid plates aren’t even difficult to fit. Here’s a video we were sent of two guys fixing a skid plate to a Nissan Pathfinder.

Auto Styling also stocks skid plates for vans. Skid plates are not just for true off-roaders any longer. You may wonder why you would need one; you are never going to take your van off road. Well, skid plates are ideal from protecting the underside of your van from stones and debris or even speed bumps.

VehicleEngine Bay Fuel Tank Transfer Box Transmission Case
Ford Ranger Tick - Tick Tick
Isuzu Rodeo Tick - - Tick
Mitsubishi L200 Tick Tick Tick Tick
Nissan D40 Tick - Tick Tick
Nissan Pathfinder Tick - Tick Tick
Toyota Hilux Tick - Tick Tick
VW Caddy Tick - - -

View our full range of skid plates »