Thanks for stopping by.
My name is Dave Gartland. Born in the UK.
I served an apprenticeship as a Sheetmetal worker in 1985.
I had my own company by 1997 Called Sidekick Performance Exhausts. Making bespoke custom silencers/mufflers for all types of motorcycles.
A Huge leap forward to 2008 when we emigrated to South Australia, I found myself in various roles as a sheetmetal worker, and a stainless steel tig welder. From making and installing high end stainless steel balustrading and hand rails to working as a tig welder welding stainless steel beer founts at Lancers.
I left there almost a decade ago to work a bit closer to home, and joined A Class Metal Finishers at Lonsdale. I worked repairing die cast car parts and plastic dash boards etc in preparation for electro plating. When that got extremely busy my daughter Lorren joined and took over that role. I took on the repairing of all the stainless steel trims and mouldings, all the aluminium light surrounds etc.
As many know in 2024 the chrome plating division was sold, and the restoration side was closed down, leaving us without jobs. Two of us that did all the repairs between us got together and opened All Class Metal Finishers, in January 2025.
Unfortunately by June of 2025, the whole company thing became a bit too much, and as a result of a heart attack over 18 months ago the stress of everything and long hours started to take its toll. Since leaving school I have always worked independantly, with the freedom to make my own decisions, good or bad.
I have decided to return to the home workshop where for the past decade, Alikat Guitars have been made.
Fully kitted out for the continuation of trim and moulding restoration. I would rather have nothing to do with work requiring electroplating, or electro stripping. There are far too many variables, far too many parties involved and far too many things that could go wrong. With What I am doing , there are no hidden suprises, and no un expected issues to come.
Since 2010, the Alikat name has become a bit of a household name not only in Australia, but across the world.
The Alikat Workshop, is where I have my CNC Machines,welders, and all the necessary tools to continue what i actually thoroughly enjoy. fixing,designing and making stuff..
Labour is charged out at just $90 per hour, (Currently G.S.T Excempt) so get in quick. NO Hidden charges. Obviously it is difficult to price accurately , as a trim can be completed in less than an hour or take several days just on one completely mangled trim.
