THINK FINK! – FINK ENGINEERING
Using fundamentals of mathematics and science, engineers apply their technical knowledge to conceive, design and implement new processes, products and systems that make our everyday lives possible. Being an engineer is coming up with solutions to problems that no one else knows the answer to. Without engineers, many great designs would never leave the drafting table, and for countless motoring enthusiasts who enjoy modifying their pride and joy, vehicles would never be driven on public roads.
Troy Brodie is one of those talented few with diverse skills, trained as a diesel mechanic, fitter machinist, panel beater and mechanical engineer. Operating under the revised banner of Fink Engineering on Sydney’s south coast in Unanderra, Troy is the first to admit that he’s a genuine gearhead with a deep passion for hot rods and kustom kulture, hence the company name and logo!
“I originally established the company as Rat Fink Engineering back in 2003 but had to cease using that title after being informed by the family of Ed Roth that it was an internationally registered Trademark,” recalls Troy.
After a decade of working from home, Troy opened the doors to Fink Engineering in 2021, where he conducts business Monday to Friday in his well-equipped workshop that feels more like a man cave than your regular factory bay.
A one-man band, Troy is supported by his wife, Allison, who keeps the books in order and handles the appointments whilst he attends to the multitude of vehicles that filter through the workshop at a swift pace.
“Certification is 90 per cent of day-to-day work, and the other ten is working on selected vehicles,” explains Troy. “Say a client comes to me after they have rebuilt their car from the ground up seeking rego. I examine the vehicle for compliance, and if it doesn’t pass, I provide them with a list of issues to correct. The vehicle also has to be structurally sound, and if not, I can provide engineering design assistance to resolve the issue. I only work on one car at a time and can offer mobile service when the vehicle just can’t come to the shop… but a hoist is invaluable.”
Troy’s regular repertoire of vehicle certifications includes passenger cars, light and heavy commercial, disability vehicles with lifts, hot rods, customs, 4×4’s and motorcycles.
“Most of my clientele travel from south of Sydney to the border, and Downtown Kustoms in Taree are good customers, but not really any further north! Some customers have multiple cars a year, such as one company that frequently modifies 1971 – 72 Mazda 808s with aftermarket turbos, C4 autos, 9” diffs, seats, brakes and full control units… they’re basically new cars. And a recent trend is custom pickup trucks fitted with air bags usually necessitating chassis mods.”
Without a national registration system, licencing vehicles from state to state can be a minefield of false information and outdated regulations for modified vehicles.
If you require expert assistance for your next or current project, Fink Engineering is located at 8 Lady Penrhyn Drive, Unanderra, New South Wales.
Whilst Troy is often elbows deep under a vehicle if your call is unanswered, he is certain to call back when time permits, so just leave a message on 0423 183 624 and let him know you found him in Cruzin Magazine.
