Gavin Bostick is a well-known and -respected Stanwell Park-based painter. He’s also an avid hang-glider, so his 2006 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L does day-to-day duty as an all-important work truck but then comes in very handy for transporting his glider around.
Gav bought his Nissan Pathfinder ST-L new in 2006.
Gav bought his Nissan Pathfinder ST-L new in 2006 (image credit: Brendan Batty).
Crafty: Why did you buy your Pathie?
Gavin: I needed a 4WD for getting to some hang-gliding locations and I liked the idea of having the seven seats that could accomodate my growing family. Also when all the middle and rear row of seats were folded down I could sleep in the back with plenty of room.
Crafty: What’s a typical work day for your ute?
Gavin: Well, now that I’m starting to get back into my trade as a painter, the car is typically full of paint gear, loaded with ladders etc. on the roof. The wagon goes with me to the job and a lot of the gear is unloaded on arrival.
There’s plenty of storage for paint gear and ladders (image credit: Brendan Batty).
Crafty: Do you use your Pathfinder outside work?
Gavin: Yes, I tow a boat and use it on the odd camping trip here and there.
Crafty: Any mods?
Gavin: I had the genuine Nissan nudge bar modified to accommodate a support for my hang-glider. I’ve also added BF Goodrich AT (all terrain) tyres.
Crafty: Any strife with the Pathfinder?
Gavin had the genuine Nissan nudge bar modified to accommodate a support for his hang-glider (image credit: Brendan Batty).
Gavin: No problems with this car. It was the first brand-new car I’ve ever owned and it has never missed a service.
Crafty: Anything else you’d like to do to it?
Gavin: If I had my time again with this car, I reckon I’d have a long-range fuel tank installed, as well as a 2-inch lift kit, together with a dual-battery for a fridge on those longer trips.
Crafty: Would you buy another Pathfinder next time?
Gavin: Sadly, no. My needs have changed considerably re: work and play, so a dual-cab ute with a canopy would have to be my next car. I’m looking at the many options in this space right now!
Need a painter for jobs, big or small, in the Illawarra or beyond? Call Gavin Bostick on 0419 249 036.
Keyword: Tradie Tips Q&A: Gavin Bostick - Painter