"Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

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Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

"Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sat Oct 20, 2018 4:19 am

Hi, I've been modifying a LOT of my equipment since I got into skateboarding, and especially in Slalom racing. I figured I'd post "how-to" pictures and postings so people can see cheap lo-tech ways to make their equipment better, especially if they're on a budget. Anyone who does similar Do-it-yourself projects will be welcome to post their projects on wheels, decks, trucks, etc. I want to keep this a "Do it yourself" Slalom-related thread. Since most people are on Facebook and Facebook is very transitory whereas SS.com is a good long term "library" to look things up, I'll hopefully keep this thread here and post links to it on Facebook that brings people here (Thanks to Mig for the suggestion). Thanks -PTH
I just dig slalom!

Jani Soderhall
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Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Jani Soderhall » Sun Oct 21, 2018 9:15 pm

Thanks Paul! Let me know if you need any help.

Recently Doug Kadzban helped save plenty of board photos from Silverfish and as they've now closed their site we put a couple of posts in the board forum (http://www.slalomskateboarder.com/phpBB ... .php?f=171) with those photos.

The below topic shows choppers and home made decks:
http://www.slalomskateboarder.com/phpBB ... 171&t=9401

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Fri Oct 26, 2018 2:50 am

Hey, yeah, I saw that thread and that's kinda what I want to do here. Everyone is welcome to post anything they do to modify or make anything slalom related with boards, wheels, trucks, etc, or if you do a thing to your skatepark board that is also applicable to a slalom deck (such as home-made nose guards or adding fiberglass for instances) that's welcome here too. Thanks for posting the "heads up" on the archives from Silverfish (a moment of silence please).

Adios - Paul Howard
I just dig slalom!

John Davies
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Location: UK

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by John Davies » Mon Oct 29, 2018 12:54 pm

Cool. I look forward to the postings.

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Thu Nov 01, 2018 2:51 am

Hmm, Interesting, somehow this thread is now in a more noticeable and easier to find place than I remember when I first started, so THANKS!!! to whoever moved it and made that change (unless I'm imagining a change that isn't really there?).

My first thing I'm going to try post as I slowly have time at home to work on it is changing the pivot screw angle on TTC hangers. Anyone whoever rode a TTC then got either an Asphalt Playground Phase 1 Splitfire rear truck or Airflow OS rear truck likely noticed they were nicer than the TTC, part of that reason is the pivot screws were set an an angle that actually matches the Tracker RT-X, Tracker Axis or Independant baseplates whereas the TTC is close but not quite right. Coming soon. Thanks -PTH
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Mon Nov 05, 2018 12:35 am

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Note how things don't sit correctly, this is the TTC being modified.

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Hmmm, these pictures aren't quite showing up the way I intended so a bit more messing around is in order. More to come. Stay tuned.
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:48 pm

OK, so here's another attempt at putting pictures on formatted differently so hopefully they're more easily viewed. These are the next steps in my TTC rebuild. The pictures are in reverse order (sorry!) so start at the bottom and work your way up. The "Sharpee" marker is to mark the new facet and keep track of where you are filing away metal and where to leave it alone. This is a very similar technique I use in wood bow-making.

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TV entertainment in the work-room whilst working

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Splitfire for comparison.

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Airflow OS for comparison.

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The TTC I'm working on, compare to Splitfire and Airflow.

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Same thing, taller Stimulator bushing.

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TTC I'm working on to the Left, TTC un-altered on the Right.

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Calipers are one of your best friends in wood bow-making, and here too, Calipers are a really, REALLY good friend to have. Not that expensive either.

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If you can check it with a caliper, then you should check with a caliper, use the caliper all over the place. Don't "think" everything is OK, "KNOW" that everything is OK.

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Out of order picture showing use of Sharpee ink marker with file to guide your work.

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Use a sharp hard metal pointy thing (like this scribe) and mark the new facet to guide you.

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Last edited by Paul Howard on Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:52 pm

Maurizio Montigiani's interesting hybrid rear truck:

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Thanks Maurizio!
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 18, 2018 12:44 am

OK, so here's a tangent on another current project, RE-drilling a deck for different wheelbase or different truck, etc. This is generally common knowledge, but for those who haven't done this but are thinking about it, this is for you.

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Truck sitting where the holes currently are, nothing really "wrong" I just want more axle-to-axle distance so my Tight slalom board wheelbases match.

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Where the truck is going to go.

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Using a yardstick/meterstick/straightedge to align new holes with rear holes (and the centerline of the deck)>

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Measuring for the English system folks....

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Measuring for the Metric System folks everywhere else.

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Marking the spots.

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Pen, punch, awl

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Use your awl, punch or even a nail to start the spot where you will drill to prevent the drill bit from wandering.

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Start your drilling nice and straight, drill just a teeny tiny amount, then......

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Tilt the drill to match the steepest wedge risers you might end up using. If you only use trucks with variable geometry hangers, you can stay with straight holes.
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 18, 2018 12:51 am

OK, more of the same Re-drilling theme:

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Look closely at the axle-to-axle wheelbases, same rear trucks (Asphalt Playground Phase 1 Splitfires) but Subsonic has a Tracker RT-X, and the other Powell Cab has a Sk8kings 2X front, notice how both setups have same axle-to-axle distance but different mounting hole distances.

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Top side, I like this device because it allows me to rotate my front foot but still keeps it where I want it.

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Same thing.

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Using countersunk screw for my front foot placement device.

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This is why I angle the drill and holes, it will be better for your mounting hardware and not bend the ends of the screws as you tighten them down.
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Pierre's Front Foot-stopper........

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 18, 2018 1:55 am

Pierre Gravels' front foot stopper.
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Finished product, check out the link for how to make this nice piece of work yourself. Thanks Pierre!!
http://pierregraveldesign.com/wp-conten ... Fx1zdfLzUo
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Finishing the 1st TTC-Rebuild, Done!!

Post by Paul Howard » Sat Nov 24, 2018 11:00 pm

Finally, I'm done with the 1st TTC-rebuild project. I was going to do this completely at home then a friend of mine with access to his friends metal machine shop told me to swing by so I did a few things there. If you have access to a milling machine, I HIGHLY recommend using one, if not, this project is still possible.

I'll start here at sorta the end with inserting a urethane "bearing" into the hanger/kinpin interface, I do this on all my slalom trucks that didn't come with a spherical bearing. This helps very noticably and it puts a lot less strain on the kingpin. I also ride a place with a LOT of sidewalk cracks where a spherical bearing truck would be prone to snapping the kingpins.
Attachments
TTC 039.JPG
Spherical bearing substitute: Start with hard bushing you don't like (like stock Indy or whatever) or good hard Khiro or whatever.
TTC 039.JPG (132.45 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 041.JPG
Making the "Poor Man's Spherical Kingpin bearing"
TTC 041.JPG (125.96 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 042.JPG
Here's what you get.
TTC 042.JPG (127.42 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 044.JPG
You can trim with a very sharp thin knife, or.....
TTC 044.JPG (127.57 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 046.JPG
Or, Trim with scissors.
TTC 046.JPG (127.17 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 047.JPG
It goes here.....
TTC 047.JPG (133.91 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 049.JPG
The bushings hold the yellow "donut" in place.
TTC 049.JPG (131.21 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 050.JPG
filing the corners to avoid wheel core contact (most wheels don't have this problem, a few do).
TTC 050.JPG (145.33 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
TTC 051.JPG
Taaa-daaa!! Ready to go test ride this beauty!
TTC 051.JPG (130.43 KiB) Viewed 41938 times
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Finishing the 1st TTC-Rebuild, Done!!

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 25, 2018 12:32 am

Here's the rest of this project:
Attachments
TTC 024.JPG
Use your files in a sweeping motion while your drill turns fairly fast (but generally not full speed). Note use of a bearing spacer to protect the thread while you use the file at the base what will be a ball pivot.
TTC 024.JPG (124.53 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 025.JPG
Getting close but not quite there yet.
TTC 025.JPG (142.94 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 027.JPG
Test for size with the pivot cup for the baseplate you're using.
TTC 027.JPG (141.62 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 028.JPG
Polish the new ball pivot nice and smooth with emery cloth.
TTC 028.JPG (134.75 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 031.JPG
View of Unmodified TTC.
TTC 031.JPG (127.02 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 029.JPG
Unmodified TTC, note not "naturally" sitting correctly no matter how much you move the pivot screw in or out, the angles-n-heights never match.
TTC 029.JPG (128.19 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 034.JPG
This is the Modified TTC, See now much nicer everything fits and seated correctly.
TTC 034.JPG (121.13 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 035.JPG
The type of bicycle bearing greases I like to use.
TTC 035.JPG (127.2 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 036.JPG
Grease the screw, the hole it goes into, and both jam nuts.
TTC 036.JPG (135.68 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 038.JPG
Grease the pivot point.
TTC 038.JPG (130.37 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 25, 2018 12:46 am

More pictures, including the milling machine used after my friend's insistance, glad I listened, but you can do this without a milling machine if you take your time and proceed slow and careful.
Attachments
TTC 005.JPG
Close up, you can see why this make for more precise controlled work.
TTC 005.JPG (149.5 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 006.JPG
My friend's friend's awesome milling machine, Use one if you have any access to one.
TTC 006.JPG (144.69 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 007.JPG
Tap, matching drill bit for tap, pilot-hole smaller drill bit, and screws for pivots.
TTC 007.JPG (138.06 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 011.JPG
JB Weld metal Epoxy.
TTC 011.JPG (122.08 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 013.JPG
The "Easy-Bake" oven used to fast-cure JB Weld Epoxy. Works like a charm.
TTC 013.JPG (119.22 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 014.JPG
Done baking on "warm" for 30+ minutes and completely hardened and MUCH faster.
TTC 014.JPG (141.65 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 015.JPG
Larger Quick-grip to secure handle end of drill.
TTC 015.JPG (128.97 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 019.JPG
Note small Quick-Grip on drill trigger switch, easy to knock off in an emergency.
TTC 019.JPG (134.08 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 016.JPG
Drill handle used as a clamping anchor.
TTC 016.JPG (131.58 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 017.JPG
"Raw" pivot screw with cured JB Weld.
TTC 017.JPG (136.86 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 25, 2018 12:55 am

OK, finally I finished this project, hopefully all the pictures leave no questions unanswered, but this is only one way to do things, there might be better ways out there. Thanks for checking this out.
Attachments
TTC 003.JPG
Use a mirror to monitor alignment. Used for pilot hole.
TTC 003.JPG (153.11 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 004.JPG
Note small bathroom mirror to check alignment 90 deg from the other mirror so your X and Y axis are both being monitored. Used for pilot hole.
TTC 004.JPG (154.15 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 033.JPG
This is how it should fit - Modified TTC.
TTC 033.JPG (123.15 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
TTC 051.JPG
Fineshed Modified Pivot-Angle TTC, a Thing of Beauty!
TTC 051.JPG (130.43 KiB) Viewed 41936 times
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Fri Dec 07, 2018 4:42 am

I finally got out and rode the Modified TTC and it works Great!!! I rode the same board through the course 5+ times with my Phase 1 Rear Splitfire "Dialed-in", then changed to the TTC, got it "dialed-in", then rode as fast and hard through the course as possible and it was very, very similar, good stability, good traction, good power through the big whole-body-pump Big offsets, able to twitch quickly through the 4.5 foot and 5 foot center to center tight sections, overall it was a very noticeable improvement, I'll probably go ahead and do the same thing on my remaining 100mm and 130mm TTC hangers some time in the future hopefully.
Attachments
slalom 004.JPG
slalom 004.JPG (551.09 KiB) Viewed 41787 times
slalom 003.JPG
slalom 003.JPG (133.26 KiB) Viewed 41787 times
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 24, 2019 10:30 pm

Making an Epoxy/Fiber Add-on Foot placement Wegde, kicktail, or Whatever...

Sorry for the out-of-order and reverse-order of pictures.

Thanks for Looking! -Paul
Attachments
glue tail 016 (3).JPG
glue tail 016 (3).JPG (1.03 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 014 (3).JPG
glue tail 014 (3).JPG (585.79 KiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 010 (3).JPG
glue tail 010 (3).JPG (1.16 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 009 (2).JPG
glue tail 009 (2).JPG (800.5 KiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 008 (3).JPG
glue tail 008 (3).JPG (1 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 006 (2).JPG
glue tail 006 (2).JPG (1.29 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 005 (3).JPG
glue tail 005 (3).JPG (780.33 KiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 004 (2).JPG
glue tail 004 (2).JPG (1.32 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 003 (3).JPG
glue tail 003 (3).JPG (1.19 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 002 (2).JPG
glue tail 002 (2).JPG (1.49 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
Last edited by Paul Howard on Sun Nov 24, 2019 10:42 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I just dig slalom!

Paul Howard
Posts: 202
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:15 pm
Location: Corvallis, Oregon. USA

Re: "Slalom Shop" DIY modifications and making slalom stuff.

Post by Paul Howard » Sun Nov 24, 2019 10:37 pm

More pictures of making epoxy/fiber based add-on kicktails, wedges, foot-placement things..........

Sorry about the skipping around of a few pictures and reverse-placement of images, but I think you get the idea.

Hope this helps give people ideas and Thanks for Looking!

-Paul
Attachments
glue tail 023 (3).JPG
glue tail 023 (3).JPG (1.99 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 022 (3).JPG
glue tail 022 (3).JPG (1.98 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 021 (2).JPG
glue tail 021 (2).JPG (974.51 KiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 020 (2).JPG
glue tail 020 (2).JPG (1.65 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 019 (2).JPG
glue tail 019 (2).JPG (1.41 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
glue tail 018 (3).JPG
glue tail 018 (3).JPG (1.03 MiB) Viewed 39278 times
I just dig slalom!

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