Look at the size of this kingpin?!? It took a 17mm wrench to turn. Why? Who knows but you can not replace it with a standard kingpin unless you are going to jb weld the new one in. Sooooooo, if you take a couple boards to the park, bring an extra wrench. Who cares though, The trucks are going to be replaced anyway.
This board looks awesome. I expected black wheels, or transparent grey from the photos before I ordered. I was surprised when it showed up with transparent purple. They look perfect with the green deck.
Tiny hardware? I guess all the metal they saved on these went into the kingpin, so we are even. Hardware needs replaced with the trucks.
Logo
And a pretty cool touch, They come with a bunch of stickers and a matching pair of sunglasses.
Hey man, did you notice any blemishes or lil scrapes on the deck when you first got it? I wasn't sure if it was just mine, but when I got it out of the package(brand new, btw), it had some little scratches and blemishes on top and on the bottom of the deck. Also, the wheel nuts were tightened so much that when I pushed the board to see how far it would roll, it went like 8 feet and stopped. I loosened the nuts up a little bit, and it rolls a lil farther. Lastly, one of my washers seems to be slightly chipped, and when I got the board, some of the hardware wasn't completely tightened. You think I should get this thing exchanged? Just let me know. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteAs for the scratches on the deck, you paid for it, you should get one you are happy with. That being said riding it around for a while is going to put scratches on it too. Mine was pretty unscratched when I opened it, and is pretty scratched up now. I personally would just ride it.
ReplyDeleteThe axle bolts on mine were not tightened just right either but thats an easy fix. Just try to get them right where there is little to no side to side play on the axle. The stock bearings are not the best but that is kind of what I expect on a complete for this price. If you want it to roll easier for not much money think about getting a set of Bones Reds.
The hardware was tightened fine, but it is a non standard size so I swapped it out pretty quick. If it was loose, crank it down, no big deal.
Now go out and have some fun on it,
Cool beans, brother. I was thinkin' about it today, and I thought to myself, "What they heck, I'm gonna bust and scratch this deck up just ridin' it and such anyways", so I figure that's not a big deal, I can live with it. As far as the bearings and wheel spin are concerned, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with problems. I did in fact loosen up the axle nuts a little bit(just enough to let the wheel spin more freely without any side play) and it rolls better now. However, I do agree, I foresee some good ol' Bones Reds in the future for this lil guy.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming you didn't put that new hardware in until you re-drilled for the Tracker Midtracks, correct? I'd like to know exactly what you did to make it all work out.
Anyways, I really like your work that you did with both the Stereo and the Penny, and I'm thinkin' I might upgrade trucks in the future as well. Best part about it is, I only paid $30 for my complete, so upgrading them won't be so hard on my bank account!
Yeah, if you do the trucks and hardware, put 2 bolts through and line it up just right. Then drill through the other truck holes with about a 3/16ths bit. And use 1 1/4" hardware. 1" is just a little too short.
ReplyDelete$30 is an awesome deal. These are so turny it makes a real fun ride.
Sounds pretty good. Which set of holes did you screw the first 2 bolts through to line up the trucks when you re-drilled? In other words, which holes did you re-drill: the ones closer to the inside of the board, or the ones nearer to the tip of board?
ReplyDeleteAnd once you re-drilled, did you have any side to side play because of the old holes being so close to the new holes?
And lastly, when you drilled with the 3/16ths bit, was that wider than the original hardware width? Or is most skate hardware the same width?
I know I'm askin' a lot of questions. Just don't wanna screw this thing up if I choose to upgrade it! Where in FL do you live?
I kept the holes towards the center of the deck and redrilled the holes on the nose and tail. It is probably negligible but my logic was I did not want to shorten the wheelbase on a board that was so short already.
ReplyDeleteNo additional side to side play because the holes are further forward and back, not any further to either side.
All normal hardware is 10-32, so it is just smaller than when they start to use fractional sizes and 32 threads per inch. Standard holes in a deck should be about 7/32s but that is a little bigger than the truck holes. I used 3/16ths so it does not make the truck holes bigger but the #10 screw will fit through. It will be tight, but it will fit.
Ask all the questions you have, if I know the answer you are more than welcome to it. If not I will try to help you figure it out. And that goes for anyone just trying to have fun on a skateboard.
I am in the Tampa Bay area.
Yeah, I was thinkin' the same thing about the wheelbase.
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess what I meant to ask was, is there any more play forward and backward since the new mounting holes were drilled over half of the old ones?
So the new hardware you used for the Trackers(and the Indeesz I'm assuming) were normal size, but you just drilled a little smaller, and the hardware still fits the new smaller holes? What was your reasoning for not just drilling new, bigger holes that would cover up the older, smaller holes, and that would still fit the new trucks?
By what I'm gathering, the truck holes towards the tips of your deck are slightly bigger because of the fact that you had to re-drill essentially over only half of the old holes to make the mounting holes flush with your new trucks, leaving a slightly oval hole.
And how did the new holes work on top of the board? I'd like to see some close up pics of the stereo. Btw, I'm in the bay area as well. Just right down the road in Plant City. Where you at?
No play in any direction, everything is solid.
ReplyDeleteThe holes I drilled are smaller than most holes in decks, but still bigger than normal skateboard hardware. I used the smaller holes to not enlarge the holes in the trucks because I needed the trucks as a guide for drilling. You can't really drill the hole without a guide unless you are using a drill press. The bit will keep sliding into the hole.
Yes, you are right, the holes are more oval now. I will take and post some closeups when I get a chance.
Ok, good to know. I thought about the same thing as far as the trucks being a guide for the drill. You said the holes are more oval now, but do you think that's because of the rigors of riding the board, or just because of how the holes had to be drilled for the new trucks? And I'm assuming you use pan head hardware; but in light of that, does the new hardware fit flush like the old hardware did in the hardware sockets on the deck?
ReplyDeleteThis board is so much fun, even with p.o.s. bearings and not so great trucks. It really is just a joy to cruise around on, and I love the old school feel. I'm more of a longboarder first, but these types of old school banana boards and small decks really capture my interest.
What kind of bushing setups do you recommend for this board? I've thought about a couple and I'll list 'em for you to look at. Let me know what you think:
ReplyDeleteSetup 1: 85a-90a Venom Barrel boardside, Khiro 85a-90a (probably on the softer side) short cone roadside
Setup 2: Softer Venom barrel boardside, and a harder Khiro short cone roadside (kinda curious as to what this would feel like)
Setup 3: Khiro barrels and Khiro short cones 85-90a
Btw, do the standard trucks that come on the board require a short cone? That's what I'm assuming since that's what came on it, or so it seems. What about your Trackers?
The holes are oval from the drilling, not from riding. Yet at least.
ReplyDeleteI am using flat head hardware, when you tighten it up it pulls down most of the way into the original holes and looks pretty close to stock. Use hardware with bigger heads, not the really small kind like Shortys. The Shortys size head will dig into the plastic, I guess because theres just not enough surface area.
Bushings are pretty subjective and your weight will play a big part in if they will work out for you.
ReplyDeleteSetup 1- This is really close to what I ride in the Stereo, I like this setup.
Setup 2- Venoms feel soft compared to the same supposed durometer Khiro. I feel like the Venom would just compress and you would get some toebite/wheelbite.
Setup 3-Close to what I have on the Penny except with short Khiro inserts on top. The reds all around is what I usually start with on boards and go harder or softer from there depending on how it feels.
The stock kingpins are long enough to run almost anything. If you loose the bottom washer you could run 2 tall bushings like Khiro or Venom barrels. That opens up a lot more setups than the ones you listed above.
The trackers will take a barrel and tall insert with the rt-s baseplate, barrel and short cone/insert with the dart baseplate. You can knock out the kingpin and put a longer one in either if you need to.
I just bought the board and not before I got the board was I informed that you can only weight 80kg (176lbs) to ride it.. I'm a BIG fella and dissapointed one... What do you guys think? I can't even lose the weight that much because I'm not having that much fat on me.. :(
ReplyDeleteThat sucks. I remember reading that on the sticker when I first got mine too. I am not going to tell you to disregard what the manufacturer says but this is for the most part the same deck as the Penny. The Penny does not list a weight limit.
ReplyDeleteI weigh in the mid 170's and the Stereo does not flex near as much as some of my flexdex decks do. We will see how much the flex increases over time but I am not worried about it.
If you are uncomfortable with the limit, see if you can send it back and replace it with a Penny or a Flexdex Grenade, or the super fun Green Banana Lil Nanner. If you want to ride it, just keep your feet over the trucks and have fun.
My stereo turns to the left by itself, and i noticed that the hole for the pivot cup in one of the trucks is slightly off centre... do u think this is what is making it turn? can i put penny trucks on it? im so confused :(
ReplyDeleteur blog is rely cool btw. :)
Yeah, that would definitely cause the board to turn. I just looked at the trucks that came on my Stereo and they seem pretty centered. Is it enough to bother you when you are riding? I have lots of boards that do not go perfectly straight without weight on them. But on them you would not even know it. So unless it is effecting your riding, I would just ride it.
ReplyDeletePenny trucks will fit on the Stereo just fine. I would suggest looking at some other trucks too if you are going to swap. It will take a little mod to the deck but I think it is worth it.
And Thanks, glad you like it.
Thank You, I've decided to leave my Stereo as it is... I do turn to the right a little more easily than the left but i think it should be ok. I don't think I'd trust myself enough to mod my deck cos when i do that sort of stuff i usually screw up, haha. Thanks again, appreciated the advice! :)
ReplyDeleteI weigh around 220, is trhat waaay too much? i want one sooo bad
ReplyDeleteThere is a little sticker on the bottom of the Stereo deck that says you should not ride if over 80 kg. Thats about 180lbs. I would say it is probably not the best deck for you. If you want a fun little board that will handle a little more weight look at the fiberglass Flexdex Grenade. Look at the grey one, not the clear. There is an old post on here with some pics of mine. It is a different shape but about the same length as the Stereo just a little wider which may be more comfortable for you anyway. I am only about 170#s so the weight is not an issue but I wear a size 11 shoe and had to be careful at first to avoid toebite on the Stereo and Penny boards. Being a big guy that might be an issue with them for you also.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to look into is the Green Banana Skateboards. They are plastic like the Stereo but pretty solid and the Lil Nanner and Eco models are in the same length range. The shapes are weird but they are both really fun rides. My buddy Charlie is a little bigger than you and is perfectly at home on the Lil Nanner. The eco also comes in a thicker model for less flex that might be perfect for you. The owner is a pretty cool guy, and I am sure if you shoot him an email he would help you pick the best model for your size if they look good to you.
Yhanks for the input man! I checked out the others you mentioned, but thyre all just a bit out of my price range. I was amazed at finding the stereo for that cheap. I guess I'll have to drop a few :(
ReplyDeleteYeah man, the Stereo is a good deal. The Flexdex are expensive but will last forever. The Green Banana decks are priced pretty good, and then you get to pick and choose your components instead of just taking what comes stock.
ReplyDeleteI'm 182 and my stereo sopports me good..
ReplyDeleteIdk why its makes a big deal out of it.. its not like its goin to break.
I dont think it means it will break if you are a little over, I think thats getting to the point when the flex under the weight might be too much and not feel as good. Who knows though. I like a really flexy deck sometimes.
ReplyDeleteMy old elephant roller skate wrench fits the stereo kingpin!
ReplyDeleteAhhh, the big side thats not like a socket, I didnt think of that thing, good eye. I think I still have one of those in a box of parts somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI amend my previous statement. It fits "in a pinch". Not a tight fit. Fits the boardside kingpin bolt on the Cal-240's Universal truck though!
ReplyDeleteAnd from watching Gleaming the Cube we know it can start a car too.
ReplyDeleteMy trucks recently drilled through my pivot cups. I know they are cheap plastic, and was wondering if i could swap them out with something other than penny ones. Ive seen the pittle pack that the penny ones come in but not sure of the quality. And about the bushing im about 145 and wondering if new bushings would make much of a difference. Ive looked on uour blog for lany of my issues and its pretty cool. Thanks for the help
ReplyDeleteYeah, those pivot cups suck. I tried every replacement size I have here and none even come close. I have used hard rubber tubing from Home Depot to make some in a pinch, maybe if I can stop over there this week Ill put up some pics of how I did it. Its easy to do but hard to explain in words. Not an ideal solution but something to try.
ReplyDeleteSome guys dont care about bushings, but I think they make a huge difference. For your weight try something like Bones Hardcore Soft or Khiro Blues and see what you think. From there you can decide if thats your spot or if you want to go harder or maybe even softer.
Thanks for the kind words about the blog. No thanks necessary other than getting out there and having fun skating.
Well yesterday i got a tonselectamy so i cant do much. And im kind of confused on what khiro buahing look like. Can you post some up that i can look at? And i greatly aprreciate the help with the pivot cups, ive only had if for 2 weeks and they are ruined. But its such a fun board i wanted to get some new ones when i can ride again. Thanks again, your very helpful. Shaun.
ReplyDeleteAnd i really want a permanent solution for the pivot cups if its not to much to ask.
ReplyDeleteHeal well. If you use the search on the right side of the blog I have put up some pics of a few of the different types of Khiros.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know no one is making aftermarket penny pivot cups. It looks like the only way to get them is in that Penny pack. I dont know if they are better quality than the stock, I dont use penny trucks even on my Penny board so if you get that pack let me know if they are an upgrade or if they are the stocks ones.
Thankyou, and im having second thoughts about the stereo trucks now.. if i bought new trucks what kind would you reccomend? I have my birthday coming up which means money for me. But if i did buy new trucks would i have to modify the holes on the stereo deck? thanks again. Shaun
ReplyDeleteThe 2 affordable choices are Tracker Midtracks and Ace00s. I like the Midtracks better. You will have to do a little bit of drilling, but not much, its pretty easy.
ReplyDeleteWhat style midtracks do you recommend? And what type of khiros? And since i have to re drill the holes would regular skateboard hardware fit or is it too big? And the pivot cups that come with the midtracks, are they good or do i need to replace them as well? I look forward to healing fast and riding again!
ReplyDeleteI use a rt-s front with a barrel board side and a tall insert roadside, and a dart back with a barrel boardside and a short insert roadside. You could do both darts or both rt-s if you wanted to though. Regular hardware is good, you really arent drilling new holes, just elongating 2 of the 4 on each truck. The pivot cups on either of the midtracks are pretty tough they will last you a while and are easy to find and replace.
ReplyDeleteThe midtracks are the 85mm ones correct?
ReplyDeleteI got them! Installed and all...sadly theres a problem. The kingpin on the front truck it too short and the tall insert wont tighten down. * correction it tightens but the feel itself is to tight and i cant loosen it without the nut being dangerously close to falling off. Do i have to buy a new kingpin too now? This board is turning into a project. :/
ReplyDeleteLonger kingpins are cheap and easy to install if you want to. Other choice would be to use softer bushings.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you end up getting? Darts?
No, i actually got the rts i like the retro look of them
ReplyDeleteThat surprises me a little then, the kingpins in the rts are a little longer than the dart. What bushings are you running in them?
DeleteIf I were to mount Penny Trucks on my stereo vinyl, could I use the mounting hardware that came with the Stereo Vinyl board?
ReplyDeleteId also like to no if penny trucks would make my ride smoother when going over cracks on sidewalks?
ReplyDelete