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DIY Skateboarding Spot: My Driveway

Cement coping was poured using a piece of PVC cut in half for the front of the form, and chicken wire and rocks-poured quickcrete in the form, and I remembered to put some spray oil on the PVC, which made the removal easy.  #3ft. tall and fun for frontside grinds!

The little cement quarter-pipe kinda reminds me of the DIY barriers, but not quite as steep.  Fun and challenging to skate, and it only cost me about $5 in block, and $15 in quickcrete, so it is a pretty cheap little DIY project, and really fun to skate...no maintenance required.

and here is another shot of it from a different angle:

Link to DIY concrete skate spots:

broken magazine's d-i-y-skateparks

Link to information on creating a local skate scene:

http://www.skateparkguide.com/how_quality_skateparks_are_built.html

Broken Magazine PDF

Jeff Grosso: Love Letters to Skateboarding

Jeff Grosso continues to enlighten the new generation with compelling podcasts and videos concerning his perspective on the present age of skateboarding.  Grosso was one of my favorite vert skateboarders during my youth and his video parts were known for being wild and crazy in a eyebrow shaving sort of way.  Here is his latest installment:

Cargo Van Sleeper Pictures for Skateboard Roadtrips

This is a nice looking cargo van sleeper.  I like the high roof, and the clean design and bright white color.

This is a small, coffin style sleeper bunk.  Advantages to this design would include increased cargo space and lack of weight.

I found a great new article for cargo van sleeper modifications.  The name of the article: "Living Large in a Van via http://www.expeditersonline.com/news/truck-topics/living-large-in-a-van-cargo-van-sleepers-89.htm#comments

Improving the comfort level of cargo vans in earlier days of expediting usually required that the owner be skillful with the tools and materials necessary to insulate the truck and install the basic necessities such as the bunk, inverter, etc. 

Many of the home-constructed "conversions" were impressive, with foldup bunks, folding bulkheads, overhead storage and TV racks, etc.

There are still a number of those good-looking home-built cargo van sleeper setups out there, but over the last few years, the commercially constructed sleepers have been gaining popular acceptance. 

With today's professional conversions, the "B" unit driver can now choose between a spartan conversion with the basics of a bunk and storage compartments to a conversion that is close to the comfort levels of the bigger trucks, albeit on a smaller scale.

Some features to consider in the expediter sleeper conversions:

Length of cargo bed - The sleeper manufacturers have been able to retain a sizeable nine feet of cargo area behind the bulkhead. This allows the transport of two full-size pallets, long considered a gauge of sufficient cargo length in a van.

Bulkheads - All of the conversions spotlighted here feature heavy-duty bulkheads that separate the cargo area from the sleeper.  The bulkheads provide driver protection from a shifting load, they help insulate the sleeper area and enhance the truck's heating and air conditioning and provide a sturdy surface to mount storage cabinets.

E-Track - The conversions utilize both wall and recessed floor-mounted e-track securement systems. 

Freightliner of Knoxville Sprinter Van

Freightliner of Knoxville offers a 158" wheelbase, 73" tall roof model that has become the "Sprinter-of-choice" for the expediting market. 

A company called Phoenix Conversions is the exclusive provider of this sleeper package to Freightliner of Knoxville, and as New Truck Sales Manager Jim McFerrin says, "We provided Phoenix with our specifications, and we're very happy with the job they've done!  They've produced a unit that is equal in workmanship and quality to any of the more expensive sleepers that are available."

"We're fortunate to have a working relationship with a fine company like Phoenix Conversions - and they are located right here in Knoxville.  We've had extremely positive feedback from our customers who have purchased this package."
  
Sleeper Conversion Features:

-A bunk measuring 27.5" W x 66" L x 5" D  with lift-up lid for access to storage area.
 
-Floor-to-ceiling storage closet behind the front passenger seat with latching double door.

-Full width storage cabinet over sleeper bunk with latching double doors.
 
-Audiovox 13" color tv/video player built into overhead cabinet

-Ceiling mounted "Hide-a-Way" television cabinet
 
-Overhead cabinet with built-in microwave
 
-Built-in 12 volt refrigerator inset into a floor mounted cabinet with a laminated counter top

-1750 watt power inverter with remote on/off control switch
 
-Dual battery system with deep cycle battery and solenoid isolator system

-Exterior 110 volt shore power hook up with automatic transfer switch (inverter to shore power)
 
-12 volt interior lighting package with 3 fixtures
 
-"Reflectix" insulation package in the walls and ceiling
 
-Vinyl-covered walls with custom diamond button pattern and vinyl-covered ceiling

-Carpeted floor in sleeper area

-Fabric divider curtain around front doors and windshield

-Tinted glass - 5 percent on rear, 20 percent on side sliding door, 35 percent on driver and passenger doors

Cargo Area Features:

-Rear divider wall 108.5" from the rear doors - a full 9 feet of cargo space

-E-track securement system in rear cargo area (side walls and recessed in floor)

"Phoenix can also customize their installations to meet customer specifications," says McFerrin.  "They can build these conversions to suit with a very quick turn-around time, a matter of a week or two, in most cases."

"Because Freightliner of Knoxville deals in volume, we can pass our lower prices along to our customers.  We always keep several Sprinters in stock, including at least one conversion."

Jon Mosier
Freightliner of Knoxville
1413 Everett Road
Knoxville, TN. 37932
1.800.443.2324
1.865.842.2420 
jmosier@thetruckguys.com
http://thetruckguys.expeditersonline.com/

Bentz Transport Products Conversion

In 2002, Bentz Transport Products introduced the Expediter Interior Conversions for Cargo Vans. Designed and installed by Bentz, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket sleeper cabs, the interior conversions are targeted to expedited freight applications and provide bunkspace for convenient and comfortable rest when out of service.

Bentz offers three different conversion packages:

Model B10 Expediter Interior Conversion

30" fold-up bunk assembly only 30" x 76" fold-down bunk assembly, left side,
with foam mattress Bunk support legs when in open position. Bunk hinge, gas piston and retainer straps when in closed position

B30 Expediter Interior Conversion

30" fold-up bunk assembly with overhead storage compartments 30" x 76" fold-down bunk assembly, left side, with foam mattress Bunk support legs when in open position Bunk hinge, gas piston and retainer straps when in closed position Aluminum overhead storage compartment, left side Aluminum overhead storage compartment, right side TV compartment, right side, with external side-mount TV
antenna and 12-volt power outlet Soft trim panels with foam and vinyl on exterior surfaces of
aluminum storage compartments

B60 Expediter Interior Conversion

60" sleeper berth with cross-frame bunk configuration
Relocated factory cargo partition with 9-feet clear cargo compartment 60" sleeper berth with 30" x 66" bunk assembly, hinged bunk pan,
underbunk storage and foam mattress Carpet with 1/2 inch insulation pad 2 inch fiberglass insulation: side & rear walls, cargo door and ceiling Soft trim panels with foam and vinyl on side wall, back wall, and cargo door; cloth on headliner Reading light and fluorescent light Aluminum storage/refrigerator cabinet, left front Aluminum wardrobe/storage cabinet, right front Aluminum overhead storage compartments, left side & rear wall Aluminum TV compartment w/roof-mount antenna &12-volt outlet Soft trim panels with foam and vinyl on exterior surfaces of aluminumstorage compartments Black vinyl sliding curtain behind seats

Bentz Transport Products, Inc.
4532 Allen Martin Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
800 664-2865
Ph: 260 441-0404
Fax: 260 441-0202

Alumi-bunk Expediter Cargo Vans

Dan Tilley, Expediting Truck Specialist at Alumibunk of Knoxville says, "In the area of cargo vans, the Ford E350 1-ton van is a proven vehicle.  Our vans are equipped with the Ford 7.3 Powerstroke diesel, so an owner can rely on great fuel economy and great power."

"Alumibunk developed the first sleeper conversion for the cargo van a number of years ago, so we have been able to refine this installation, and build it to suit what our customers need."  
 
Sleeper Conversion Features:

24" wide bed 5" high density foam mattress Fluorescent light Digital alarm clock Privacy curtain Storage compartment Fully insulated door panel 4" Fully insulated bulkhead reinforced with aluminum sub-frame fully sealed from cargo area

Cargo Area Features:

9' Cargo bed 2 Rows of logistic E tracking on side walls Plywood floor 2 Rows of logistic E tracking recessed in floor 13" Corrugated scuff plate on bulkhead wall

Tilley adds, "The Ford E350 has the longest manufacturer's warranty for a vehicle of this size, and for the buyer with good credit, in many cases, these can be purchased with no money down.

Chris Milic Innovative Skateboard Video Parts

Chris Milic

It's A Secret-Chris Milic getting creative at spots often overlooked for skating.

Here is his part in Life is Goodie

Monarch of Magic Part

This is a clip of Milic skating in NYC



Here is an interview with Mango Millic via I Love You Online Magazine:

last week i met: chris ‘mango’ milic

• INTERVIEW KATJA HORVAT

PIECE OF ME07/11/2014

Skateboarding is fun! And skateboarding right now, is super popular. The style they have, the vibe, everything is just kind of right. So that’s why I decided to interview one of my favorite skaters, Chris ‘Mango’ Milic, or better Dangerous Crango or Big Chris. Arizona kid, with dope style, rad skating and super fun personality, he is just the best. His skating is so amusing that you will get into it, even if that doesn’t interest you much.

And this interview was really fun to do. And as he said somewhere in the middle of this interview about something being extremely boss, I now say:

I think his words are extremely boss too! Dangerous Crango is just fun. He is the boss.

.

HEY MANGO! HOW ARE YOU?

I‘m pretty good, just hanging out!

MANGO IS YOUR NICKNAME, WHERE DID YOU GET IT?

My friend Dirty Brett gave it to me one day. He said that Milic didn’t sound good, so he called me Mango. My friend Ryan kept calling me that and it stuck.  The Mango name has been falling off as of recent, lately my friends have been calling me (Dangerous) Crango or Big Chris.

DANGEROUS CRANGO, YOU SKATE. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE NOT A SKATER?

I‘m not really sure, skating is just so boss.  It just feels good. Whenever I’m sore, tired, sad, or angry, skateboarding always makes me feel better.

AND WHEN DID YOU START TO SKATE?

I started skating when I was 10 or 11.  I used to rollerblade to my friend‘s house in my neighborhood. One day I got new rollerblades, and they took forever to put on. So I just started using my older brothers skateboard. I am 23 now so it‘s been 13 years.

YOU ARE PART OF WELCOME TEAM. WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF BEING A SPONSORED SKATEBOARDER?

Haha, the best part is probably skating and hanging out with everyone who rides for Welcome. Everyone is super cool, and really special. They make me happy.

SOMEONE SAID THAT YOUR “IT’S A SECRET” VIDEO IS THE MOST ENTERTAINING VIDEO WE WILL PROBABLY SEE THIS YEAR. WELL, ALL YOUR VIDEOS ARE SUPER FUN, YOUR WHOLE STYLE IS GOOFY AND EASY TO WATCH. WERE YOU ALWAYS THE JOKER, THE FUNNY GUY IN THE GANG?

I don’t really know, I’ve never thought about that! I feel like all my friends are just as funny and goofy as me.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC, DO YOU CHOOSE IT?

Sometimes I get to pick the song. The last video part I picked a Prince song. It was my favorite song during the last months of filming. I would sing it in my car at the top of my lungs just about everyday!  I really, really like Laurie Anderson, would love to see someone skate to her music.

AND THIS SUMMER YOU WERE A NEW YORKER, RIGHT? HOW WAS NYC LIKE?

Yeah! New York is awesome. I’ve been there before, but this summer was extra special. I think I will be moving there soon hopefully.

ANY RAD STORY FROM NY?

Oh my, one time me and Jed Anderson were skating and holding onto the back of a taxi cab. The taxi realized what we were doing and slammed on the brakes, me and Jed flew forward and knocked off the taxi’s mirror. Haha, we just ran the other direction until the taxi couldn’t follow us anymore.

AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM NYC?

Haha, this might sound weird but my favorite thing to do was to skate from the train to the Stillhouse Studio in Red Hook.  I did it every morning for a while listening to Harold Budd – The Pavillion of Dreams. The morning air just felt so crisp and nice.

A FRIEND OF MINE ALSO SPENT SOME TIME IN NYC THIS YEAR AND I THINK IF HE COULD BECOME ONE WITH TOMPKINS HE WOULD! IS IT REALLY THAT MUCH FUN?

Tompkins is just where we all hang out. It‘s easy to meet up with everyone there.  Anyone can skate there!

ALEX OLSON ALSO SHOT YOU AND SOME OTHER SUPER COOL KIDS FOR A SPREAD ON STYLE.COM. HOW WAS THAT?

That was the funniest day of my trip for sure! Alex is the best, hes so fun to be around. We just skated around and got to wear a bunch of really awesome/funny clothing. It was extremely boss.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? IT’S… SOMETHING! IF I CAN PUT IT LIKE THAT. DOES MUCH THOUGHT GO INTO YOUR OUTFITS, OR DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL MAGIC HAND WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING OUT YOUR CLOTHES?

No special magic! I just like to wear stupid stuff. The more stupid it is, the better. The worse it fits, the better it looks. I just want to look really dumb sometimes, I think it‘s funny.

AND YOU ARE KIND OF AN ARTIST AND A MUSICIAN. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT…

Hmm, I‘m not sure. The older I get, the more I like making things. I just to like make as much stuff as I possibly can. Music, videos, paintings, drawings… I want to make everything. It’s so fun.

OK, SO NOW RANDOM: WHAT DID YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST?

Egg and avocado sandwich, I really like those. And lots of iced coffee.

DO YOU PREFER POOLS OR THE BEACH?

Beach.

AND FOR THE END: WHO OF YOUR FRIENDS IS YOUR “FAVORITE”?

Jesse Alba is my favorite friend to hang out in NY.

Walker Ryan "A Far Walk From Home"

Great clip of an amazing skater riding skate spots around the world.

Here is some more information from his site:

My name is Walker Ryan and I'm from St. Helena, a small town in California's Napa Valley. At 18 I moved to San Diego to attend UCSD where I received a Bachelor of Art's Degree in Sociology. I started skateboarding at the age of seven years old and this toy has since taken over my life, providing a career and a means to travel the world. About a year into living in San Diego I started making a living as an amateur skateboarder for a Organika skateboards and C1rca footwear. Organika released my first professional model skateboard in November 2011, thus igniting my official professional skateboarding career.


Check out the link below to watch more of his videos:
http://walker-ryan.com/videos/

Allie Knight: Trucking and Skateboarding? The perfect combination for people that like to roll...

Have you ever thought about leaving behind the daily grind and getting behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler? I grew up obsessed with the trucking movie, "Smokey and the Bandit". Any of you that have seen this classic film probably are like me...and have entertained the idea of getting a hound dog and a big rig and cruising across the country delivering beer and jawing on the CB.
Well, for those of you interested in the OTR (Over the Road) trucking lifestyle, Allie Knight does a great job documenting the realities facing today's truck drivers.  She has a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor, which she utilizes brilliantly during the daily challenges she faces and overcomes. I have watched many of her adventures and enjoy the variety of viewing options she shares with viewers of her youtube channel.  I am especially fond of the episodes in which Allie answers questions, sent in by viewers, concerning life on the road as a trucker. Watching her show gives me great respect for her courage, and it also brings me back down to earth when I start thinking trucking would be like it was back in the days of the old "Smokey and the Bandit" film. Her youtube videos are a good reminder of the realities and challenges faced by today's truckers.