Vintage surf fin HELP

General Discussion
1

I have a pristine 1968 bilbo longboard in immaculate condition. Unfortuantely the original fin for it broke a while back so its been left unridden for some time. The fin is a classic composite fin from the late 60’s or early 70’s and I’m told by people who were alive then, that it was plonked onto many a board of the era. It fits into a fin box and screwed into the back board through the fin. Please take a look at the picture i’ve attached here and make a note of it in the recesses of your mind. Should you ever see one similar, buy it then email me at plappers@gmail.com I will pay handsomely for such an artefact. If you have one or know where i can get one please make contact. There is a patent on this fin but no patent number so its impossible to track. Do you know anyone who collects vintage boards or do you know any shapers from back in the day who might have a spare? I’d be eternally grateful for any information that would lead to me ending up with one in my possesion.

Look below. Thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction.

above is the same fin on another board.

Below is the broken one

2

I’m not 100% sure, but that looks like the original Fins Unlimited fin. Last I heard, they still had some available. It might only be available in one template or one color. Contact them at:

http://www.finsunlimited.com/index.html

3

http://www.oneworldsurf.com/reprofins.htm#

Look for old Hobies, or get a reproduction for $150.

HTH.

4

Unquestionably an early FU fin/box. Don’t bother looking for old Hobies, they used their own system at that time. Totally different.

Your best bet is a reproduction from oneworld.

This is an FU ad from the Summer of '68.

5

try getting in touch with bilbo directly as i know they are still producing boards and would probably like to hear from you. couldnt see photos so unfortunately i cant help.

6

Thanks everyone,

I just put a call in to a guy at Finsunlimited and I’m going to pick one up next week when i’m in San Diego.

50 bucks, bargain.

I’ll post pictures when I finished the restoration.

Thanks again, Jeremy.