It depends a lot on wheterh that board used a standard "A" or "US" box to hold the fin in place. If it does, then a modern fin will probably fit, or you may be able to find an older one. If not, then you will need to get a fin specific to that board - no easy trick since they haven't been built in many years. You would be looking for a used part, and probably not an easy one to find.
—
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Randy,
Thank you very much for the reply. The board has an indent that the fin base sits in. The fin base dimensions are 6-1/4" x 2-3/8" with the ends rounded with a 5/8" radius. The four holes in the fin base measure 1-3/16" x 3-15/16" center- to - center.
With this information, can you suggest any place to get a replacement fin?
If you would like to talk to me personally, my phone numbers are:
work 770-254-3139
cell 678-488-0636
home 770-253-9090
Any recommendations would be of great help to me!!
I think Linda's right - doesn't sound like an A-box, but its kind of hard for me to visualize it. You might go to rec.windsurfing (US Net Newsgroup) and post a request for a replacement fin. You might check with Gene's consignement, (770-967-0104) to see if he has one in his "Dollar Box" (wouldn't bet on it, however.) I don't really know any place that specializes in used parts. Perhaps a google search. Good luck.
A final thought - perhaps get a more modern fin and maybe glass it in place like they do with surfboards. Another, perhaps cheaper possibility - watch this web page and check the "For Sail" (which is really for sale) section. Older longboards are frequently available at very low prices (anywhere from "please haul it away" to $25-$100).
Randy
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What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
While trying to find out what exactly a Bic Dufour Wing looks like, I found this info on the fin. Sounds like you'll have to custom engineer a replacement fin like Randy suggested, or maybe it's time for an equipment upgrade.
"Your memory is correct about the Dufour Wing's the tiny plastic fin. It is attached directly to the board with some screws which probably could not take any additional stress. I think the only way to change the fin is to add a fin box. As is, in what I call low wind conditions and others call no-wind conditions, 4-8 mph, the Dufour Wing is quite fast. But the cost of a new finbox would probably be more than the board's miniscule resale value."
Nathan, not to be harsh but this wasn't exactly a great board back in the day... and that day was over 20 years ago. I think that this is (insert your personal deity here)'s way of saying, "buy something newer".
An old Mistral Superlight if you must go cheap, old and long would be a serious upgrade, any late 80's or early 90's raceboard (ie IMCO, Equipe, Superlight II) or modern wide style would be a definite improvement.
If it's just an old barge to bang around on the odd day, make a project of the new fin by all means. If it's your primary board, you'd have a ton of fun with anything remotely newer.
Much that could be said here, but I'll resist the temptation. As it so happens I have installed a fin box in a Dufour Wing, basically because I had a spare (i.e. free) finbox. Would I do it again? I think not. By the way, if you have not already been turned against things old, long and cheap, I have a spare original Mistral Superlight that needs a good home. I've had several and not been without one in 21 years of serious windsurfing. They're quite fun and fast in subplaning conditions. Regards, Chris.
Chris,
I would like to take you up on your offer of the Mistral Superlite but don't know how to contact you directly. Could you give me a call or let me know your phone number and I will contact you.
Nathan,
It depends a lot on wheterh that board used a standard "A" or "US" box to hold the fin in place. If it does, then a modern fin will probably fit, or you may be able to find an older one. If not, then you will need to get a fin specific to that board - no easy trick since they haven't been built in many years. You would be looking for a used part, and probably not an easy one to find.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Randy,
Thank you very much for the reply. The board has an indent that the fin base sits in. The fin base dimensions are 6-1/4" x 2-3/8" with the ends rounded with a 5/8" radius. The four holes in the fin base measure 1-3/16" x 3-15/16" center- to - center.
With this information, can you suggest any place to get a replacement fin?
If you would like to talk to me personally, my phone numbers are:
work 770-254-3139
cell 678-488-0636
home 770-253-9090
Any recommendations would be of great help to me!!
Thanks,
Nathan Rutherford
this doesn't sound like an A-box fin, but I have a few of them (A-box) so if you can modify one to fit, you are welcome to try.
Linda
Nathan,
I think Linda's right - doesn't sound like an A-box, but its kind of hard for me to visualize it. You might go to rec.windsurfing (US Net Newsgroup) and post a request for a replacement fin. You might check with Gene's consignement, (770-967-0104) to see if he has one in his "Dollar Box" (wouldn't bet on it, however.) I don't really know any place that specializes in used parts. Perhaps a google search. Good luck.
A final thought - perhaps get a more modern fin and maybe glass it in place like they do with surfboards. Another, perhaps cheaper possibility - watch this web page and check the "For Sail" (which is really for sale) section. Older longboards are frequently available at very low prices (anywhere from "please haul it away" to $25-$100).
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
While trying to find out what exactly a Bic Dufour Wing looks like, I found this info on the fin. Sounds like you'll have to custom engineer a replacement fin like Randy suggested, or maybe it's time for an equipment upgrade.
Bill H.
http://www.star-board.com/forum/school/read.asp?ID=1699&t=20056414283
"Your memory is correct about the Dufour Wing's the tiny plastic fin. It is attached directly to the board with some screws which probably could not take any additional stress. I think the only way to change the fin is to add a fin box. As is, in what I call low wind conditions and others call no-wind conditions, 4-8 mph, the Dufour Wing is quite fast. But the cost of a new finbox would probably be more than the board's miniscule resale value."
Bill Herderich
I am with Windlord. You could probably go buy a used longboard for the cost of the fin upgrade.
Nathan,
As luck would have it, a bunch of boards (probably much newer than yours) are now for sale, at low prices:
http://windsurfatlanta.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=1724
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Nathan, not to be harsh but this wasn't exactly a great board back in the day... and that day was over 20 years ago. I think that this is (insert your personal deity here)'s way of saying, "buy something newer".
An old Mistral Superlight if you must go cheap, old and long would be a serious upgrade, any late 80's or early 90's raceboard (ie IMCO, Equipe, Superlight II) or modern wide style would be a definite improvement.
If it's just an old barge to bang around on the odd day, make a project of the new fin by all means. If it's your primary board, you'd have a ton of fun with anything remotely newer.
Much that could be said here, but I'll resist the temptation. As it so happens I have installed a fin box in a Dufour Wing, basically because I had a spare (i.e. free) finbox. Would I do it again? I think not. By the way, if you have not already been turned against things old, long and cheap, I have a spare original Mistral Superlight that needs a good home. I've had several and not been without one in 21 years of serious windsurfing. They're quite fun and fast in subplaning conditions. Regards, Chris.
Pray tell, what could be said?
If I should see you again at the lake and you remind me, I'll be glad to share the core issue as I see it.
Kinda hard to wait that long. I suggested a Superlight would be a great upgrade, then named another 3 longboards- did I say the wrong thing?
This just appeared on E-Bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Old-School-Vintage-Bic-Dufour-Windsurfing-Board-N-R_W0QQitemZ8817913603QQcategoryZ2920QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
that was painful to read.... poor guy.
Gee,
With great product knowledge and advertising like that, wonder why he hasn't had any bids?
Randy
Chris P.,
Chris,
I would like to take you up on your offer of the Mistral Superlite but don't know how to contact you directly. Could you give me a call or let me know your phone number and I will contact you.
home (770) 253-9090 Newnan,GA
cell (678) 488-0636
Thanks,
Nathan Rutherford