Installing FlightFins FlightFrame

October 10, 2020 by Ben Domaschenz Leave a Comment

After hearing some of the benefits of upgrading to Extended Onewheel Rails, we decided to go about installing and testing out the new FlightFins FlightFrame.

Replacing a set of Onewheel rails requires a complete disassembly of the board. So what better time to complete some other Onewheel Maintenance projects before installing our FlightFins FlightFrame Onewheel Extended Rails.

Installing FlightFins FlightFrame

It doesn’t take long for an Onewheel to start to look used, and even though it has fared well. I still figured it was time to freshen up my ride, I mean, who doesn’t love giving their Onewheel a makeover!?

(Scroll to the bottom for the video)

Onewheel XR Makeover

First, let’s look at the different parts and procedures used as part of our Onewheel XR Makeover and FlightFins FlightFrame install.

FlightFins FlightFrame – Unboxing

Cop that in ya grill! The shine on FlightFins FlightFrame rails is so close to a mirror finish. Talk about bling! They have Jewelry like shine, some serious wow factor. Check out more details in our FlightFins FlightFrame First Look and unboxing.

Powder Coating

Ridin on Chrome? Not this time. Inspired by Rally Spec white wheels, I had the rails powder coated Sky White with a clear gloss protective layer. They turned out 👌

Highlighting the Machined Logo

We will use a black enamel paint pen to highlight the machined FlightFins logo. And make them pop against the new Sky White powder-coated rails.

Modified Clear Sidekicks

Riding these without sidekicks and getting scratches will be hard to bear, so I have a set of The Float Life Clear Sidekicks HD to install. They will need to be modified to fit, but that shouldn’t be too hard. Along with protecting the rails, clear sidekicks are a great way to protect any stickers or decals you have applied to your rails.

Wood Stain Blackout Footpads

Blacked out Footpads look so clean! To do this we use the same techniques featured in our How-To Paint Your Onewheel Footpad article.

Foam Layered DIY Concave Footpad

With all the rage about Foam Concave Footpad Overlays, we thought there had to be a DIY option we could make at a way lower price point. This is our first test of DIY Layered Foam Concave Onewheel Footpad Overlay. More Details To Follow

Fluxskinz Custom Design Your Own Sole Tape Grip

We recently reviewed the process of designing your own Onewheel Griptape using the Fluxskinz web-based design editor. We were excited to see the installed product.

Onewheel Headlight Cable and Controller Preventative Work

Rather than wait for my headlight to fail, and have to repair or replace the headlight cable, I decided to go ahead and do some preventative maintenance. By cracking open the controller and installing some foam. The ferrite ring is secured to prevent future problems.

Onewheel Water Proofing

While the board is in pieces, it just makes sense to complete a seal and waterproof of the Onewheel controller, battery case, and Footpads.

Now let’s get to the rewarding part…

Installing Our FlightFins FlightFrame

#Disclaimer: Any alterations or modifications to your Onewheel will void your warranty. There is always a possibility you could cause damage and make your Onewheel inoperable, or cause possible malfunction.

The Tools

The Materials

The How

This is how we installed our FlightFins FlightFrame. Do not take this information as professional advice. Do your research and make your own decisions accordingly.

Step-1 Removing The Old ProRide Traction Pad

Heat is your friend when peeling off your grip. Although ProRide pads tend to leave more adhesive behind, it is easy to remove with some 3M Specialty Adhesive Remover.

#ProTip: Soak the stubborn adhesive with the adhesive remover before scraping with a plastic blade.

Step-2 Disassemble The Onewheel

Taking it back to bare bones. Basically, just remove every screw and bolt.

Step-3 Secure Onewheel Headlight Cable and Ferrite Ring

Before I go ahead and seal and waterproof the controller, I figured it would be beneficial to secure the Onewheel Headlight Cable Ferrite Ring.

Step-4 Waterproof the Onewheel Controller and Battery Case

The controller and battery case is sealed up using Flowable Silicone.

To seal the charge port and controller plugs, some of the silicone is thinned with Xylene before being applied with a Blunt Tip Syringe.

Step-5 Sand, Stain, and Seal the Footpads

A quick sand followed by two coats of stain and a bead of silicone for waterproofing. The Footpads are looking 🔥.

Step-6 Adding The New Custom Sole Tape Grip

Next, we layered on our new Custom Griptape courtesy of Fluxskinz 🤙💯

Step-7 Highlights and Personal Touch

We highlighted the FlightFins logo as well as adding signing with a personalized mark.

Step-8 FlightFrame Assembly

Tolerances are already tight, so by adding the powder coating it makes things very snug. Installing the controller into the new FlightFrame rails requires a little gentle persuasion. 🔨🔨😂

Step-9 Install and Notch Sidekicks

After sticking down the sidekicks we trimmed out the hub bolt holes. There is a slight gap in the middle, but I’m ok with that.

Installing Our FlightFins FlightFrame is ✅

I am truly psyched about how this turned out! I love the black on white look. Being original and not played out like the white and black FM XR Rail Guards.