I first met Todd Huber in 1996. At the time he was publishing a ‘zine called Skate Trader. Two years later, he opened up the Skate Lab in Simi Valley, California. The skatepark is definitely worth a visit but it is the museum that is a complete mindblower. Todd’s extra-ordinary collection has been featured in numerous magazines and television shows. We’ve remained friends over the past number of years and occasionally see each other at trade shows. Recently, we decided to collaborate on a piece showing some of the truly rare items he has at the museum. A number of these items are not shown to the public.
-Michael Brooke
The Pepsi Skateboard Van by Revell Toy Co. 1979
I think we all loved the Pepsi Skateboard Van because it let the imagination run wild. Just imagine touring the country with David Hackett and Lonnie Toft doing demos at schools and amusement parks! Pepsi was so into skateboarding that in 1978 they produced a minute long skateboard ad shot at the Concrete Wave skatepark.
Skateball Pinball Machine
This game is made by Bally in 1980. It has 3 flippers and allows for up to 4 players per game. We bought it from a guy in Utah who had won it at a pinball tournament at his local arcade when he was a teenager. On occasion we settle disagreements here at the office with a classic Skateball Battle.
Z-Flex Jimmy Plummer Mold
This was the original mold from the 70’s that made all of the JP Fiberglass Z-Flex decks. My friend from Jacksonville, Florida, Todd Johnson, knew Jimmy had it in his garage and eventually it found its way to our museum.
Roller Derby Skateboard Kit
The Roller Derby Skateboard kit made it so you could make your own board out of wood. Many Kids in the 60’s wold make decks from wood in wood shop at their school then buy these kits. They were made by National Skateboard Sales from Southgate, CA. The New Roller Derby Skateboard Kit contained two complete trucks, one wrench and two steel plates with hangers.
Skateboard Action Viewer
This device was brought out in 1977 by Ralph Lopatin Productions. It allowed the user to look through an eyepiece and view short skateboard movies via a film cartridge. The cartridge contains a series of still images which the user can cycle through using a lever on the side of the viewer. When cycled fast enough, the images appear to form a smooth full-motion video. You can even watch movies forwards and backwards.
The Skateboarder Lunchbox and Thermos by Aladdin Industries. 1977-1978
The Skateboarder is notable in that it was one of only a few of Aladdin’s lunchbox which did not feature a licensed television character, instead showing children skating through a park, older boys skating in a pool and other such scenes. The inside of the lunchbox’s lid has a poem about the importance of safety when riding. Of course, this is pretty ironic, considering that most of the skaters shown are not wearing safety gear. It has been said one side is has the likeness of Tom Sims and the other side Stacy Peralta.
Mattel Magnum Racing Helmet
This was donated to the Museum by Steve Kimmel. Steve was the lead designer for Mattel when they brought out a skateboard. Sadly he passed away about a year after donating his collection of prototypes and rare Magnum pieces.
Only Board Games
This game was made in 1988 and features authentic skate companies in the game like Tracker Trucks, Gullwing and Skate Rags. According to the manufacturer, this Fast-paced competition gives each player the realistic feel of being a pro skater.?You have to compete in seven events and collect Pro Dough.?It even comes with a Pozers guide to gnarly lingo.?Yikes! This was bought at a local garage sale for $1.00.
Charlie’s Angel’s: Beautiful Girls Who Live Dangerously Accessory Set
This is Jill’s Flying Skateboard Adventure by Hasbro. It includes a Charlie’s Angles skateboard, gogo boots, Hot Pants and a top. NOS in box. Mid 70’s.
Ick Stick’s Badlands Skatecar
This is the original skatecar and all that is missing is the parachute. It’s made from fiberglass with a tiny tinted windshield. The skatecar features Bones Wheels.
Hobie Sundancer
You’re not hallucinating. This is actually a mono wheel complete fiberglass Skateboard. Back in the early and mid 70’s manufactures where experimenting with everything and this is a result. Obviously invented before the “axle grind” or they would have never bothered to produce this style of skateboard.