Here are some close ups. Small air pocket/void in the original baseplate on one.
The replacements have shorter kingpins and bushings. I swapped them over and they don't look like they have a whole lotta room to articulate.
It's snowing here, so I'm just looking at skate parts on my floor.
Thanks - that is interesting but I can't help think I could do more damage to those in the first skate than I see there, but I know from doing shop things for 20+ years, the first impressions are more important and something new should be new when bought, if that makes sense.
If it doesn't impact the performance of the truck at all, which I really can't see happening, just set them up on the original baseplates and see how they go.
As you said, the lower kingpin option is there if you need it on the normal stage 11 baseplates, but these 215s are based off the older stage, which had super tall sitting trucks, if you see pics, those things are crazy looking. I have a few sets and the kingpin almost sticks out above the hanger right from day one, with very tall bushings, both top and bottom.
Normal Stage 11 have a ton of kingpin clearance nowdays, which is why they are so good (with the other baseplates and bushings they sent, you will not have the kingpin sitting right up to the top of the hanger.
New ones:
Old ones:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Independent-215-Stage-5-V-Skateboard-Trucks-/203039603154