Topic: Finally got a coin-op table!!

[JSavela]

I picked up the 30th anniversary today!!!  So far it has cleaned up very well and the rods spin freely and true (merkels?).  It came with 9 old style (pink?) balls, a bearing tool, pin punch, and a rubber super ball that I am using to set for free play, all for $500.  The play counter is at 6700, so it has seen its fair share of games. My only complaints so far is there are a couple places where it sounds like the laminate has become separated from the wood.  When knocking the ball on top of the ball drop, it sounds different on one side.  It makes kind of a slapping or ticking sound.  Also, I noticed that on both goals, if I miss a shot wide on the hinge side so that it hits the wall, it makes a similar sound.  The ball still bounces off the with the same force so it doesn't affect play.  It just sounds funny.  My initial thoughts were that the laminate was coming off, but when I support the wood from behind with my hand while knocking a ball on the front, the sound goes away.  Has anyone else experienced this?  What have you done, if anything? Also, I just ordered some new handles and bearings to update the table and get rid of the dirty wood handles.

Thanks to everyone on here that has shared their wisdom for us new guys!  Without your input, I probably would have just bought the first storm or cyclone that came along on CL.  I'm SOOOOOOO glad I listened and had the patience to wait for a good one to come along.  THANKS!
 

[foosdragon]

Sounds like termites, lol.

[jinhopark]

Congratulations!  Once you replace the old wood handles with the new plastic handles you will know for sure which, if any, are Merkel.  We need pictures of your brand-old table!!!

[bbtuna]

CONGRATULATIONS - WHAT A DEAL!!!! 

--- way to go, wait and look - as you said, no one will regret getting a coin op and i can't tell you how many times people have complained buying cheap

most likely they are merkels...if you are ordering the new handles make sure you get the right ones...I hope you are ordering from this site...Jim can make sure you get the right handles

also, if you are making updates, you may want to include the new side strips...some people complain about how the ball sits on the wall with the new strips but i have had them for several months now and you get used to the changes and the new strips improve all other play, any time a ball comes off the wall (banks, bounce pass, sling shots)

also the new men...its a lot to spend on all of it at once (for most people) so you can start and just do one side at a time 3 bar, 5 bar, and 2 bar and a spare (forget the goalies 3 men, no change there)

new side strips $26
New men one side 11 x $4.50 = $49.50 per side
(men are the same way as handles - make sure you get the new men=Jim can help you with that too

[JSavela]

DONE, DONE and DONE!   Before I even got it home yesterday, I ordered the "new style" plastic handles in Black instead of yellow, a full set of the new thinner bearings, new clear side strips, 50 roll pins, all new men plus a couple extra of each color, and 9 new 5-hour balls.  This thing will be awesome when I'm done with it!!!

[bbtuna]

a number of people think the 30th Ann was Tornado's best table for play and i have a friend that owns one and made these changes...it really is a great table

the Brwn Mrbl i think plays just as good and is by far the sturdiest of all the tables

either way, you got yourself one really fine table for $500....everyone should be so lucky

then you spent another $200 to upgrade everything (and you will have all the old bearings, handles, and men for backup)

as long as you are in the spending mood, buy yourself some extra weight to put inside and you will have the ultimate table with only big metal feet left to do

post before and after pics