Topic: Bought this coin-op - Questions

[ebuto]

Hi, I bought this Tornado coin-op for $325 last weekend.  I'm new to buying tables and foosball in general, so your assistance is appreciated and learn more basics from this forum. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99318858@N04/9353762091/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99318858@N04/9353762119/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99318858@N04/9353762143/

a) Is this a Blonde?  Too light for Mahogany to me. 
b) What is the purpose of the wood square to the right of the coin mechanism?  It's also on the left side.  Is it original? 
c) It was heavy as hell, accidentally bent the black 2-man rod trying to load it into my SUV.  Tried to bend it back but gave up.  Ordered a new rod today from this site along with the roll pins and pin punch.  Is there a good 'how to' guide, preferably with pictures and/or video with a step-by-step on how to remove/add the players, etc., to/from the bar? 
d) I cleaned the surface, then put some silicone on the rods.  But, black oily streaks appeared on the rods, I believe from touching the bumpers?  I wiped it off each rod.  Obvious question, but how do I avoid next time?
e) If I recall, I read that on newer tables that the bumpers are thinner to not allow wall passes....correct?  Do you recommend replacing them if so from the start?

Thanks, Ed. 

[alaskan thunder]

1. Yes it is considered Blonde

2. Hard to tell from pics, maybe a patch job from some damage. No it's not original.

3. Not that I have seen but it's really easy. Just use a punch pin and hammer out the pin on each man and the handle. Remove the rod from the table ( you can clean the bearings while you are at it), replace the rod, put the parts back on.

4. Silicone can look dark when applied so it may be that, or your bumpers may be deteriorating. It could also be that you didn't clean the bumpers/bearings/rods well enough and there is gunk still in them. I would suggest taking all the bearings apart, removing the bumpers and giving them all a thorough cleaning. Should solve the problem. 

5. Non-tournament players will not notice the difference, but if you are serious about playing competitively, I would suggest replacing them.

[ebuto]

Thank you for your reply, very helpful and most appreciated!