Topic: Strange old coin op... Like a T2000 but black.

[beison8000]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I am looking at getting my first real foosball table.  Pretty excited.

The table I am looking at however is different than any others I have seen before.  It looks to be very similar to a T2000, is a Tornado coin-op, has metal feet, was made before the purchase by Valley, but.. is BLACK!  I can't seem to find a table like this that is black anywhere in the history.  Perhaps you can help and have a look at the pictures and let me know what model it might be?



Additionally... I'm getting it this weekend for $330.  Think it's a reasonable deal?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-cfcsgcJb8v6Lhx0s4WcZ6uh9z0dcbNH
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bAXdyCNQg3kR8YECPEtIhvr2TMXt0fo_
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rYlXUeEaF9K0jA7XK3mayOQozQryZUgJ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ILfshjfMyd5Sr5kDVB8B2RWxWjmVf_mM
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1t0zSuuGDb76S17nbOhGBumwQ5zynabLn
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K_ifE6IRiTM6Rvow-VV6lWDkoXDVh7H6
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqJ354RM_88qtFgkCWPDzzJwbiPQ9qaV
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qy7OauHSBCjnFQgSA3wOs6eWJ9gwWI4h
Thanks!

[ShopTeacher]

I wonder if somebody painted it black. Looks the the Tornado Classic. $330 is a good price

[beison8000]

I didn't think there were any Tornado Classics that have a coin op...  Also in all my research the only tables that have the words "Propstick" on the stick that holds the split cabinet open seemed to be the brown marble T2000's.  So I had thought it came from the T2000 family, but I am pretty inexperienced and could be wrong.

Regarding the paint, the seller showed me a video as well and it really looks like laminate.  He also mentioned it was black laminate, not paint.  So the only thing I could think of is perhaps it was a custom laminate job?  I thought I remembered seeing somewhere in Tornado literature that they would be open to customizing the table laminate color if the buyer requested.

[bolt115]

Most likely an 80's vintage Brown Marble and the black laminate was put on at some later date. Looks like the holes for ashtray are visible in one of the pics and the metal feet also from that era. If the  surface/rods/walls/goals  are good 330 seems reasonable.

[beison8000]

Oh man, old table!

Do these age forever without issues?  This is in the Denver area so moisture in the air is typically not a problem, but would i be wiser to hold out for a good deal on something a bit newer?

[bolt115]

age not really an issue if it did not get wet and was not abused.    Maybe early 90's  if that sounds better lol

[beison8000]

And now Videos!

Still think it's a good buy?  I will be picking up tomorrow if ya'll think it's good for $330.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q5clte3FoZG11h7Wr1FmZSLeyJOo0X3T
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JyPgv3yVpudEWEa_rMfOb_CVDGc_MMbN

[ShopTeacher]

First video... he wouldnt open up the cabinet because "it takes two people"... this guy is a wimp... bully the price down to $275.

Did he cycle the coin op? If thats important to you then you should try it or ask him to prove it works via video.

If you want to upgrade to make it play closer to the modern tables you may want:
Players - about $115 for a set but could just get 10 and update the shooting rods only
Clear side trim - less bounce off walls and easier bank shots $20ish
Bearings - About $40 and they are slightly thinner than the old style.
Modern plastic handles - about $40 but if you wrap all the handles you can skip this purchase.

[ShopTeacher]

on closer inspection he didnt have the hinges on the table which would make it difficult to open.

[beison8000]

I think the most important bit for me is getting a really solid playing and smooth table. Aside from the bearings and polishing the rods real well is there anything else I’d have to do?

[alaskan thunder]

That table should be fine. Def a late 80's/early 90's T2000. Changing laminate is pretty easy and that's almost certainly what the prior owner did. Make sure table is not warped and doesn't have any rods that are bent or flaking really bad. You can replace rods but they get expensive. You probably do want to do the upgrades mentioned above but unless you are a serious player it doesn't really make a difference in playability save for the sidestrips.

[beison8000]

Got the table and OOOOOH MAN--It's awesome.  Plays really well and is definitely the best table anyone in my circle has owned.  I've got new bearings and table strips coming now and have been on it for a few hours each day this week.

Definitely had its laminate replaced too--it is brown marble style.

Thanks to all!

[ShopTeacher]

Glad you like it. Pull the rods out to do the side trim job. Makes it easier. Soak or glue gunk in 91% rubbing alcohol  and it scrapes right up with a credit card/scraper.

[papafoos]

Probably a pretty good buy.  If you ever sell it, you should be able to get your money back.  I wouldn't worry about the outside laminate unless you just don't like black.  The brown marbles were probably the best constructed as witnessed by how well they take aging.