1961 United 5 Star Ball Bowler

OHEMIO

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Fort Wayne, Indiana
Latest addition to the line up just purchased today will pick up tomorrow. Paid the right price but I believe it'll need a full restoration. Had to make a move based on trust and pics. Believe it was the right risk in comparison to other unrestored ball bowlers I saw out there over the past year. Time will tell I paid a ridiculously low amount for this game.

According to the current owner it resets to zero but the pins will not register. I also see that the lane is beat up however this maybe something I overlook. Another issue is the back plexi is cracked and I may try to reproduce it at some point during the restoration. Take a look at the picks let me know what you think...if you ever owned one of these I'd be greatfull for any advice.

Thanks in advance for taking a look!
 

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Last edited:
Picked it up!

Picked up the game last night. Broke down in three pieces to strategically load it into my Z71 Tahoe. 13ft just fit...literally just fit for transport home. Regarding the health of the game mechanically it requires a deep clean. Step units are frozen. Pin mechanics "look" to be in good shape. Elevator is functioning properly. Mice turds will have to check all the wiring.

Physically is a frame off restoration. The alley itself is in fair shape will not affect play but could be up for replacement. The back bottom of the alley was cracked off this is the piece that sits in the tray of the back box before you screw the alley and back box together. Will replace the plexi with a NOS. Alley is missing the front alley roll over switch will need to check the others.

All rubber will need replaced. Good possibility that new balls will be required. May need to work on score reel/light support as it somehow cracked top right corner. Someone mounted a wall mounted light switch plate and all right in the center of the bowling pin on the right side of the back box. Pin hood has metal over the cracked wood...not sure if I'll refab this or not?

All being said I'm nit picking to many it's a ball bowler however I'll take my time on this restoration as this is number one on my most wanted list for the family arcade. Shot out to daddyboo for all the advice!

Plan on posting restoration picks throughout this season...4 weeks and counting...
 
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