Converting free play pool table back to coin-op

john2654

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Getting a bar style pool table from a vendor. He says he is disabling the coin-op before delivery.
I want the pool table to function like it is suppose to.
How hard is it to convert it back to factory?
Is he removing levers, springs...? Or is it just the coin mech insert?

https://imgur.com/gallery/Lps4Kem
 
It all depends upon the brand of pool table and sometimes on the model too. Sometimes on the age of it. Every operator has different ways they make something "non-coin op".
 
I'm getting the one in the middle. I think it's a Valley.

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Is it also being disassembling for you before it's getting dropped off? Pool tables sometimes use slate as the pool surface to make sure that it's perfectly flat and can't get dented.

A pool table assembled can weight between 650-1000 pounds if it's not properly disassembled before transportation and by itself a slate can weigh 150-250 pounds. If you plan on putting this bellow or above ground level I'd make sure to get a couple of friends to help you move it and possibly disassemble it if it'll arrive together and not broken down.

Just some food for though ;)
 
If it's a mechanical Valley table, the operator might simply remove the push coin chute and jam the ball gate tray in the open position. If the operator is a prick about it, he might remove the entire ball gate tray assembly too.

The mechanical coin equipment is widely available from Valley pool table distributors parts departments. So whatever the operator removed can be purchased and re-installed.

If it's one of the newer "electronic" Valley tables, I can't help you there because I have no experience with those. The operator I worked for had over 100 Valley (and a few Dynamo) tables and were strictly mechanical models.
 
It's being delivered, setup and leveled.
My game room is right off the ground level garage so super easy.
 
If the operator is a prick about it, he might remove the entire ball gate tray assembly too.

That's what I was worried about. Sounds like he wants to make sure it is completely disabled. He said the balls go directly to the back opening after they enter the top holes. No going to window.

I know for sure it is all mechanical.
 
Normally, when we moved pool tables, we generally left them fully assembled and put them on a pool table dolly on it's side (so the table was moved vertically). Sometimes we'd either have to unscrew & remove the leg levelers or else the legs themselves. This was so we could fit the table through the door if the doorway was an old narrow one. On Valley tables a 1/2" socket is what's needed for the leg bolts.

Also, we generally had locations that were using commercial doors so the table would fit easily through them.
 
That's what I was worried about. Sounds like he wants to make sure it is completely disabled. He said the balls go directly to the back opening after they enter the top holes. No going to window.

I know for sure it is all mechanical.

My pool table came like that although it was a long time ago. Balls would drop through and roll right past the window to the back. They took out the coin mech and put a wood plate over it. See my experience here: https://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=390473

I needed the coin mech and hacked the rod that was missing.

Ken was a great help then too!
 

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That's like the part I had to buy too. Looks like you will be good to go!


A side question: why do they disable the coin mechanism in the first place? Do they simply want to keep the coin mech for another machine? Or are they not allowed to sell them as coin operated?
 
They do not want the tables to be put back out on routes. They still vend in this area and do not want competition.
I don't blame them.
I just want the old feel of putting quarters in, pushing the next in and hearing the balls drop.
 
i have a whole bunch of the coin mechs you're looking for...got them in a warehouse buy about a year ago...i can do alot better than the price on ebay
 
I'm giving this a try. I'll chime back in if it doesn't work.

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Tip: Put a little bit of grease on the roll pin on the coin chute extension. It makes the mechanism work easier and more smoothly when you operate with coins.
 
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