brunswick anniversary original rubber cushion question

[robertod]

I am looking at two anniversary tables from two different sellers.

One states that it has the original cushions that has 96% gum rubber and that there is nothing better and he would never remove them. Claims you can not get rubber cushions like that anymore.

The other seller does not know what rubber is on them but we uncovered a portion of one rail and the rubber seemed flesh colored and fairly smooth.

Both tables are disassembled.

Question #1 is the first seller correct?

Question # 2 How would the original rubber look like and does it really matter, because I should replace the cushions with Brunswick superspeed or artemis K55 black

You guys here are the best and I thank you in advance for your input.

 

[manwon]

I am looking at two anniversary tables from two different sellers.

One states that it has the original cushions that has 96% gum rubber and that there is nothing better and he would never remove them. Claims you can not get rubber cushions like that anymore.

The other seller does not know what rubber is on them but we uncovered a portion of one rail and the rubber seemed flesh colored and fairly smooth.

Both tables are disassembled.

Question #1 is the first seller correct?

Question # 2 How would the original rubber look like and does it really matter, because I should replace the cushions with Brunswick superspeed or artemis K55 black

You guys here are the best and I thank you in advance for your input.

I have a 1954 4 1/2 by 9 Anniversary table in my Pool Room that has the Original Rubber on the rails. I agree with the question one, unless the rubber becomes hard and doesn't play well I would never change it. The rubber on my table plays as well or better than any anywhere, and look how old it is, in my opinion that says it all.

By the way, how many companies can say that the current rubber they are making and selling will last for 30 or 40 year's, I think I can answer this NONE.

Take care

 

[matteroner]

I agree ...if the original rubber is fine then it is fine and shouldn't be replaced. I would say, however, there are many options for good rubber .....artemis intercontinental and the diamond black k-55 are good choices ...i've heard mixed things on the brunswick superspeed.

good rubber usually has a name on it ....but you have to remove the cloth to find out for sure.....

bad rubber is cracked, rock hard or extremely soft....any rubber can eventually go bad ...just depends on where the table has lived it's life ...and the temperatures etc... that it has had to endure.

you would need the rubber replaced if you wanted to tighten the pockets or something ....otherwise I would set the sucker up and see how it plays ....if your happy then don't replace it

brunswick rubber is kind of a brown color ...so the flesh stuff is probably a replacement brand.

you might also check the rail height on the unknown rubber ....should be 1 7/16.... if not then it might be the wrong rubber on there and need replacement.

 

[Mr. Bond]

I cant say if seller #1 is correct. (too many cushion makers) But I will say this, it wasnt until fairly recently that cushions were made from anything but 100% pure [vulcanized] rubber. In some cases it's true that "they dont make em' like they used to". Granted there is ususally a reason, pure rubber cushions are unstable.

The original annvsry was equipped with 'monarch "live action" cushions'
...sorry but I don't know the color...

Flesh-color might also be Manhattan or BF Goodrich cushions...both are good old-school rubber/cushions potentially worth keeping. (check underside of cushion -facing table surface- for label or name)

(rubber is not naturally pink - or grey)

if they still play well, yes keep them

 

[robertod]

Great info! I will probably go with the second seller because of price which will allow me to change the cushions if necessary.

 

[chevybob20]

I am currently restoring a 1950 Centennial. I had Mark Gregory perfrom the rail and cushion work for me. Those cushions are not K55 or K66 profile cushions and will play differently than a modern table. I would inspect the wood at the pocket facings on the rails(They are more than likely chewed up from staples and ball hits). Take pictures and see if one of the mechs that do rail work can help you out. If they need work, now is the time to have it done. Remember, the subrail will have to be modified to install new cushions properly.

I used Mark Gregory, owner of Perfect Pockets in Atlanta. He or someone else on here can help you out. Tables like that one will never be made again. So please do it right to preserve it for the future.

 

[robertod]

I am currently restoring a 1950 Centennial. I had Mark Gregory perfrom the rail and cushion work for me. Those cushions are not K55 or K66 profile cushions and will play differently than a modern table. I would inspect the wood at the pocket facings on the rails(They are more than likely chewed up from staples and ball hits). Take pictures and see if one of the mechs that do rail work can help you out. If they need work, now is the time to have it done. Remember, the subrail will have to be modified to install new cushions properly.

I used Mark Gregory, owner of Perfect Pockets in Atlanta. He or someone else on here can help you out. Tables like that one will never be made again. So please do it right to preserve it for the future.

Thanks for the heads up. I ended up with the second table because of the price ($1000) and the fact that the skirts on this table were in better shape. Seemed like a great deal. I will take my time with the redo but certainly rails are a high priority. Is there a mechanic in the Midwest that could handle these rails in the manner you mentioned? I will try and to take some pictures.

Thanks again for all the feedback

 

[xianmacx]

Thanks for the heads up. I ended up with the second table because of the price ($1000) and the fact that the skirts on this table were in better shape. Seemed like a great deal. I will take my time with the redo but certainly rails are a high priority. Is there a mechanic in the Midwest that could handle these rails in the manner you mentioned? I will try and to take some pictures.

Thanks again for all the feedback

Call Josh and Don, screename Club Billiards...

 

[Mr. Bond]

or call jerimy chambers

 

[RackemBilliards]

Anniversary

I guess if there's an advantage to a crummy economy it's that there are great deals on some of the best tables ever made. We've got an Anniversary in the pool room, and it's many of the best player's favorite. While watching the earthquake footage the other day we all agreed-'if there's ever an earthquake like that here, I'm diving under table #3!' Good luck with your project.

QUOTE=robertod;2913150]Thanks for the heads up. I ended up with the second table because of the price ($1000) and the fact that the skirts on this table were in better shape. Seemed like a great deal. I will take my time with the redo but certainly rails are a high priority. Is there a mechanic in the Midwest that could handle these rails in the manner you mentioned? I will try and to take some pictures.

Thanks again for all the feedback[/QUOTE]

 

[JoeyInCali]

I am currently restoring a 1950 Centennial. I had Mark Gregory perfrom the rail and cushion work for me. Those cushions are not K55 or K66 profile cushions and will play differently than a modern table. I would inspect the wood at the pocket facings on the rails(They are more than likely chewed up from staples and ball hits). Take pictures and see if one of the mechs that do rail work can help you out. If they need work, now is the time to have it done. Remember, the subrail will have to be modified to install new cushions properly.

I used Mark Gregory, owner of Perfect Pockets in Atlanta. He or someone else on here can help you out. Tables like that one will never be made again. So please do it right to preserve it for the future.

Monarch cushions can probably be never equaled EVER.
Only problem now is, if you keep those cushions, the pocket openings are kinda wide.
Those tables came with really generous pocket openings.

 

[BBC]

Anniversary Orgional Cushions

Here are pictures of my Anniversary rails before I set the table up, all orgional, the underside of the cushions are red.

 

[robertod]

pictures

These three pictures of the same rail. no lettering or marking on the underside

 

[PoolTable911]

Not Monarch Cushions

The cushions you have pictured are not original. I would definatly have the rails calibrated with new sub-rails. It will make a huge difference in the play of the table.

 

[ROB.M]

table cushion

Orignal cushion would of looked like this'
-

 

[magnetardo]

or call jerimy chambers

Ditto that.