Extra top for Gold Crown 4?

bignick31985

Life Long Learner
Silver Member
Anybody keep an extra set of rails, castings and aprons?

Thinking of tracking down a set for my GC4 so I can have MG rework them with Artemis @ 4" pockets, and swap tops from time to time, or have a backup set.

Crazy?
 
I think Jay from A-1 might have a set?
Jay A-1 Billiards
‪(603) 765-6160‬,
He is also very capable of doing the railwork you want done as well. Good luck!

TFT

p.s. i dont think you are crazy, but, i think you are gonna SPEND:)
 
I contacted Mark Gregory and got Jay Spielberg's contact info. He's got me straightened out a set, just waiting til after the new year to order.

Thanks Trent!

Yeah I think its gonna be about couple G's or so for the new top by the time I get the rails, castings, cushions and have the pockets reworked to 4.125" correctly.

Still unsure if I want to use Superspeeds or Artemis on this top. The Superspeeds play so good.
 
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I don’t think you are crazy. I had extra rails made to, but I didn’t go as far as purchasing extra blinds and castings. Extra rails are pretty easy to store under a bed, almost like extra leaves to a dining room table. Rails can be swapped out individually fairly easy without messing with the blinds and castings. Long blinds would present storage issues for me.

As for the Artemis vs. Superspeeds, that’s just personal preference, and my preference definitely lies with Artemis.
 
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I don’t think you are crazy. I had extra rails made to, but I didn’t go as far as purchasing extra blinds and castings. Extra rails are pretty easy to store under a bed, almost like extra leaves to a dining room table. Rails can be swapped out individually fairly easy without messing with the blinds and castings. Long blinds would present storage issues for me.

As for the Artemis vs. Superspeeds, that’s just personal preference, and my preference definitely lies with Artemis.
Interesting about cushion choice. I had Artemis installed on mine because that seemed like the "in thing" at the time and right after that everyone switched to Superspeeds and said that was the best cushion. I swear it happened when my rails were in transit from Ohio back to Wisconsin. o_Oo_Oo_O
 
Interesting about cushion choice. I had Artemis installed on mine because that seemed like the "in thing" at the time and right after that everyone switched to Superspeeds and said that was the best cushion. I swear it happened when my rails were in transit from Ohio back to Wisconsin. o_Oo_Oo_O
Yeah I studied old threads on this topic and noticed the same. The Artemis rock! Well worth the extra money in my opinion.
 
Anybody keep an extra set of rails, castings and aprons?

Thinking of tracking down a set for my GC4 so I can have MG rework them with Artemis @ 4" pockets, and swap tops from time to time, or have a backup set.

Crazy?
Doesn’t Jeremy Chambers make new tops?
 
What's the approximate cost for new reworked rails compared to having the existing rails reworked?

There would be one less shipping cost.
 
Doesn’t Jeremy Chambers make new tops?
Yes he does. He does great work!
What's the approximate cost for new reworked rails compared to having the existing rails reworked?

There would be one less shipping cost.
About 5 years ago it was approximately $1000.00 more for a custom set of Anniversary rails vs. having the originals overhauled. I would think GC rails would be fairly close in price.

Another option for ordering tops would be through Brunswick. It wasn’t too long ago that the could get you GC V top for your early GC. It might be worth checking into.
 
The rails aren't $1000 if you get new old stock. I didn't contact Jerimy to see what his cost is to build new rails.

I am ordering the rails/castings later this week and having them sent to Mark. Probably going with Superspeed cushions. The current table plays so good off the rails I'd hate to chance it. Going 4 1/8" corners and 4.75" sides.
 
The rails aren't $1000 if you get new old stock. I didn't contact Jerimy to see what his cost is to build new rails.

I am ordering the rails/castings later this week and having them sent to Mark. Probably going with Superspeed cushions. The current table plays so good off the rails I'd hate to chance it. Going 4 1/8" corners and 4.75" sides.
4.75" may be a hair tight for the sides. I'd consider 4.875".
 
No kidding. They are 4.75" currently. Keeps ya super honest lol. Makes every other side pocket feel like a basketball hoop.

Mark suggested 4.5" sides with 4 1/8" corners. But I just can't do that.
 
No kidding. They are 4.75" currently. Keeps ya super honest lol. Makes every other side pocket feel like a basketball hoop.

Mark suggested 4.5" sides with 4 1/8" corners. But I just can't do that.
The small side pockets may keep you honest when it comes to making balls but it gives you a false sense of confidence avoiding the scratch, especially when you go to a more common size pocket. :)
 
Rails and castings made it to Mark couple days ago. I'll post some update pics once I have them in my possession. Getting close!

And I went Superspeed. Current rails play too good to risk the change.

So they'll be 4 1/8" corners @ 141 and 4 3/4" sides @ 102.
 
Rails and castings made it to Mark couple days ago. I'll post some update pics once I have them in my possession. Getting close!

And I went Superspeed. Current rails play too good to risk the change.

So they'll be 4 1/8" corners @ 141 and 4 3/4" sides @ 102.
4.125" at 141° are going to be brutal with lots of rattles. With a tight pocket, you don't want the same angle as a 4.5" pocket. I'd reconsider 139° or 140°. My 4.125" corners were cut to 139° and I'd classify them as tight but fair. A ball struck well along the rail will not rattle but a ball with any pace that brushes the cushion on the way in will hang up; at pocket speed it will drop. IMO, this is how the pocket should play. I think at 141° the aforementioned shots will rattle.

49603456301_6bf97eb126_b.jpg
 
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