Gold Crown III setup and recover questions???

[Reaboy]

New to the forum and been away from a pool table for 20+ years. I recently picked up a 1997 Gold Crown III that needs some cosmetics and a felt job. This is a Christmas present for my 3 boys ages 13, 11, & 8. I promised them I would get it built and playing on by Christmas.

Questions:

1. Felt - I am looking a Championship Invitational Teflon, and Mercury Ultra Teflon. Not looking to spend $300 on Simonis and not sure its needed to teach kids. $150-$200 would be my felt budget. Is "backed" felt needed for durability with kids? Any other recommendations?

2. Setup and Felt job - should I just order the felt online, or should I have the mechanic purchase it? What would a typical leveling and felt job cost assuming I have it all built up to that point.

3. 1 end rail bumper has a storage dent in it 1/4" deep and 1" long - it does not appear to be relaxing.....are there any tricks (heat, etc.) to relax a dent in a bumper. What options make sense here - used bumper on just that end, or all new?

4. Any other important items I should know or think about?

Thanks
Reaboy

 

[Reaboy]

Here is a quick photo of one of the moldings. These are pretty horrible with many scratches in the clear coat.

Well a few seconds in the bead blaster and a few swipes with the steel wool and some simichrome and they look fantastic. It appears the glass beading is only taking off the clear and leaving the plating. I may have gotten very lucky here.

Reaboy

 

[Catalyze]

Good luck with your setup!
Craig