Olehausen cushion replacement

S

SyracuseJohn

Registered
First let me say that you guys here on the mechanics forum are the best!
Everyone has been very helpful with advice and recommendations. I finally got up the courage to start disassembly of my rails and cushions and in the process I am learning some things I wanted to know and some that surprised me. Also have a chance to correct some little things that have been bothering me for years.

First thing I found was after uncovering the cushions some of them are powder and others seem to still be intact. Not sure if someone replaced a couple of the cushions and left a couple originals. so far I have 4 cushions off the rails and 2 are labeled Olehausen and 2 are Championship Fleetwoods, Strange! Have any of you seen this before?




Second thing I noticed was that my side pockets on both sides had only one screw in the Irons. Guess my installer forgot to mention that they were missing.. Since both sides of each Iron are threaded I assume that there should be 2 screws in each Iron! Can I replace these at a regular Ace hardware store or are they a special size?


Also found that the center slate is chipped on the edge. I hope that this is the only slate damage as it is not on the playing surface. Again a surprise.. In retrospect I bought this table with little upfront research.
Should I be concerned about this?


Now I can correct the issues with the side pockets and hang them level rather than tilted in toward the table. Something that has been bothering me for years.

I tried to import pictures but can't get the paste option to work.

Comments welcome.

Thanks
 
SyracuseJohn said:
Comments welcome.

Thanks
Click to expand...

A chip on the slate edge (under a rail) isn't a problem.

Mismatched cushions are not unusual. Unless you are the original owner there's no telling what you may find on a used table.

One typically puts an end and 2 side rails together - flip it over, set on the table and run the rail bolts in. Then they do the same with the other side but often either forget or just don't install the second pocket iron bolt since sometimes it can be a PITA. You can get bolts to match at the hardware store. Installing the 2nd bolt should solve the pocket angle problem.
 
Dartman said:
A chip on the slate edge (under a rail) isn't a problem.

Mismatched cushions are not unusual. Unless you are the original owner there's no telling what you may find on a used table.

One typically puts an end and 2 side rails together - flip it over, set on the table and run the rail bolts in. Then they do the same with the other side but often either forget or just don't install the second pocket iron bolt since sometimes it can be a PITA. You can get bolts to match at the hardware store. Installing the 2nd bolt should solve the pocket angle problem.
Click to expand...

I never install the second side pocket bolt and I don't know anybody that does.
 
Dartman said:
A chip on the slate edge (under a rail) isn't a problem.

Mismatched cushions are not unusual. Unless you are the original owner there's no telling what you may find on a used table.

One typically puts an end and 2 side rails together - flip it over, set on the table and run the rail bolts in. Then they do the same with the other side but often either forget or just don't install the second pocket iron bolt since sometimes it can be a PITA. You can get bolts to match at the hardware store. Installing the 2nd bolt should solve the pocket angle problem.
Click to expand...

It's the first bolt that solves the pocket angle problem. If there's no bolt in there, then the pocket can pivot. With a bolt in, as long as it's tight, your pocket won't move. You might want to loosen the bolt a little, see if you can position the pocket better, then tighten it back down. Second bolt is somewhat optional, but if you want to put it in, you'll be able to find something at the hardware store.

We do see a lot of tables unfortunately that have had just or two rails replaced. I always recommend replacing all of the rubber as a matching set. That way you know your rails will play consistently. It also saves a guy from calling me out again later when one more rail turns into a brick. I like repeat business, but I don't think doing things the cheap way so I can do them more often is the best way to gain it. ;)
 
The pics would be helpful.
SyracuseJohn said:
I tried to import pictures but can't get the paste option to work.
Click to expand...
you should either upload them to some photo hosting like Photobucket or Imageshack and post the links to the photos here as URLs - or click the paper clip icon to manage attachments and select the pics you want to add from your hdd, then paste them in your message body by manually selecting one after another. Note there is a size limit of 100 Kb for the images attached this way.
 
Pictures

Vahmurka said:
The pics would be helpful.you should either upload them to some photo hosting like Photobucket or Imageshack and post the links to the photos here as URLs - or click the paper clip icon to manage attachments and select the pics you want to add from your hdd, then paste them in your message body by manually selecting one after another. Note there is a size limit of 100 Kb for the images attached this way.
Click to expand...

Thanks that explains it. My pictures were too large.

Here is a perfect example of a powder cushion. It started to fall apart when I took the rail cloth off.

DSC00118b.JPG

The next one is 2 cushions side by side. The powdered Olehausen and the Fleetwood Championship.

DSC00117b.JPG

The last one is the center pocket side view. It looks like it was stapled in too tight. Thoughts?

DSC00120b.JPG
 
Dartman said:
A chip on the slate edge (under a rail) isn't a problem.

Mismatched cushions are not unusual. Unless you are the original owner there's no telling what you may find on a used table.

One typically puts an end and 2 side rails together - flip it over, set on the table and run the rail bolts in. Then they do the same with the other side but often either forget or just don't install the second pocket iron bolt since sometimes it can be a PITA. You can get bolts to match at the hardware store. Installing the 2nd bolt should solve the pocket angle problem.
Click to expand...

I can certainly see that using 2 bolts would present some challenges in reassembly. Thanks for the info guys.

I have one more picture of the cloth on the table at the cueball end of the table. It looks like ball marks or cue scuffing from breaking. Not sure if I want to replaced it now since my youngest son will be graduating from High school this year and will likely have a party using my table. I'd hate to replace the cloth and have them destroy it in one party so I may wait till after graduation. I have aramith Belgian balls so I don't think it is caused by cheap balls?

DSC00121b.JPG

This is the worst section of the cloth on the table.
 
Last edited:
SyracuseJohn said:
I can certainly see that using 2 bolts would present some challenges in reassembly. Thanks for the info guys.
... .
Click to expand...

The second iron bolt is usually not a challenge with a 12" socket extension.
I wouldn't deduct any points when I find only 1 installed.

Try to get those ball nets more vertical on reinstall.
 
Leather pockets

Dartman said:
The second iron bolt is usually not a challenge with a 12" socket extension.
I wouldn't deduct any points when I find only 1 installed.

Try to get those ball nets more vertical on reinstall.
Click to expand...
Ya, When the basket ball goes through them, they will be stretching the net. LOL
 
Dartman said:
The second iron bolt is usually not a challenge with a 12" socket extension.
I wouldn't deduct any points when I find only 1 installed.

Try to get those ball nets more vertical on reinstall.
Click to expand...

Rick

So you agree that they were just stapled too tight?

By the way thanks for the response on my PM and it didn't screw up my entire weekend just thursday nite and Friday night. Thanks to your company's quick release on my order from Tuesday I recieved my new cushions on Thursday afternoon. I had already removed the cushions from 4 rails between tuesday nite and Wednesday nite so I was ready to start installing on 4 cushions. I glue the 4 cushions on Thursday night and took the cloth and cushions off the other two last night also.

I finished the other 2 and glued all the facings by 9:00 on friday cleaned up my tools and cracked a beer at 10:30. So I am ready for the Syracuse game on Saturday and the Superbowl on Sunday. Wife informed me tonight that she would like to buy me the Simonis 860 for my birthday next week so I left the table apart.

I ordered the samples from Simonis for red burgandy, Wine and Black. Just waiting to see which color I want on the new setup.

I'll be ordering the cloth as soon as we get the sample colors.

Thanks

John
 
From the pic it appears the front tabs are drawn to much towards the table frame. Also may have too many staples which will tighten it up more. 2 staples at the edge of the tabs are sufficient.

Simonis will send you a swatch book but it may be delayed since they just moved. I was there Wednesday picking up some bolts and they have a ways to go to get organized. Even the bossman was cutting cloth today to try to get caught up with their cut cloth orders. They should be in good shape in a few days. If you don't see the swatch book by end of the week give them a call (800-simonis X21) and talk to Felice. Of the colors you mentioned my guess is you'll go with Burgundy - the most popular color besides Green.

BTW I think we put a spec card in with your cushions. If so there's a nose height gauge on the side of the card.

Rick



SyracuseJohn said:
Rick

So you agree that they were just stapled too tight?

By the way thanks for the response on my PM and it didn't screw up my entire weekend just thursday nite and Friday night. Thanks to your company's quick release on my order from Tuesday I recieved my new cushions on Thursday afternoon. I had already removed the cushions from 4 rails between tuesday nite and Wednesday nite so I was ready to start installing on 4 cushions. I glue the 4 cushions on Thursday night and took the cloth and cushions off the other two last night also.

I finished the other 2 and glued all the facings by 9:00 on friday cleaned up my tools and cracked a beer at 10:30. So I am ready for the Syracuse game on Saturday and the Superbowl on Sunday. Wife informed me tonight that she would like to buy me the Simonis 860 for my birthday next week so I left the table apart.

I ordered the samples from Simonis for red burgandy, Wine and Black. Just waiting to see which color I want on the new setup.

I'll be ordering the cloth as soon as we get the sample colors.

Thanks

John
Click to expand...
 
Rick

Yes there were 4 staples in each tab.. I did get the card but didn't notice the gauge on the card until you mentioned it.. Cool! Just measured the rails they are right on the mark without the cloth wrapped around yet. So it looks like the trick is to make sure there is not too much cloth wrapped around the bottom of the rail since Olehausen does not have a cutout under the rail to accomodate the cloth.

You sell the Simonis so I will order from you. Looks like neither of ever sleep..

Just cracked another beer.. Cheers!

John





Dartman said:
From the pic it appears the front tabs are drawn to much towards the table frame. Also may have too many staples which will tighten it up more. 2 staples at the edge of the tabs are sufficient.

Simonis will send you a swatch book but it may be delayed since they just moved. I was there Wednesday picking up some bolts and they have a ways to go to get organized. Even the bossman was cutting cloth today to try to get caught up with their cut cloth orders. They should be in good shape in a few days. If you don't see the swatch book by end of the week give them a call (800-simonis X21) and talk to Felice. Of the colors you mentioned my guess is you'll go with Burgundy - the most popular color besides Green.

BTW I think we put a spec card in with your cushions. If so there's a nose height gauge on the side of the card.

Rick
Click to expand...
 
Just for curiosity other than dust and dirt any downside to Black Cloth. My pockets are brown and the wife says it would look strange with black and brown.

Have you ever seen this combination?

John


Dartman said:
From the pic it appears the front tabs are drawn to much towards the table frame. Also may have too many staples which will tighten it up more. 2 staples at the edge of the tabs are sufficient.

Simonis will send you a swatch book but it may be delayed since they just moved. I was there Wednesday picking up some bolts and they have a ways to go to get organized. Even the bossman was cutting cloth today to try to get caught up with their cut cloth orders. They should be in good shape in a few days. If you don't see the swatch book by end of the week give them a call (800-simonis X21) and talk to Felice. Of the colors you mentioned my guess is you'll go with Burgundy - the most popular color besides Green.

BTW I think we put a spec card in with your cushions. If so there's a nose height gauge on the side of the card.

Rick
Click to expand...
 
SyracuseJohn said:
Just for curiosity other than dust and dirt any downside to Black Cloth. My pockets are brown and the wife says it would look strange with black and brown.

Have you ever seen this combination?

John
Click to expand...

Black goes with most anything and brown leather pockets are probably the most common color. Black is somewhat popular but shows everything - dust, dirt, lint and whatever else is in the air and settles on the cloth. From your pics the table looks to be light-medium oak. As a suggestion - if you're not interested in reg Green or the Tournament Blue see what you think of the Dark Green or Spruce. Darker green colors have a nice contrast and look good on lighter oak finishes. Your wife may have other ideas tho but I'm sure you'll sort it out once you get the swatch book. :grin:
 
Last edited:
Black cloth looks awesome with the balls on it. My only suggestion is that I think std gr or tour blue is what you should go with if your wanting to play in tournaments. Primarily just to keep things as close as possible to the conditions and color you will be playing on for the cash. Although I still think Black looks great!!!!

I always say this though to my customers, its your table, you play on it the most, do what you want.
 
Here are some pictures of my finished work.

DSC00151B.JPG

DSC00152B.JPG

DSC00154B.jpg

DSC00155B.jpg

Then a well deserved reward for my work!

DSC00156B.jpg

Thanks for all the advice guys!

John


SyracuseJohn said:
Rick

So you agree that they were just stapled too tight?

By the way thanks for the response on my PM and it didn't screw up my entire weekend just thursday nite and Friday night. Thanks to your company's quick release on my order from Tuesday I recieved my new cushions on Thursday afternoon. I had already removed the cushions from 4 rails between tuesday nite and Wednesday nite so I was ready to start installing on 4 cushions. I glue the 4 cushions on Thursday night and took the cloth and cushions off the other two last night also.

I finished the other 2 and glued all the facings by 9:00 on friday cleaned up my tools and cracked a beer at 10:30. So I am ready for the Syracuse game on Saturday and the Superbowl on Sunday. Wife informed me tonight that she would like to buy me the Simonis 860 for my birthday next week so I left the table apart.

I ordered the samples from Simonis for red burgandy, Wine and Black. Just waiting to see which color I want on the new setup.

I'll be ordering the cloth as soon as we get the sample colors.

Thanks

John
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top