Thinking of converting GC from ball-return to drop pocket.

krupa

krupa

The Dream Operator
Silver Member
As the subject says, I'm thinking of converting my Gold Crown II from a ball return table to drop pockets. My ballbox is worn down in one spot and balls frequently fall out and bounce on the concrete floor. Because of this I don't use a nice set of Centenial balls I was given. Also I recently played on a drop-pocket table and enjoyed the relative silence of the pockets.

So my question is, are there any compelling reasons to keep the ball return system?

Usually I equate modifying something old to taking away its value but I don't see much inherent value in the table. There isn't a big market for 9' tables in my area and I plan to keep it until I'm too old to play anyway (fyi: I'm only 38 so I've got a long way to go.)

My ballbox is missing the metal trim piece and a couple pockets are missing screws. I've ordered those parts from Classic Billiards (ETA: tomorrow) but if those don't fix the problem, I need to decide if I'm going to buy a whole new ballbox or new pockets.

Thanks
-matthew
 
Unless you are absolutely fed up with the noise, I would get a new ball box. You can line the bottom with carpet or rubber to lessen the noise when the balls hit the box.
 
If done right it shouldn't hurt the price at all. Usually the rail finish/wear rubber and slate deal with the price fluctuating.

Drop pockets save the back from bending down to get balls from the box.
Ball return increase value as much as $300-1300 to the right person.

If you go drop pockets get real Brunswick most copies are hard plastic, fall apart and don't line up correctly
 
n10spool said:
If done right it shouldn't hurt the price at all. Usually the rail finish/wear rubber and slate deal with the price fluctuating.

Drop pockets save the back from bending down to get balls from the box.
Ball return increase value as much as $300-1300 to the right person.

If you go drop pockets get real Brunswick most copies are hard plastic, fall apart and don't line up correctly
Click to expand...

Thanks.

If I do it, I was going to get a set from Classic Billiards. They are described as:
High quality soft plastic Bosse (screw type) drop pockets for Anniversary/Gold Crown and other models. Softer material than the cheaper poly/vinyl pockets we sell. Comes in black only.
Set of six pockets.
Includes all hardware needed to install.
Click to expand...

I should have the parts I ordered when I get home from work tonight, so we'll see what's what later today.
 
I love the ball return on my GC, I just cant see wanting to convert my table to a drop pocket. Maybe its just because I am too lazy to walk around the table to retrieve the balls:grin:
 
Drop Pockets

I have bought several sets of those drop pockets from classic billiards and they are nice. They also lay flatter and hug the casting better and hold 8 balls easily.

Buy the drop pockets, get them installed and then your ball box project can begin..

If you decide to keep the drop pockets then wait at least a year or 2 before you sell the return system, you might want it in the long run if your keeping the table.

Good Luck,
Gordon
 
Go to harbor freight get the ratcheting 1\4" drive for $3.00 it takes hex bits. This way you can hand start the screws with out cross threading then use ratchet to snug up don't overtightened only aluminum with steel screws.
 
Thanks for all the replies. As I mentioned in another thread, I fixed the table so the balls stay in the ballbox and on the tracks.

So I will be sticking with the table the way it is for now.
 
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