I was going to be re-covering my valley table. I was wondering if I can change the rails so that they would play more like a diamond? If so, where could I get these from. Also, can the pockets be shimmed to tighten the pockets like a diamond? If so, how is this done. Thanks for any input!
Upgrading a valley to diamond quality?
- Thread starter Playsum9
- Start date
the pockets can be shimmed but it wont play like a diamond, as a diamond has a much much deeper shelf.........you would have to extend the pocket shelf......but like the above post said bring this to the mechanic section and you will have your help/answers for sure.
Playsum here is the link to http://www.ridgebackrails.com/
Do a search. There are bunches of posts on ridgebacks. All good reviews
Valley's new tables have 5 bolt rails and i think you can update yours to that , you would have to contact their parts people , it might depend on the year your table was made . Somebody who posted on here had a brand new Valley and bought the Ridgebacks and so you might be able to upgrade and get the Ridgebacks without buying rails from Valley.
He did and got the same answer - a valley can be changed to play better but will not play like a diamond.
Rails are completely different for starters. Here's the referenced thread and pics from the guy with the new valley that substituted extended ridgeback rails - http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=218013
Further mods needed because the pocket liners interfere with the extended rails. Table may play better once that problem is fixed but dunno. As many would say - if you want a table to play like a diamond - buy a diamond. Juryrigging other brand coin-op tables just don't get it done.
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The problem is running past the liners if you get ridgebacks extended longer then stock rails or if you try to extend the original rail blanks. The liner would need to be trimmed back so the rail can be tightened correctly to the table frame.
If you get standard replacement ridgebacks you shouldn't have this problem.
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After Glen set up my diamond table he set up my neighbors valley as close as possible to a diamond. new rails, cloth and told him how to support the table/slate to prevent most of the "valley" rolls. Not sure what the all did. But its possible. Plays great
Glen doing it is one thing. Some other random person.....might be better off just leaving it how it is until you can afford a diamond.