1963 United Bowler...buying/inspection questions

I ran through a couple of old threads that gave a solid range on project bowlers from this era and had a good conversation with Doc Doom on what to expect mechanically.

Very few "new" parts exist, most parts available have been salvaged from junk games, but once adjusted correctly, should last for many many years.

No backglass available I'm afraid, so am hoping for an original in good shape upon inspection.

Wish me luck...

#4 7 years ago

CBR

daddyboo

Pinside member

Thompson's Station, TN

9y 19,400 39

Good Luck!

#5 7 years ago

RDY

Rody

Pinside member

Update..

well, the bowler was rough. All the original art had been painted over with dark brown oil based, the coin mech box hacked, and the pin box was broken in half as something heavy had fallen on it. Firm at 1350.00...

I knew right away there was no way we would meet on price, so took some time to educate him on the particular features of the machine, the work necessary to get it up and running, and let him know that if he tires of it sitting around in another year, to give me a call.

Back on the prowl.

#6 7 years ago

JNC

jodini

Pinside member

8y 53,900 1,007 3

Such a weird firm price: $1350.00...see if he'll take $1300.00

Looks like there is another nice one in sort of in your area...for a great price! : akroncanton.craigslist.org link

I worked on my first bowler this year and it was a joy. Very much like a EM pinball but bigger parts and easier to get to. Yes, I had to make a few parts and cheat a little (with odd coils), but it works like it should.

Joe

#7 7 years ago

JJD

JimDinTN

Pinside member

Knoxville, TN

8y 21,800 81

I've got a 1965 United Oasis ball bowler available in Chesterland, Ohio, for $500. It's a little farther than 2 miles from Wooster but the price is right. Lane is worn but playable. Repro lane is $500. Lower backglass is cracked but not noticeable. Repro is $125. Told it worked when purchased but I've never seen it work. See http://www.pinrepair.com/bowl/oasis.htm for details.

#8 7 years ago

Chrisbee

Inactive member

10y 63,150 3,046 8

OP
Quoted from Rody:
Hey guys,

I've been wanting a big ball bowler for a while now

Have not seen one of them in Australia since i was 15 (just a while ago,lol). Love to get one.

#9 7 years ago

???

cfh

Pinside member

10y 78,800 2,915

ball bowler video help:
http://www.pinrepair.com/top/top8.htm

#10 7 years ago

EEP

burnt_finger

Pinside member

8y 28,900 40

OP
Quoted from Rody:
Update..
well, the bowler was rough. All the original art had been painted over with dark brown oil based
r

What is it with brown oil paint on old games, My bowler was covered from top to bottom in it the stuff the only thing not painted on mine was the Formica lanes.

#11 7 years ago

HRG

poppapin

Pinside+ Member

Collegeville, PA

11y 115K 7,498 6 7 1

Quoted from cfh:
ball bowler video help:
http://www.pinrepair.com/top/top8.htm

Good to know, your EM videos helped me thru a ton of problems.
Informative & funny!!

#12 7 years ago

BAK

dsuperbee

Pinside member

Sacramento, CA

9y 80,050 5,522 6

OP
Quoted from Rody:
I ran through a couple of old threads that gave a solid range on project bowlers from this era and had a good conversation with Doc Doom on what to expect mechanically.
Very few "new" parts exist, most parts available have been salvaged from junk games, but once adjusted correctly, should last for many many years.
No backglass available I'm afraid, so am hoping for an original in good shape upon inspection.
Wish me luck...
r

The experience I had with Doc was not too helpful when I was hunting for a motor/gearbox assy for my United Bowling alley. I ended up contacting the St. Louis. Ball Bowler Company. Much more helpful, and cost me 1/3 of what Doom quoted me for parts. I was very happy.

#13 7 years ago

CJM

EM-PINMAN

Pinside member

9y 108K 5,241

Quoted from dsuperbee:
The experience I had with Doc was not too helpful when I was hunting for a motor/gearbox assy for my United Bowling alley. I ended up contacting the St. Louis. Ball Bowler Company. Much more helpful, and cost me 1/3 of what Doom quoted me for parts. I was very happy.

Good to know. Looking to get a Ball Bowler down the road myself.

Ken

#14 7 years ago

RDY

Rody

Pinside member

Quoted from cfh:
ball bowler video help:

Clay,

I hold you partly responsible for my current predicament, if my wife and daughter had not played your bowler at the VFW weekend I'd never be looking for one

That vid, and the balance of the collection, are on my wish list for my birthday next month.

Quoted from jodini:
Looks like there is another nice one in sort of in your area...for a great price! : akroncanton.craigslist.org link

Left a message on this one, we'll see what pans out.

Quoted from dsuperbee:
The experience I had with Doc was not too helpful

Doc has been very helpful in answering questions and sharing knowledge, as have almost all I've encountered who share of love of coin op.

thanks all,

#15 7 years ago

RDY

Rody

Pinside member

The bowler in Canton sold the first day, seller chose not to take down the add until he tired of people contacting him.

Thanks to all who have pm'd with options, gonna explore some of these and see if I can't get a bowler in my future

#16 7 years ago

JNC

jodini

Pinside member

8y 53,900 1,007 3

I hate it when people do that...take the dang ad off when you sell it people! No need to tease!

Keep your eye out for one....I'm sure there are always people trying to move those big suckers out of there house! Wish I had the room!
Joe

#17 7 years ago

Chrisbee

Inactive member

10y 63,150 3,046 8

Thread moved to Forum "Flipperless"

#18 7 years ago

JNC

jodini

Pinside member