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United's Bowling Alley, Small Ball Bowler Game, Project - $500 (Maple Lake)
320 HIGHWAY 55 WEST near Maple Ave
condition:
fair
make / manufacturer:
United
model name / number:
Bowling Alley
size / dimensions:
14' + long X 29" wide.
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Remember These Bowling Games? This is actual bowling and up to 6 players can play at once! Lots of fun here and competing never gets old. I was going to rebuild, refurbish, and re-finish this after I retired. Well I'm 69 and not retired as of yet. I just don't see it happening. This is an all mechanical Ball Bowler from 1956. Roll a ball to hit the pins and then the ball comes back to you via the ball return. This is a sought after type bowling game but this a diamond in the rough. It needs a lot of TLC but it will all be worth it when you roll that first ball down the alley.
You should know some wood working skills to take this project on. The lane is Formica on top of a plywood sub structure. There are 2 sections of the lane that fit together to make the 14' length. Unfortunately, the shorter section had a bit of water damage and the plywood substructure has delaminated and should be replaced. There will be some disassembly to remove the Formica from the old plywood and then laminate the Formica to a new same sized plywood piece. I feel that it can all be done. It isn't a weekend project though. This will take many hours to make it look great again.
I had a wood worker fellow copy and create new legs for the cabinet and paid $180 for them $45 each, but this is as far as I got. I never set it all up but I assume most every thing is there. The backbox with the score reels has been in my shop for years along with the pin deck. That nice set of numbered pins are worth over $200. A set of 4 bowling balls run $165. I really don't think I'm out of line on price. If done well this could be worth $6K. It would be a rewarding fun winter project to take on. Bring your truck!
To see one of these in playable condition, In Google search, type in "United's 1956 Bowling Alley, Ball Bowler"
Message me for more information before driving out. I'd hate to miss you if I stepped out for a while.
Nabours Novelty, Maple Lake, MN