Anybody know how to fix a pinball machine?

[TurboMinivan]

A neighbor of mine has an old pinball machine. It was probably built in the late 60s or early 70s. His father owned it and took care of it over the years and now it belongs to my neighbor Tom. For this reason, it has a lot of sentimental value to him.

Recently, the thing stopped working. As it was going down hill, he could plug it in and it would work for a short while before shutting down. I guess now it won't even come to life at all. The easy thing to do would be to take it to a pro and pay big bucks for a repair... but big bucks is the last thing Tom has (they just adopted another child). Tom is not at all mechanically inclined, so he asked me if I could help diagnose it. I know absolutely nothing about pinball machines, and seeing how special it is to him I don't dare open it up and start messing with it.

Do any of you guys have any experience with this sort of thing? Do you know somebody who might?

 

[Hickey]

I would be surprised if you couldn't find some good DIY repair ideas on YouTube or even a pinball enthusiast forum. As old as it is, it must be a simple electrical part that had failed.

 

[Kevin B.]

My brother fixes pinball machines. He's out of the country right now, but next time I hear from him I can ask him for a referral.

 

[Skylinerider]

Based on the issues, I'm betting the power supply/board was over heating and finally gave up the ghost. Depending on the game, it looks like you can find replacements from $65-$110 and then solder it in.

 

[frieed]

I work with a guy who fixes them as well.

 

[anderson750]

www.pinside.com and http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/ are good resources. Www.cointaker.com is good for parts. I have a 84 Gottlieb machine I am trying to get working. It is my first project machine.

 

[DAA]

I have a pinball machine that was made in 1934, a Daval American Beauty, I think it's about 95% complete and mostly works already - I played it a lot when I was a little kid. Need to try and do something with it one of these days besides just storing it. Was in my great grandpas grocery store on 3rd ave. in Salt Lake way back in the day.

- DAA

 

[anderson750]

I have a pinball machine that was made in 1934, a Daval American Beauty, I think it's about 95% complete and mostly works already - I played it a lot when I was a little kid. Need to try and do something with it one of these days besides just storing it. Was in my great grandpas grocery store on 3rd ave. in Salt Lake way back in the day.

- DAA

Let me know if you are ever interested in selling it. I would love one of these old ones to add to my growing pinball machine collection.

 

[Houndoc]

Rekindles my desire to buy a pinball machine!

 

[TurboMinivan]

Based on the issues, I'm betting the power supply/board was over heating and finally gave up the ghost. Depending on the game, it looks like you can find replacements from $65-$110 and then solder it in.

Yes, I am hoping it is something relatively simple and cheap.

Thanks to those who posted helpful links. I'll have to head back over to his place and find out the exact model and year of his machine.

 

[Pile of parts]

This won't help you find anyone to fix a pinball machine but I figured I'd post a picture of the one we got back in the 70s. My mom still has it and it still works. I'll have to see if I can find when it was built. I'm guessing it was old when we got it.

 

[Skylinerider]

This won't help you find anyone to fix a pinball machine but I figured I'd post a picture of the one we got back in the 70s. My mom still has it and it still works. I'll have to see if I can find when it was built. I'm guessing it was old when we got it.View attachment 116816

1964. And that is a sweet game! Awesome that it still works too.

 

[Pile of parts]

1964. And that is a sweet game! Awesome that it still works too.

Thanks! It's a dime if you want to play... However, I know the owner and we might be able to work something out.