Hi!
Sort of new to pinball projects here...
Basically, I have a Chicago Coin Top Ten that is in pretty poor condition:
Backbox: Artwork needs sealing before it flakes away, score reels are gummed up, etc.
Playfield: Sunken/missing plastic inserts everywhere (2 missing - may be in cabinet...), yellowed/dirty art on plastics, worn rubbers and plunger and no ball (easy fixes)
Table: Missing neck, missing legs, wood peeling a tiny bit in front, some small chips in wood, really yellowed "white" paint on sides/front/head
Mechanically: When plugged in: coin lockout coils turn on and stay on (soft hum), pressing start game with credits on wheel and score reels in 0 positions spins score motor once but stops without beginning a game (as in, if you manually activate a switch on the playfield or in the outhole, nothing happens. However, the score motor has stopped spinning...odd...). Also, pretty much anything with a spring is gummed up or otherwise not very springy.
I am planning on spending about 1-2 hours per week for the next two semesters (~25 weeks total) trying to get it up and running. Not looking to do a full restoration or make it look 'new from the factory' - just hoping to save the pin from the dump and make it a "player's" pin. Last year, I fixed a Williams Space Odyssey that had a few moderate problems (ball count and bonus count malfunctions prevented game from starting, maladjusted feature switch, rebuilt plunger/chime unit, replaced rubbers/lights/etc, fixed a rollover button, and other similar challenges). This year, I'll also have 2-3 people working with me who are completely new to the hobby. I'm hoping to convert them into pinball fanatics
Do you think my project is reasonable? Also, any advice regarding the mechanical problems? Lastly, has anyone here built an EM neck before - how is that process?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice. As a college student looking to get more into the hobby, everyone on Pinside has been a godsend!
Sincerely,
lloprete
PS: I can take/post photos if needed. Just let me know