On my one Bally machine, I’ve been lucky so far, with little going wrong. What I’ve picked up from reading on the forum- Bally’s light sockets along with their Jones plugs, are junky- so be aware of light sockets being a possible problem.

Yes, they are all generally the same. You'll be fine.

Well you might enjoy actually being able to see the switches on the score motor

You should have no problem though.

Coin op model or home edition??

This is a little different. On Gottlieb the glass slides out the front. On at least some Ballys the glass tilts up with the side rails.

Ballys the backglass has a lift trim and the insert panel is fixed. Most gottlieb EMs the backglass comes out the back after tilting the panel back. Depending on the exact year (not sure on fireball), ballys sometimes have hollow metal posts directly bonded to the plastics, or use a regular wood screw instead of one with a hex head and the acorn nut on top, so removing the plastics can be a pain

Not to mention being able to see the relay switches better, the score reels switches better, being able to take steppers apart easier, etc.

I'm not an EM repair guy, but worth pointing out that Fireball has zipper flippers, which aren't common. It also has locking saucers and a spinning disk. Make sure all those things are working correctly before you dig in.

For it's day, Fireball was a packed game. A ramp, spinning disk, zipper flippers and multiball. It was the #1 game in my area for years.

Yes, and there are two prop rods recessed into the top edge of the cabinet sides to support the glass and frame. Unless you have three hands, you have to do them one at a time while supporting the glass and frame with one hand. Probably better to remove the entire glass and siderail/lockdown bar assembly, and put it aside. It is removable.

Yeah I was gonna say it's easier to remove the glass & frame , it unlocks through the coin door like most machines.

There is no "service position" rails for the playfield but you can lift it about straight up & strap it to the head if you need to work underneath for any prolonged period.

They do have a prop rod and the ability to move the playfield forward and lean it against the head.

I just noticed that about service rails you do have to move the prop-rod over to use the notch in the rails

I just fully rebuilt a 1972 Fireball and have it in my collection. I know that machine inside and out. PM me if you have questions. I also rebuilt my zipper mechanism with new bushings and various other bits.

Work is busy again, so PM is the best.