Welcome! I would post a few picks if you want and people will have a better idea of condition.

With 3,500 produced, it's not exactly rare... But it is a highly sought after machine, so it's certainly valuable. Pics will definitely help determine price.

Yes post pics and you will get good estimates from the community...

^ Exactky what he said. Get us pics and we'll help you out. Sorry for the loss of your father too.

Your going to have a lot of interested buyers now. . Expect some pm's because Fathom is a game many are seeking out.

Yes it is the most sought after Bally I think so don't give it away for less than it is worth.

$2500- $8000 and anywhere in between.

People like blue.

People think it's a fun game. Take off the playfield glass when you take your pictures. Look at the backglass for flaking paint. Any playfield wear through the artwork is important to show in the photos. Also some pictures of the PCBs in the backbox, looking for battery leakage damage and obvious electrical component failure.

Everybody in MO is gonna tell you it's worth 500 bucks.

Everybody else is gonna say $8000 because they don't want anybody getting a good deal.

Truth is in need of major work you are probably looking at around $2000, less if it's in bad comsmetic shape.

It's the epitome of a wholesome classic pinball machine. It's feature rich, has a great layout with fantastic shots, and it has gorgeous artwork.

Is the game at all sedimental to you or your family? You mentioned that it was your father's. If you hang onto it, fix it and take good care of it, it will be a pinball machine that serves you well. Edit: I'd probably keep it, fix it, and enjoy it. You certainly won't regret it!

Otherwise, if you sell it, it's value heavily depends on it's condition. But it's not a game that usually goes for cheap.

Keep it!

I guess it depends how far you want to restore it too. Don't feel the need to go crazy working on it if that isn't your thing. Just getting it up and running and shopped out with basics might be all you need to really enjoy it. Or, do that first, then see if you get the bug to fully restore it. Some of these older games really grow on you after they've been around a while. I'd at least give it some time in your possession with a basic shop job to figure that out.

Agreed. I think you should keep it. Anyone Pinsiders in the area that can help get it up and running?

And fish.

And tuna. (just sayin')

Assuming you have enough space, and can find a little time and money, then I'm one more vote for keep it, fix it, and play it. Especially if it's the only thing you have left of your dad's, that's a nice sentimental connection.

You can definitely find the support within this group to get it up and running again, whether you're getting down into the nitty gritty of learning to solder and replace circuit board components, or just buying a whole new set of boards and plugging them in.

Keep it!!!!!!!!! Wish I was closer, I would help you out!!! Pinside is a plethora of knowledge!!! And smarta$$es, and just plain good ol camaraderie!!!

If he keeps it he'll have to make room for 5 more.

download (1) (resized).jpg

Average out all the numbers you get after pics....there is variation based on condition, location, as well as
"demand".

You "blue guys " are killing me!

First: Do you have any interest in pinball at all?
Second: Do you have any interest in fixing a pinball machine?
If you're only so-so on either....sell it.

Then maybe hire someone to fix it up and play. Great memories!

Here's a ballpark https://pinside.com/pinball/archive/fathom

For value, some of the most important things most people are going to consider are:

Condition of the Backglass - this means where there is any paint missing, flaking, fading, crazing in the ink etc. A photo from the front doesn't always tell the whole story. Take one from the back side too (gray coating) where it tends to show us what actual damage it has.

Condition of the playfield - there are all sorts of levels from good to bad. Many old playfields have some of the paint missing, especially around the inserts (plastic lenses in the playfield that are lit up from below). Some playfields have small cracks starting to show through the paint as if the wood grain is coming through (which it may be). In extreme cases, there are larger amounts of bare wood starting to show here and there (especially in the center area and around the pop bumpers).

Condition of the cabinet - some games have been treated very well over the years, others have been stored in extreme elements causing the exterior paint on the cabinet to flake, fade etc. Even some so bad that the cabinets are coming apart or have experienced water damage. Show shots of both sides and the front. This will also show condition of the metal used on the sides and coin door.

For some collectors, they are even looking to see if it has all original boards and that the serial number stickers match the cabinet. This is rather extreme but can increase value to some collectors. But as was mentioned, try to get a good shot of the MPU board. This is one of the larger ones located in the upper left corner. It more than likely has a small white Nicad Battery cell across the bottom which leaks alkaline and pretty much destroys the board if left stored for many years. In some cases, it was remotely mounted years ago which helps to protect from further damage. In some cases, extreme alkaline damage will effect other boards around it as well as many of the connector pins in wire harnesses on the MPU board and others.

If you plan to keep it, you don't necessarily need to get it "Restored". You can simply invest in getting it playable again and invest in new rubber rings and lamps to have a game to play and enjoy. You will probably pay between $45 and $100 an hour for tech work depending on your area and the skill level of those doing the work. If the main MPU board is indeed alkaline damaged and bad, original serviced warrantied replacements can be had for around $125 or you can opt for brand new reproductions in the $200 range. Fathom will probably never go down in value so you can always sell it and recoup your investment when you tire of it or life forces you to sell it.

Looking good so far!

Looking good! Can't wait to see the rest. I'm a sentimental person and would say fix/restore/shop and keep it

Did you get the lockbar off?

No.

Yes you should. And get a bunch more to keep it company.

2k all day. But I say keep it and polish that turd into a good player.

Keep it, shop it, play the hell out of it!

Top left board. Bottom white cell battery. It's already leaking. Send all those boards to barakandl

I don't think he does repairs anymore?