I think one of the biggest problems a newbie can make is diving into a project before they are really ready. You're probably eager to get started but there are some basics you should realize first.

Tip #1: PHOTOS, PHOTOS & MORE PHOTOS! Tons of photos before you start tearing into it. Topside, underside, cabinet, every mech, every board, all the wiring, wide shots, close shots, different angles, etc. This cannot be stressed enough. They will be your frame of reference when putting everything back together months from now, when you've forgotten exactly where certain things go. Literally take hundreds & hundreds of photos.

Tip #2: Read, read, and then read some more! Then read some more! Read the entire Sorcerers Club thread for ideas & tips. Read the entire pinwiki page on Williams System 9 games. Pinside has TONS of restore threads. Search the site & read some Sorcerer rebuild threads. Read the Vid's repair guides. Follow pinsiders who have done restores you enjoy & read some of their other threads for knowledge. And most importantly, get a notebook & take notes while you're reading. Make a parts list as you go. Create a budget, then prepare to spend double that amount. When you're just starting out, the amount of knowledge out there can be overwhelming, but it is all readily available. You are ultimately the one who will have to put in the work.

Tip #3: Befriend some local pinball guys with pinball knowledge. The grayer the hair the better, they know their stuff That way when if you get stuck on something, someone will be close by to offer you advice or a lend a hand. This really helped me in my experiences.

Sounds like you want to do a nice restore & not a simple shop job. Playfield, cabinet repair & repaint, the works. Go for it! Pulling up your sleeves & getting your hands dirty is the only way you'll learn. A lot of restorers like to sink a ton of money into their restores to make them LOOK better-than-new, but just remember the most important thing about a restore is getting the game to PLAY like it's brand new. You don't have to break the bank.

I bought a beat up Mata Hari for my first restore & didn't have a clue what I was doing. I haven't looked back since. If it takes you forever, so what? You'll be gaining experience & having fun along the way. And then there's the payoff when you're finally finished. Good luck!

https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11