In the past I have asked this question before without much luck. But checking back here after a year or so I see I missed some discussion on the subject,

The above names an sites I have checked out . I know I have to get out there somehow before I purchase.
I have seen Herb Silvers get some good recommendations here an some real bad things said about him like he is a crook,

I have no skills to restore a game. I work overtime to pay for a game I am not rich. I understand the comments here about the restorations being overpriced . But some hit it on the head. Meaning I want a restored game as close to as new as possible . I will pay the price of 2500.00 to 3500.00 for perhaps titles many here do not think are worthy.
But my goal is one or two show pieces , I don't intend to sell them an what becomes of them will be up to my kids someday.
My question can I trust any of the above names ? Any recommendations on them ?

Pinhead you are dead wrong on skill sets . My Grandfather was a finish carpenter back in the day 1919 era . I inherited none of his skills. My Father in law can build repair anything. One of my sons could pick something up from the time he was 5 an figure out what was wrong an fix it.
I have seen this with shooting skills , someone who never shot a gun before the Academy can hit 300 out of 300 . But whats amazing is that the groups is so tight dead center that most bullets go through the same hole .
Others like myself have to practice ,practice just to be adequate.

I look at a pinball machine an see a maze of wires. Yes with many hours I might be able to do something but I will never bring it into a full restoration.

Same goes for cars someone who does engines is probably not going to paint the car to perfection.

I have read a few good things about the pinball pimp on a pinball site maybe here. Pinballpickers stuff looks good on you tube.
I realize most here will never buy a restored game but ........ maybe they have run across some. A retail seller told me the games he has acquired from people who were done by Herb were over the top but his work may have declined.

Herb talks great on phone.

Any help is appreciated.