Twin Cities, MN
We've all seen them - those pre-flipper games that get no love, usually from the late 30's to 40's; not quite as interesting as the early 30's tables, and left behind in favor of the flipper models that followed. The forgotten, the abandoned; the white elephants. They languish on CL, or get bottom-barrel status at auction.
Many are offered up as candidates to convert into coffee tables, or other 'art'. At best, it allows them to donate parts to other games, or avoid complete dumpster status; at worst, well, they won't be played again.
I note, however, that they often have usable playfields and cabinets, and I can't help but wonder if some would make reasonable candidates to convert into more modern style games (at least 'modern' EM, but possibly hybrid). Yeah, some games had flipper kits added, but I'm thinking something more extensive; more modern pop bumpers, targets, kickouts, some internals, scoring even. They have the basics of a shooter lane and playfield layout. Could be good practice for clear coating and/or re-theme too (although it would be interesting to incorporate into the existing themes). Could re-arrange some of the layouts too I think. Some of the late 30's ones with smaller backboxes might be good for digital displays even.
Basically raw material for building up a 'newer' game (and maybe saving flipper EMs from such fates).
Any pre-flipper playfields look promising to modernize?
