Hello all. Just joined so I hope this is the right place for this.
First some background. Sometime in the early 1950s my dad acquired a Bally "Fleet" game. As a kid back then I remember playing it. Later in the 1970s, I had it at my place and my kids used it in the early 1980s. Since then it has been sitting in the basement here. I think the last time I tried to use it was in the mid 1990s. It still worked at that time. I do antique radio restoration and figured maybe I should branch out and see if I could get this machine restored, so using a current-limited power supply and doing a visual inspection on the wiring, I powered it up. It still works! (A few lights and some dirty contacts but that is to be expected and an easy fix.)
So now my questions.... first, I would like to acquire a schematic of the machine if such is available. The pinball is a Bally "Fleet", Model 390, manufactured August 1940. so far I have been able to trace wiring and measure continuity without too much effort, but having a schematic would be helpful. Secondly, the backglass is in fair condition, some slight deterioration is evident but nothing too noticeable . However replacing is also an option depending on what is required and costs. Third, major unobtainium components all appear OK. Of course that issue is not unlike that faced getting parts for radios of that same era, and I do have contacts who can either locate or fabricate those. Finally general advice regarding cleaning the game board It's just a matter of removing decades of dirt, nothing damaged. (The rubber bumpers, etc need replaced, but I found those available online.)
The decision on whether or not I proceed will depend on what the probability of a successful outcome is for each of the issues I presented here. Any help or advice is appreciated! I just don't like to see a piece of history going away if it can be preserved