Should I pick up this free Mousin Around?

Sounds pretty beat up. No pics. It's going to be about an 8 hour round trip, which will cost a couple hundred bucks in gas and bridge tolls. I don't know where I'll even put this thing right now, probably have to stick it in the shed for the time being. But on the other hand... free Mousin Around.

What I know:

"There are no keys for the machine so the back will not come down for transport.. It Powers up. Needs a glass and all new rubbers. Some solenoids are in need of replacing. Great project for someone handy. I just don't have the space or time any more"

#2 8 years ago

JWD

jdoz2

Inner Orbit Pinball

11y 132K 2,446 26

OP
Quoted from EvanDickson:
Sounds pretty beat up. No pics. It's going to be about an 8 hour round trip, which will cost a couple hundred bucks in gas and bridge tolls. I don't know where I'll even put this thing right now, probably have to stick it in the shed for the time being. But on the other hand... free Mousin Around.
What I know:
"There are no keys for the machine so the back will not come down for transport.. It Powers up. Needs a glass and all new rubbers. Some solenoids are in need of replacing. Great project for someone handy. I just don't have the space or time any more"

YES YES YES

One of my favorite system 11s. Great game and ITS FREEEE

#3 8 years ago

JAE

isJ

Pinside member

Minneapolis, MN

10y 83,050 1,626 3 12

Yes.

I didn't even read the post.

#4 8 years ago

FLY

foureyedcharlie

Pinside member

Lincoln, NE

11y 72,550 959 10 13

Yes! My favorite system 11.....go get it

#5 8 years ago

KEN

radium

Pinside+ Frequent

Uhh, yeah, go get it. Bring a drill for the lock and youre good.

#6 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tips-for-drilling-out-a-lock

Followup question - how does one actually drill out the lock so you can get the head down for transport? Never done this before.

#7 8 years ago

DEF

DefaultGen

Pinside member

11y 123K 2,806

If you have any doubt the guy isn't going to hold it for you, I probably wouldn't risk an 8 hour trip just to find out some guy showed up earlier this morning and picked it up.

#8 8 years ago

---

ForceFlow

Pinside Moderator

9y 238K 31,369 268 14

#9 8 years ago

whisper

Inactive member

Melbourne

11y 80,550 1,680 6 67

I would, you have a chance to bring a great pin back to life.

#10 8 years ago

GOV

Gov

GOVS_Mods

Springfield, MO

11y 108K 5,769 10 28

Agree with JDoz2. We have it at our local arcade and it is a really awesome game. Super fast and pretty difficult as well. One of the best Sys11 games for sure.

#11 8 years ago

Blackbeard

Pinside member

12y 106K 12,108 6 20

As much as it is indeed free, I'd still try to milk some more info on it before spending that much time in a car.

THEN again, it could be more nice than you think.

I'd probably go grab.

#12 8 years ago

KIS

rollinover

Pinside member

10y 83,050 2,094

better idea too is see if you can find someone to go pick it up for you locally and pay them a fee to grab it. maybe someone trusted on here, then pick it up when you can better arrange a time. that way u know its most likely going to be yours and not have to stress about it. people usually dont mind if they are going to make some money helping you out.

#13 8 years ago

GMS

king-pin

Pinside member

Kalgan

11y 81,600 902 50 22

Interesting dilemma,if you honestly think it is restorable and that you will restore it then go for it but if you are not sure that it is worth your time and effort to pick up or you are not sure that you have the time/knowledge to restore it maybe leaving it for someone closer might be better.I know what I would be doing!PS,great title have had mine for 14 yearsnow.

#14 8 years ago

rjloot

Pinside member

Montgomery, TX

8y 21,900 24 1

I'm pretty sure you don't need to drill the lock for the back you just need the right allen wrench to unlock it than you can fold it down.

#15 8 years ago

epthegeek

Pinside member

Muskego, WI

11y 141K 7,532 11

Quoted from rjloot:
I'm pretty sure you don't need to drill the lock for the back you just need the right allen wrench to unlock it than you can fold it down.

System 11 games didn't use the coffin style lock that I'm aware of. it's wing-bolts down through the head (if they're installed). Which you'd have to get the head open to get to.

#16 8 years ago

YBX

yancy

Pinside member

West Dundee, IL

11y 122K 7,208 25

Quoted from ForceFlow:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tips-for-drilling-out-a-lock

If you don't read that thread, at least read this: SAFETY GLASSES. The only time I ever had to drill a head lock, I was using the seller's cheap drill bits. They kept snapping off. I'm lucky I didn't lose an eye over a stupid Strange Science.

#17 8 years ago

DJT

Taxman

In Memoriam

Quoted from rjloot:
I'm pretty sure you don't need to drill the lock for the back you just need the right allen wrench to unlock it than you can fold it down.

That is Data East / Sega / Stern.

He will need a 1/4 bit through the center. Shove a flat head screw driver in and wiggle until the glass comes out.

Pull the backglass out and transport separate, it you put it back in unsecured it might fall out and break during transport.

Have a set of sockets & the flat Box / Crescent wrenches to pull the two head bolts it the wing nuts were not used. Have a blanket to fold in onto and a strap to secure the head.

Now get your keys and drive.

So to answer the first question - Yes Get it. Free System-11 is a no thought involved other than can you get somone closer to grab it for you.

#18 8 years ago

MAX

MGMPIN

Pinside member

San Luis Obispo, CA

10y 35,300 61 13

Grab it! Even if its beyond repair you could help some people out with hard to find parts for their restore - and make a few bucks.

#19 8 years ago

CDF

Collin

Pinside member

Columbus, OH

11y 116K 5,272 29 82 1

Absolutely! Bring a drill so you can drill locks.

#20 8 years ago

JAS

AZDbacker

Inactive member

Mesa, AZ

11y 26,400 213 4

IT's a TRAAAAAPPP!!!

freecandy.jpg

#21 8 years ago

KEN

radium

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from rjloot:
I'm pretty sure you don't need to drill the lock for the back you just need the right allen wrench to unlock it than you can fold it down.

And you still have a worthless lock with no key. Drilling the lock is half the fun of picking up these junkers.

I drove 10 hours round trip to pickup my $200 Future Spa, but I like road trips. I listened to some pinball podcasts for part of the trip, found some good places to eat, and picked up a sweet pin covered in busty ladies and 70's mustaches.

#22 8 years ago

KAM

kvan99

Pinside member

12y 97,050 6,031 10

Nah..leave it. I'd wait for a free MM.

#23 8 years ago

---

ForceFlow

Pinside Moderator

9y 238K 31,369 268 14

Quoted from kvan99:
Nah..leave it. I'd wait for a free MM.

I'm sure a free BBB will turn up at some point...I just know it

#24 8 years ago

GOV

Gov

GOVS_Mods

Springfield, MO

11y 108K 5,769 10 28

I got a free Paragon once

#25 8 years ago

KEN

radium

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from ForceFlow:
I'm sure a free BBB will turn up at some point...I just know it

It will make a fine coffee table project.

#26 8 years ago

JJZ

toyotaboy

RandOM Pinball

Allyn, WA

12y 184K 11,937 3 14

I'm downvoting you for even questioning such a trip

#27 8 years ago

---

ForceFlow

Pinside Moderator

9y 238K 31,369 268 14

Quoted from radium:
It will make a fine coffee table project.

Egads!

#28 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

Ok. I'm convinced. I've rented an SUV (Ford Escape) and made arrangements to pick it up. More like a 10 hour round trip it turns out, but I'll enjoy it.

I'll pack a flathead screwdriver / hammer / pliers to try to force the backbox lock, as well as a 1/4" metal drill bit to drill it if that doesn't work.

This works out well since I'm most of the way through bringing a Taxi back around. I can have 2 sys 11's side-by-side to work on.

#29 8 years ago

KEN

radium

Pinside+ Frequent

OP
Quoted from EvanDickson:
I'll pack a flathead screwdriver / hammer / pliers to try to force the backbox lock, as well as a 1/4" metal drill bit to drill it if that doesn't work.

And a socket wrench for the legs and backbox bolts.

#30 8 years ago

DJT

Taxman

In Memoriam

And a blanket and ratchet strap for the head

#31 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

OH yeah, those things are all part of the standard kit. Plus an angle grinder in case the backbox bolts are not removable.

#32 8 years ago

DJT

Taxman

In Memoriam

OP
Quoted from EvanDickson:
OH yeah, those things are all part of the standard kit. Plus an angle grinder in case the backbox bolts are not removable.

OK, that's a new one on me and I've been doing this a long time. I've never had one that Box wrenches / Socket set or vise grips could not get loose.

#33 8 years ago

ALX

Pahuffman

Pinside member

Hoover, AL

9y 88,800 1,967 6

I pretty sure the only way this could be better is if the owner PAID YOU to take it...

#34 8 years ago

K R

koen12344

Pinside member

Schagen

10y 56,650 324 8

Keep us updated, I'm curious what it looks like

#35 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

Quoted from Taxman:
OK, that's a new one on me and I've been doing this a long time. I've never had one that Box wrenches / Socket set or vise grips could not get loose.

I've had a couple machines where the t-nut was trashed and the wood chewed up under the back, so there was no way to get any resistance to loosen the bolt.

#36 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

Quoted from koen12344:
Keep us updated, I'm curious what it looks like

I'll send pics when I get it home. Which reminds me I owe this group some summer comparison photos to go with the snowmaggedon photos I posted in February.

#37 8 years ago

EVN

EvanDickson

Pinside member

I got 'er! About 12 hours total round trip, but I detoured for delicious lunch at the Halifax Farmer's Market. Mmm. Mediterranean crepes, samosas, and coffee!

Thanks for the tips on the lock drilling. I tried forcing it first, with an angled screwdriver I got at Canadian Tire last night. It almost worked, but the lock was stronger than the screwdriver. Next thing, I started drilling the coin door lock with a metal bit I got, also at Canadian Tire. I was 1" in after 5 seconds, and it stopped throwing chips. All my strength could not get it to dig another bit. On my way out the door this morning I grabbed a spare bit JUST IN CASE. Put this in the drill and it took like 1/4 second more drilling to pop the lock. Awesome. Backbox key hanging inside the coin door, mission accomplished.

The good:
Free. I offered to buy him even a case of beer, bottle of nice scotch, Timmies gift card or something, but he wouldn't take it. Just wants to see pics when it's working again.
Playfield literally has no wear. There seems to be a mylar sheet over the entire thing.
Ramps are pristine. Not a crack anywhere.
Plastics are 99% pristine. Not a fracture anywhere, even the slings. One chip in the artwork under a sling where the kicker rubbed it.
Translite is great. One little rub spot between the scores, that's it.
Boards are excellent. Not even any corrosion on the battery holder.
Boots up and can access diagnostic mode.
No corrosion at all under the PF, it all looks really clean.

The bad:
No top glass. Meh.
Dirtier than the dirtiest thing you've seen. A couple years of dust, and a few dead bugs. But it will come clean.
Some corrosion on chrome bits, switches, and metal mechanical parts above the PF.
Some planking on the PF, it's been in a garage for a long time with no glass. I guess it was humid. Not severe though.
A few bubbles under the plastic layer around some of the inserts.
Grossly dirty bottom of the cabinet. A single water stain, maybe someone spilled a beer and that's where it funneled out.
Rusty legs. I already have tremclad to deal with that.
A little fade on the cabinet, but not bad. A few tears around the legs too, but overall quite nice cabinet.
Two broken wires, one off each flipper coil.

I think this can be brought back quite nicely.

mousin_around-191048942.jpg
mousin_around-191101813.jpg
mousin_around-191349596.jpg
mousin_around-191452331.jpg
mousin_around-191445082.jpg
mousin_around-191549897.jpg
mousin_around-191825011.jpg
mousin_around-191616759.jpg

#38 8 years ago

RDM

boscokid

Pinside member

Wilmington, DE

9y 83,050 2,759 4

looks like it was worth a 12 hour ride to me, especially if you made an adventure out of it.

#39 8 years ago

KEN

radium

Pinside+ Frequent

That will clean up well. Nice score.

#40 8 years ago

DJT

Taxman

In Memoriam