Cool, I dig Hula Hula. Everyone associates Roy Parker with Gottlieb but he actually did the art for Chicago Coin's Hula Hula before Paradise and Pleasure Isle. I'd be happy to add any of them to my collection.
Alex

I've got the AAB version (Kickoff) and love it.
Alex

The one buried with just the side of the head showing is Lost World I believe.

I saw this ad a couple days ago. Based on the ads wording and the way he has them stored I agree with Pafasa. I suspect this guy could be a challenge to deal with. I hate the price guessing game. If you're interested I would just contact him and see if you can get him to throw a number out. Then at least you know if it's something you can work with.
Alex

Grand Prix is a fun game. These are the kind of projects I love to pick up. Not really restore it but clean it up, get it playing good and just enjoy it for awhile. When you get bored with it or find something else interesting sell it for a small profit and on to the next one.
Alex

Pirate Gold...blech. It's probably a $250-$300 game perfect and working. This ones all hacked up and even uglier than the original. Maybe $100.
Alex

Holy crap, I live in Edgerton. Looks nice but the cabinet looks to have been repainted.
Alex

I know who this is now. There are surprisingly a few collectors in my small town. Including myself I know of 5 and our town is only 5400 people. This guy was pretty heavy into it for awhile but I think he got frustrated trying to keep them maintained. Not a guy that likes to do it himself.

My friend has a 300 (4 player version) and I like the game. It's fun and different from anything else I own. I don't think $600 is too bad for this Top Score. My dilemma is I'm at a one in one out policy now. It would be nice to have a later multi-player EM again. As much as I like it though, Top Score wouldn't be one I'd sacrifice a current machine for. I have my eye on a couple others and am really struggling with the sacrifice to make it happen part. Space and money are always my biggest setbacks. Or maybe they just keep me in check.
Alex

Yes! Time too. I told myself over the Winter as soon as it got warm I was going to start working on a bunch of my projects. So far it seems like there has been nothing but distractions to keep that from happening. It's hard to initiate a conversation with the wife to convince her I need to buy another machine when you can barely walk through my gameroom. Pitch and bat all tore apart and random parts everywhere. This hobby is a sickness though. You always thirst for one more.

I did get a little break though. I was going to add a link to this post for a decent Williams Big Strike for sale by Milwaukee. I've always liked that game and it being available nearby at a fair price was almost tortuous. I was actually relieved this morning to see the ad had been deleted.
Alex

I like it. My Jungle has that same funky mid-century modern cabinet. It looks great next to my 1960 Serenade. Designed months apart but such a contrast. One wood rail with reel scoring and one with the crazy mod cabinet and light scoring. Williams made 10 with that design in 1960-1961. Rob Berk (Pinball Expo co-founder) has all of them.
Black Jack
Bo Bo
Caravelle
Darts
Highways
Holly wood
Jungle
Magic Clock
Music Man
Viking

Alex

Bally Freedom.
Alex

Many have argued that the Space Lab production is higher than 30. It's a game that seems to pop up for sale far too often for it to be that low. I would agree that it looks pretty boring but many seem to enjoy it.
Alex

I'm generally not a big fan of re-themes. This one is just screaming for it. What else would you do with it? Nice price either way.
rockford.craigslist.org link
Alex

Wait, what? I am confused. You picked up a second Fireball?
Alex

Wow, that is cool. And being the German version is extra neat. I remember playing a really clean German 4 Million BC at my first Pinball Expo. I wonder if some like you say never left the states.
Alex

So weird that Steve McQueen was in that flick.
Alex

I know now but I cheated. I had to look it up. Just as strange and unexpected for sure.
Alex

This was before the crows feet and Hugo Montenegro soundtrack.
Alex

I'd love a $250 Williams Soccer. Fun game.
Alex

Yeah, it may never be the pride of the fleet. I'd offer $200, clean it up, play the hell out of it for awhile and then sell it (hopefully for a small profit). But then I always liked this one. Williams may not get the love that Gottlieb does but they had a lot of interesting games in the 60s.
Alex

Yikes, these days I really have to want a game to consider a 6 hour round trip and there are very few I'd consider for a potential 16 hour trip. My longest was 13 hour round trip and that one turned into an interesting but comical adventure (in retrospect).
Alex

This one piqued my interest as well. It looks very restorable. My wife even gave me the green light even though I am overflowing my current space. An hour and a half away through construction and tolls combined with no room left is my deterrent. Hope a pinsider snags it. Odin you wanted a Sunshine. Call 'em up!
Alex

There has to be a ton of Pinsiders/RGp guys down in that area. I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. Congrats.
Alex

Is that your spare. Will you throw in a couple avocados?
Alex

It is cool. And it's so unique, at least to anything I own. At $400 it's almost worth shipping it. But then your dealing on Craigslist and anything can go awry.
Alex

Yes, Racquel is also an undeniable classic.
Alex

Go get that sucker. You could use a nice Bally in your collection.
Alex

Here's the thing, according to Boston Pinballs website 4 Million BC averages for around $1100. You could play it for awhile and easily double your money.

Royal Flush is also a great game but they made a ton of them. It averages for $658. If you want one, it will turn up again at a nice price eventually. You'll be lucky to see another 4 Million Bc for under $1000.

Alex

I have a friend that has a Pro Football buried in storage. It looks interesting and I could probably talk him out of it fairly easily. So you like it?

What are the other two? I didn't see them mentioned in the ad.

What no drop targets no love? I think it looks fun. I have a potential lead on one a lot closer and cheaper.

Good info, I appreciate the input. Space ran out a long time ago unfortunately... but yeah I think it would be a fun one to have around for awhile. We'll see what happens.

Dang 4 Million BC on the Right, Sinbad Em on the left. Here I am stuck in the middle again.
Alex

I would also love one of these. It be a neat variation to the collection and historically interesting. I used to see 1930s games all the time in the $200 range and I thought eventually I'd grab one. Eventually they just quit showing up.
Alex

Got one of the older ones. Fun game and never have to replace a coil.

Here's my US Marshal. Needs a gun rebuild but still plays ok.

USMarshal.jpg

Well, it's actually an old wine barrel, but does kind of have that powder keg look...

Hi Dave,
The one I have shoots but is inconsistent. I have had it for a long time and have always been on the fence on how to correct it. Crow River sells new and used guns but they are not cheap. They also sell the parts needed to rebuild them. I am not sure about the other place. Do you have some contact info?
Thanks,
Alex

It's no EM Joker Poker but it's still pretty cool. Hard to really call it rare with 950 units combined with 730 Eye of the Tigers but still a great layout from the transition period. If it was within driving distance I'd grab it.
Alex

Sinbad was probably the favorite drop target game I've owned but being SS I cut mine loose. I understand the EM version doesn't have as good a ruleset but I think it balances out just by being EM.
Alex

Webbing seems to make or break a cab repaint and far too often it's web crazy like that. Detracts from what is probably an otherwise very nice machine.
Alex

Dang, smoking deal.

Shay has the back glass. http://shayarcadegroup.com

Flipper retrofit on that one.

Yeah it doesn't...

It's fun to see all the neat machines and deals in other parts of the country. Makes me sweat a little when they get posted that are close to home. I always go through that internal dialogue. I should go get that. Yeah, but I don't need it. But it's such a cool game at a good price. Yeah, but I'd have to sell one of mine to make room. Maybe I could store one for awhile... then it's gone and I'm more relieved than disappointed.

Yeah, it's scary in there.

This one has been listed for quite awhile and I am a bit surprised someone hasn't grabbed it yet. Cab repaint doesn't look quite right but otherwise a nice deal on an old Gottlieb wood rail. Six flippered fun!
chicago.craigslist.org link

Central Park has one of the coolest backglass animations ever. Hoping you get it.
Alex

What!? You have two Solar City?

Well, with your EM appetite it's always nice to have some trade bait.

Sometimes it works that way. I love it when you can buy two and end up with one free or close to it.

My first machine. I know it isn't the most appealing with the hippy them but it actually had some cool features. The "spinny thing" of course, center ball eject (like Pro Football), light the cards in the backglass and playfield magnets. How many Ems have magnets!? It was my first so I had no clue how uniquely weird it was. I sort of miss it but my wife hated it. She never plays but always has an opinion on the art.

Your not far off with that lock down bar and top bank of targets. It was quirky but I like that.

Saw that one. I must confess I'm tempted. A couple hours away and it would be my 3rd Klondike. There is a Pinsider in Viroqua that collects Ems. I'd be surprised if he doesn't grab it.

There is no question it's a great price. If it wasn't close to 4 hours of driving for a game that I have already owned twice I'd be more determined. I think I'm getting old. There was a time when I would have left early for work to go get it.

I won't really have the free time until Sunday. I am guessing it will be somebody's new project by then.

In my experience home owners rarely get the year correct. My guess is Star Explorer home model.

You guys are too kind.

Just saw these beauties on Craigslist. Not pinball but should make you smile. All I can think of is Cousin Eddie...
madison.craigslist.org link

I like Prospector. Considering how blown out that Eight Ball Deluxe looks it's probably not cheap.

Looks like Prospector averages $524 on Ebay. http://bostonpinball.biz/ebay0513.htm

Backglasses and playfields are almost always very nice on Sonic games. It's the particle board cabinet that would be a determining factor.

Multi pitch, 2 player and homerun ramps. If this game had a mechanical running man unit it would have it all.

Sharpshooter. SS but still fun.

Congrats on the Big Shot. It may be a different set up but a had a similar drop target reset issue on a Gold Strike I owned. If I remember there were two coils used to reset the large bank. Each had it's own fuse and one was blown on mine causing the problem. Just spitballing as your configuration may be entirely different.
Alex

Good call. I used to let gameplay reviews and opinions influence my game purchases. After awhile I learned it is often very subjective and had some disappointments and pleasant surprises along the way.

Looks like an interesting game. I'm not usually a big fan of slot kickers but the placement between the flippers is pretty neat. The red repaint looks limited to the front of the game. Should make it fairly easy to correct.

I've seen these weird woodrail "upgrades" before. My guess is operators tried to make their games look more modern. You can't beat the beauty of a woodrail but I have to admit it actually looks pretty cool.

I'm not entirely sure. The playfield would share the same dimensions. The glass is likely the same as well. The lightboard may require some modification. I believe the coin door and components are the same or very similar between late woodies and early wedge heads.

Aha, a Tropic Isle cab.
http://www.ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=2661&picno=18589

I'd like a Pop-A-Card. Not crazy about the art but I like the drops with 2" flippers.

Me too.

I believe that is another multi-ball game. Other than Williams Beat the Clock, Ballys are your goto for em multi-ball!

Well, yeah I suppose that works too.

We'd know this if you added your collection to your profile.

I hear you. It's just fun sometimes to peek at a collection on the fly.

Here's one where bad photos may add to the allure. It's really giving that 70s effect.
chicago.craigslist.org link

Dang, almost 5 hours away. Somebody go get this.

kokomo.craigslist.org link

Tempting for sure. I've never arrived at a sellers house to discover they had sold a game while I was on the way. That's always my fear with a game this cheap and that far.

Nothing wrong with any of those Gottlieb multi-player titles. However if your focusing on Gottlieb, single players are generally more desired for their deeper rulesets and feature carry over from ball to ball. This would make them likely qualify more often as potential keepers among Em collectors.

I believe Spin-A-Card and the AAB Hearts and Spades are it. Fun game, crazy price.

That is an interesting repaint. Ties in nicely with the theme and thoughtfully implemented. It would almost be a shame to remove it...almost.

Yeah, what happened to Chris? I miss that guy.

Ha, I don't know what the hell that is from but it made me laugh.

Ah, the toy you buy your kid if their torn between being a make-up artist or a ventriloquist.

Just did...

Looks like it might be a pretty nice game if you can get the nicotine cleaned off. But yeah, $3,200? Yikes.

That's exactly what my experience was too. Sold Gold Strike, Lucky Hand, Quick Draw, etc. Now I'm kind of itching for another drop target game but I think I'd prefer one with 2" flippers. I know there is Pop-A-Card/Drop-A-Card, Dimension/2001. Are there any other Gottlieb 2" flipper games with drops.

Is there a Baseball game with drops besides Big Hit. I do like Big Hit. I'd take one but for the sake of argument it has 3" flippers.

I am not completely opposed to 3" flipper games it just sort of worked out that my current keepers ended up being all 2".

I've been kicking myself for not buying your Gypsy Queen when I had the chance. I shouldn't have let the long drive deter me. I really want a Slick Chick! Just kidding, awesome game but on too many want lists already.

Ah, nice to see an AAB in your want list.

I sold him an old Genco game with a conversion glass many years ago. I wonder if it's still in his collection? Hopefully he can work out a new location. He is certainly passionate about pinball.

Agreed the artwork is so cool. I always thought it was Stenholm's masterpiece. Now I understand it may not have been Stenholm at all.

Odin's Big Daddy is super nice. A game you don't see too often and this one is an amazingly clean example.

A couple weeks ago we had some people over and I finally utilized my old Sun Drop machine. People had bottles of soda in their hands when my 13 year old arrived home from a friends house. She looks around and asks me where the soda is. I said in the pop machine. She says we have a pop machine? So I had to take her down to the game room to show her the machine that had been there for more than 5 years. I thought this was funny and the next day I asked her to name two of my pinball machines. She says hmm, Klondike and uh..... I remember Rocky & Bullwinkle. I don't own either of those anymore.

Ha, "pop" is sort of a regional term isn't it?

This guy has some of these titles listed on Mr. Pinball with prices.

Eye of the Tiger? Yeah, I know. Drool. $1800.

She left it on your Magic Clock shelf?

128165-i.jpg

Ooh custom. I like it better than the shelf paper you usually see.

That would keep the squirrels away from your avocados.

I like Gold Rush. Probably not the greatest player ever but it has great art and the saucer between the flips is cool. It launches ball in the bagatelle. If the price was right it would be fun to have around for awhile.

I don't know, that's every game produced before Bank-A-Ball in 1965. Not for everyone but there is a ton of good stuff without return lanes.

You know I'm not generally a fan of repaints...
Alex

I saw those. Both look good but to far North for me. Where is that guy that got the Astro, Doodle Bug combo.

He had a King of Diamonds and a Sinbad too. If the Drop a Card was local I'd probably buy it. Sounds a bit blown out for a long distance pick-up though.

Ugh, your not helping. It does sound interesting. And the multi pricing is attractive. I'm not opposed to project or a players machine for the right price. Still 8 hrs on the road and I'll be going the opposite direction to the Chicagoland show this weekend.