Time Machine
Data East, 1988I bought a pinball machine... for $27. This machine was missing the glass, has water damage and is missing some vital parts. I always wanted to do a full restoration, this is the perfect candidate.
I wanted a machine that had a somewhat simple screen print. I feel that I could somewhat easily make a new set of screens and recreate the cabinet art. The few parts that are missing are out there, just have to play the waiting game. Here is what I started with.
Surprisingly the coin door is in good shape, the pf is in very good shape where the mylar was. Anywhere not protected by mylar got destroyed.
The bottom side of the pf is 100% complete, only the top side is missing three ramps and a bunch of posts and plastics.
Nice find! Sounds like a wonderful project. 
I've seen way too many awesome machines parted out that should have been saved IMO.
So far I was able to add a used sheet of glass and a lockdown bar. The pictures show the speaker grill, but I didn't know that was included when I bought the machine. I found it stuffed in the cabinet.
The apron cleaned up decently, not too much damage and still bright.
Quoted from PinsideTroll:part it out. soooo many hours will be wasted on that
Ooooooooffffff!!!
Time machine is a great game.
The coin door is worth more than $27.
rd
Quoted from rotordave:Ooooooooffffff!!!
Time machine is a great game.
The coin door is worth more than $27.
rd
I think it's a great game too.....I would like to own one someday. I'm following this thread....fun to watch!
$27. It's worth the effort. Around here you'd be lucky to find a project like that for $500. I'll be following along for the adventure. Looks like a fun project.
One of the main reasons I took on the project was because the inside of the cabinet seemed pretty complete. I'm looking through it and it seems to only be missing the knocker mech. The coil is there, but the actual plunger aspect of the knocker is gone.
Good for you. I wish more people were willing to see these types of projects through instead of parting them out. I bought a BK2000 at auction that everyone told me the same thing with. We had to do so much, art and everything. It was missing a ton of stuff including all boards, displays and most major assemblies on the playfield. It has come out amazing. Keep fighting the fight and bring them back!!!
So far I spent an additional $72 and got these two ramps. I'm a little unsure of how the metal ramp connects to the right lock ramp on the machine, finding those two ramps will be difficult, but I should be able to find them someday.
Cost of machine so far: $99
If anyone has a lead on ramps, backglass or decals... feel free to PM me.
Quoted from Rondogg:what is on the playfield, mud or wear? Any idea how it got this way?
It appears to be a generic midwestern mix of dust and preciptiation. It doesn't look like it got direct water like the cabinet head did.
Lockdown bar arrives tuesday!
Quoted from Rondogg:what is on the playfield, mud or wear? Any idea how it got this way?
I was thinking the same thing,if strong UV exposure or galvanic action isn't responsible for the dingy play field it should clean up.
You got me by 3 bucks the cheapest game I bought was $30 so it makes me have to ask how did the price come about do you work him down from 30...
Quoted from PoBoyPinball:You got me by 3 bucks the cheapest game I bought was $30 so it makes me have to ask how did the price come about do you work him down from 30...
I was supposed to get it for 10, it was me and another bidder in a auction. We were battling it out, dollar by dollar and he gave up at $27.
Quoted from dmbjunky:What kind of arcade auction takes bids a dollar at a time?
Ebay.
Glad to see someone has the same vision for these old machines that most junk. The last 2 machines i picked up were listed as parts machines or the next stop the dump. The one machine had no boards but everything else is there looks like 3 blind mice were into the wiring the other project turned on and got music but thats were it ended driver and mpu board had been hacked up. I just don't understand why stuff like this is considered junk by so many, Yes it won't be mint unless you sink big money but can still be a players machine that still can provided fun and enjoyment for many more years to come.
As a professional restorer I am always glad when a pinball resurrects. These titles are precious in that once they're gone they're gone. The problem with projects like this is that you can get backwards in a hurry. It doesn't look like you are in this for the money, so I am guessing that the feeling of satisfaction will help create a "life" long "friendship". Good luck and I cannot wait to see the photos of her finished.
warmest regards-Jerry
Quoted from lordloss:So far I spent an additional $72 and got these two ramps. I'm a little unsure of how the metal ramp connects to the right lock ramp on the machine, finding those two ramps will be difficult, but I should be able to find them someday.
Cost of machine so far: $99
If anyone has a lead on ramps, backglass or decals... feel free to PM me.
I found some videos on pinside about how to do the vacuum forming of plastic ramps... Yeah, it's a ton of work, and you'd have to find at least some type of donor ramp to make a mold from, but it's really exciting to see that it's actually possible to make a new/mint plastic ramp if you're willing to sink the time and money into it. And, hey, pinball ain't about making money 
Quoted from srmonte:So how much did you pay to ship this gem?
I was local, so just my gas and time.
Quoted from lordloss:I'm looking through it and it seems to only be missing the knocker mech.
You may have missed it. In my Laser War, it was in the upper right of the backbox.
*Edit*. Never mind. You have a pic of the backbox opened up, and I don't see it. Never mind me.
Quoted from lordloss:If anyone has a lead on ramps
If anyone can make them, Freeplay can. Keep an eye on this thread.
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Lodi, WI
Kitchener, ON
