"300"
Gottlieb, 1975
Atlantis
Gottlieb, 1975
Big Deal
Williams, 1977
Black Jack EM
Bally, 1977
Boomerang
Bally, 1974
College Queens
Gottlieb, 1969
Duotron
Gottlieb, 1974
Flip-A-Card
Gottlieb, 1970You're currently viewing posts by Pinsider garrett.
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Life got busy with a kid in 2017 and the EM's sat idle for the most part. Can't believe the hobby has grown even more than where it was a few years ago.
I picked this one up several years ago for $250. Fun game and a keeper for me so time to get back at it, have a bit of brush work to do.
Aztec (resized).jpgQuoted from atpcfiaim:Gottlieb Top Card.
I found the missing playfield trim and installed the top and bottom arches. I also installed a new set of flipper bats and 3/8” flipper rings. Short session due to work tonight.
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That is looking very nice!
Quoted from stashyboy:Wow, that grass grew quickly on the ten yard line. I think Grid Iron is a great looking game, perhaps a better art package than Pro Football, but gameplay is not as good as Pro Football imo. The metal spinners are superior to the later plastic. Yes, I have added weight, but still not great. I found I enjoyed Time Zone more than I thought I would. A worthy pursuit on a less appreciated game.
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Started waxing and it’s looking pretty good. Shame is it has some pitting in the paint. I’m sure I’m the first person to clean the playfield since 1977. Ball was extremely dirty.
Coincidence or did you see my wish list? My second pin was a Space Time and regret letting it go. Great art and the Time Tunnel is very cool for an EM. If anyone has one that is sitting around I would be very interested.
Quoted from EMsInKC:[quoted image]1960 Gottlieb Merry Go Round. Mostly back together, getting plastics done on it. It has multiple issues right now but getting closer. Was a total basket case when I got it.
Playfield has weird cracking that I've seen on othe MGR playfields. We decided to do some repainting but mostly left it as kind of a sort of restored/patina hybrid. Playfield has been cleared to keep it as is. Cab was repainted, bgresto backglass.
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Great work!
Quoted from Silverstreak02:I installed my bottom board.
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Beautiful work indeed!
Quoted from mrm_4:Finished clear coating my space mission that I’ve been touching up
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Going to let it sit in the cab for a few days before I block sand and polish.
Before
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After
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2PAC? Looks good.
My first attempt at clear coating a playfield. This playfield was a disaster and I've learned a lot along the way. I wanted to try 2K but do not have that set up now, hopefully in the future. So I opted for the water based Varathane. I got a little over a one spray can down but hated the light orange peel. Saw another person had tried using a paint pad and gave that a shot. A few little loose bristles got into the coat but overall I liked the much smoother result of the pad vs the can, less sanding to deal with. Will get my color matching better, was surprised how much it changes once under the clear coat.
after paint pad application (resized).JPGIMG_6619 (resized).JPGafter paint pad (resized).JPGafter paint pad 2 (resized).JPGQuoted from MikeO:Does working on pinballs make us more capable of tackling other projects, like washing machines? Or is it the other way around?
Other way around? I remember disassembling all kinds of things as a kid wondering how they worked.
But a pin is way more fun than a washing machine...........
Quoted from Playdium:Try replacing the rollers on a front load dryer. I had to disassemble the whole fricken thing. I can imagine what the repair service would have charged for this.
Okay, back to pinball...
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That looks exactly like the piece of crap LG we had. Took mine apart more than once. And also had to replace the water pump on the washer after 5-6 years.
Quoted from Garrett:That looks exactly like the piece of crap LG we had. Took mine apart more than once. And also had to replace the water pump on the washer after 5-6 years.
Quoted from mrm_4:I can’t get this glass receiver bar cleaned up, not sanding like the rest of the stainless steel for this machine. Would painting it dark blue with white specks to match the cab be too much color?
I’d like the steel to match the rest of the trim in the way of how much it reflects but it’s not happening
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I think they were plated, my Aztec had the same pitting.
Try it. If you think it looks out of place, then time to sand it down again 
Quoted from paulace:I wish Gordon had smoked a little more....love that art! Gemini is beautiful too - love what he was doing in the late 70's.
Morison did the artwork for something like 146 games. I read that his apartment was full of his art - backglasses, paintings, drawings. When he died in 2000 of lung cancer, his family (who had never appreciated his pinball artwork) just threw all the backglasses in the dumpster....over 200 backglasses, some one of a kind.
I love his artwork too, here's a list;
https://pinside.com/pinball/machine/gordon-morison
A brief history;
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/GordonMorison
Quoted from DanMarino:Time Zone is in the house.
Got it from dead to working within 4 hours. Still trying to figure out why the center post isn’t going down. Also, looks like this one has 2 sets of back legs on it. The front is too high up.
Edited to add: Looks like it has 31 inch legs on all 4 corners. My Fireball has 28 inch legs. I'm thinking about swapping the back legs from the Fireball and putting them on the front of the Time Zone. That way I'll have 28 on the front and 31 on the back. Does anyone else do that with their EMs?
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The good old Time Zone. Will be interesting to see what you think of it Dan. Been watching your posts on the Fireball too.
With this satement people usually disregard everything afterwards but...Sapce Time was my first pin. Sold it after a few months and 10 years later a Time Zone is now back in the collection. Always loved the art package and come on man...it has a freakin' time tunnel! I think it sits in a small lineup well and good for a few games when playing the pins and having a beer(s). Great pin for beginners, no rules
It's purely random. If you are ok with that, it's a fun title. It is what it is. No drops or targets, nada.
Keep the tilt really loose, adds to the fun.
Beat the ball around as long as you can for a high score. The lower playfield is flirting with a quick drain so keeping the ball in the upper playfield/pops is key. Get the gates open.
One of the thing I love about Bally's is the 50 volt pops! When cleaned and set up, the pops can easily walk the ball back to the top of the playfield. Awesome pops!
One thing I hate about early 70's Bally's is the linear flipper design. I find them to be weak and have a spongy feel to them when compared to William's and Gottlieb's of the same era. If you are a fan of the game then replacing the flippers is possible with a '75-'78 Bally flipper design.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/replacing-bally-time-zone-stock-linear-flippers
Quoted from DanMarino:Got the down post working. Looked at the schematic and game over relay has a normally closed switch that powers the down post relay. Cleaned the blue and yellow switch on the game over relay and cleaned the down post relay and it is all working fine now. Only other non-functional item is the 3,000 lights do not illuminate on the time tunnel. So I'm guessing it has to to with the time tunnel score motor thing. So I'll take a look at the wires and rivets on that thing again and do more cleaning of it.
As far as game play I can see how this would be good for a family with little kids. That post that goes up and down between the flippers will help little kids keep the ball in play a little longer. I like the art package, but my playfield has some worn spots up by the kickout holes and pop bumpers. The backglass is also losing paint.
For $200 it's a fine machine. I doubt I'll ever get one at a cheaper price. Ultimately, I don't think this will be a keeper. I don't have the room. So unless I find a friend or family member who will let it into their home, I'll have to sell it.
It is fun getting more knowledge and skill about how to repair these EM machines. There are some things I like about Ballys better than Gottlieb. I like the Bally score reels and score motors. I'm a drop target and spinner fan, so Time Zone is lacking in those areas. Having a Fireball and getting it working again has made this Time Zone project really easy.
I'll likely clean the playfield, attempt some touch ups, put clear on the touchups, and wax it. I still need to clean the pop bumpers and triple thick the back glass. After that I'll put some new rubber bands on it and throw in a new ball. I'll clean the outside of the cabinet some too. It's kinda dirty.
Garrett I see what you mean about the flippers.
I'm tempted to put a bunch of color matched LEDs in the time tunnel. Has anyone done that?
I put LED's in the tunnel, looks great with extra saturation.
In the head I put the twin head flexible LED's for the Time Tunnel as it lights up more of the artwork in the back glass.
Clean it up and it sells from $500-$800.
The LED strip under the pin cycles colors and just happened to be blue when I took the picture.
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Quoted from DanMarino:Garrett Your Time Zone is a lot nicer than mine. It looks great. At lunch I switched out the rubber bands. I had a box of clear silicones, so I put those on. Just need to see if I have a new shooter tip rubber.
The game is playing pretty well. The lower right pop bumper needs a new skirt, so I think I have an old one to swap on that already has a matching patina.
I noticed the left flipper is cracked, so I'll look to see if I have an old set to use in there.
Next I need to get the back glass out of it. I have a difficult time getting the back glasses out of these early 70's Bally macines. I want to triple thick the back of the glass and check for burnt bulbs in the head.
As far as game play I am spoiled with my EMs. Fireball, El Dorado, and Card Whiz are all such great machines that I never get tired of. I'm thinking I would rather have an Old Chicago, Argosy or Space Mission. I need an EM with a good spinner.
I think removing the back glass is easier on this era of Bally's and William's compared to Gottlieb's. Release the rear tabs and it usually lifts out pretty easy from the front side.
I'm with you on a good spinner, have an Aztec and Wizard but I'd take an Old Chicago or Argosy or Hokus Pokus anytime. I live in Michigan and quite serious if you have one that needs a good home let me know
The Fireball intrigues me but I'm not a 2" flipper fan. But to be fair have not played a zipper flipper Fireball. I'd take one of those too, I live in Michigan
Card Wiz is very cool and did have a Gold Strike for a while, great EM's. So many great EM title's out there.
The only Gottlieb I have now is the Cleo. I like to have my ass totally handed to me and man, that can pin do it.
Quoted from PantherCityPins:Just finished this “300” with my buddy pinhead52 on tap for troubleshooting help. Full cabinet redo, new backglass, new plastics s. Playfield was deep cleaned, few touch ups here and there and then waxed and shopped. Stainless regrained/polished as usual.
LOTS of gremlins were hiding in this one!! pinhead52 earned his fee!!
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Very nice work.
Quoted from AndrewP:Time to get into the Zone…
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I’m thinking about really tripping out on this one, maybe not as ambitious as GeorgeClements88 but more along the lines of RGB blinkers and kitschy touches.
Colored LED's in the tunnel really make it pop.
Quoted from MrVern:Just brought home a project Triple Strike for $100 and 5 hours of driving, It is in decent shape for the price
Ill be getting a lot of mileage out of Vid's guide on playfields. I want this guy clean and fast!
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I saw that ad as well, had texted her that the price may be a bit too low. But glad you got it exactly what it was posted for. Killer deal!
Other than the flipper drag that playfield looks to be in very, very good shape. The good news is the flipper drag is pretty much in the yellow and not in the bare wood area. Fill it, sand it and some paint and it'll look great once again.
Congratz!
Quoted from EMsInKC:Finished a mini restoration of Travel Time. Cab was just touched up. My partner touched up and cleared the playfield, and I did the rest of the polishing and mechanical stuff. A beautiful game, fun player. Definitely a different game.
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Very nice!
Quoted from wolverinetuner:Clearcoating (16 coats of Minwax Polycrylic), extra clearcoat to level all 36 inserts, sanding (220, 400, 800, 1000, and 1500 grit), and Novus 2 DONE (and worth it)!!! Finally, on to the home stretch: re-populating the playfield.
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Are you using rattle cans? I tried them at first as I don’t have a set up for auto clear.
There was a thread on this forum where someone used a paint pad. I gave it a shot and prefer this application method. Will be working on a 4MBC soon and can get photos.
While this method requires some attention to playfield through holes it can be done in just 3-4 coats.
Quoted from PoMC:Finishing up Gottlieb Soccer. Such a fun game that I've been ignoring everything else and only playing two player games versus myself. My step-son came over yesterday and this is all he was playing too after we played a game against each other.
This game was already so damn clean!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4nHy5ab8CKViSZGi6
Amazing original condition!
Quoted from EMsInKC:Painted the lightboard, and installed and glass in. Head is finished.
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Very nice work!
Quoted from pinwiztom:Your restore of the CAB and Guts looks great considering what you had to start with.
Please post pics of the PF and BG (before/after) when you are finished with this project.
I think so too! Very nice job.
schudel5 I love using a warm white light trough light mod to get a bit more light between the flippers.
https://www.cometpinball.com/products/outhole-lighting-kit?variant=29396416364646
playfield 1 (resized).jpg
Quoted from pevo:Im new to the Pinball fixer upper world. 6-7 months ago i started hunting old pins EMs & Early SS to put back into service. I own a 100yr old bar/two story dance hall(built by grand parents). What better place to display/play 40-50+ year old pinball machines.
So this one going back on active duty. This will be #3 The other 2 are a 1977 Stern Disco, and a 1987 williams F-14.(both needed fixing) ...and now this skylab.
You would be amazed and saddened to see kids/and teens that have no clue how to play these. They learn & get addicted quickly thou. Older folks comment they havnt seen a pinball in 30 years...then pop a quarter in. Its not about getting great ROI...its more a novelty for customers to go back in time if just for a few minutes.
3 to 4 is bout all i have room for now. But in the future (room permitting) id like a 8-9 pin lineup.
So no this Skylab is not being redone as a 100% collector...but as a worker. Backbox trim color will not be original. All the replaced relays on one side of the motorboard are donors from a Stern EM with all the switch stacks configured to match the rust bucket ones i canned. Plus it will sport Some LEDs if not all.
Aside from minor work to the Disco and the f-14 (LEDS, faulty flashers, couple of chips replaced) ...the skylab is my first and most extensive dive into a pinball redo/restore.
Yea it is kinda addicting thou...to take a machine that hasnt worked and been stowed away for many years and bring back to life is personally rewarding.
Another addict is born....
Quoted from Colsond3:I definitely will when I start it. This game is a keeper for me, so will probably get the same level treatment my Safari got. Will probably be a winter project.
Just pulled my homey Halloween playfield out and onto the rotisserie. Have to finish that first.
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Please finish that work of art!
Quoted from jrpinball:That didn't quite catch on as did "Fine Corinthian Leather".
LOL! I could here his voice as I read your post! Getting old are we not?
Some stunning posts regarding the work people have done restoring pins. I know someone else was thinking of trying to get a sticky for EM restorations started. I think it's a great idea.
Quoted from bcarter1234:Garrett ,
Okay, if I send you my Capersville for a year would you send it back in the condition of your 4MBC?
I am in awe. That machine looks fabulous.
Take care,
Brent
If you send me the Capersville I will send you $1,400 and you will not get it back
One of the coolest EM logic designs ever. You are a very fortunate pinhead!
I think other guys may agree, THE reason to go through all the effort of a clear coat is the gameplay. The video also just happened to be my best score so far.
Quoted from Mathazar:Finished my Bally EM Night Rider this weekend after 8 long months (maybe 120 to 140 hours in it). Walk-through of restoration results plus some game play at the end - fast action for an EM!
Great looking, great playing machine and very nice playing as well!
Quoted from RollingBallTom:I am trying to figure out how to come up with a replacement for the pull coil on the zipper flippers on my Fireball. Got it all apart and seeing if I can get a drop target reset coil to work.
See the last post;
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/bally-zipper-flipper-details-amp-parts
Quoted from wolverinetuner:Mars Trek is done and now officially in the lineup. What a great pin! I had played PAPA’s at ReplayFX and the one at VFW, but now it’s great to have it in the lineup. Keeping my eye out for a Prospector to round out the Sonic portion of the collection…
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I'm hereby inviting myself over sometime during the holiday season.
Quoted from EMsInKC:Vic's wedgehead collection is top notch. SteamVette out here in the Midwest has a great one too.
Surfers back up on legs. Head all back together, new backglass installed. Get new plastics and I'll finish it up.
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Very well done!
Quoted from Judoratt:Ok turned the top three skirts around thanks for the catch on that.
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Did you play many games on it before the tear down?
Does the rest of the pin look as good as that playield? Amazin condition! Nice job.
Those rebuilt pops should be insane! It's surprising how fast this table can play! If you shoot the ball just right and with enough momentum through either Reset/Advance roll-overs on either side mide-playfield, the ball will actually whip around the top of the playfield just under the A and B gates and back through the opposite Reset/Advance rollover.
I'm trying to figure out a way to keep mine.....
"Capacitors are also used to maintain the voltage at a certain level. They are useful in reducing the voltage pulsation. When a high voltage is applied to the parallel circuit, the capacitor is charged, and conversely, it is discharged with the application of a low voltage"
Quoted from beadwindow:i bought a pair of these machines and now one is working thanks to an extremely skilled, local pinball repairman. a ron webb backglass is on the way and i have a set of pinball pimp stencils to redo the cab with. still much cleaning and flattening of plastics left to do.[quoted image]
37 is a fun pin, nice playfield condition too.
Do you really have three Capersville pins?
Quoted from wolverinetuner:Working on making this Rancho cabinet presentable. Brasso is my favorite agent for de-griming a cabinet. I’ve never used anything else that works as well with little to no paint loss.[quoted image]
Will have to give that a shot.
Was missing the u-channel for the backbox door.
If someone has a link to a similar u-channel that would be great instead of cutting a tube down.
I didn't see one online but saw this piece of aluminum tube in our scrap bin at work. It's aluminum and that's a lot easier to work with vs steel but either would work. You can get square tube from Home Depot or Amazon.
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Quoted from A_Bord:I'm just a little ahead of you. Repainted 90% of this thing.
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Man your work is crazy good!
And hate those star rollovers!
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Pinckney, MI