Been refurb'ing machines for about 3 years now, probably about 20 games. When get a project game, sometimes work on all the electrical problems and get it working, then do all the cosmetic fixes. But sometimes work on the cosmetics first, ie: playfield touch up, cleaning and polishing everything, etc, then after looking good - track down and fix any remaining electrical issues. I find sometimes cleaning up fixes electrical problems, and sometimes creates new ones. Keep in mind, I am not doing full restorations - way beyond my current skill set.

So what do the rest of you do? Get it looking good or working good first, or both at the same time (which I haven't been able to do yet). Still consider myself a newbie, so really interested in any suggestions.

Thanks and this is what prompted the question. Often have to fix new and fun electrical problems after cosmetic work.

Thanks everyone great insights.

Follow up: So after all the good advice, decided from now on, get it working first. Currently Gottlieb 1970 Baseball. Was a mess both electrically and cosmetically. After much chasing down multiple electrical / mechanical / and especially score reel and base runner problems -- got it working great. Then tore it down to fix cosmetics. About 90 percent done now, plugged in last night and started a game to check for bulb outages and sure enough, score motor spins like a carousel. Oh well, .........