Looking at a whirlwind pin for sale. Pictures look pretty decent. This will be my first pin if I buy. Anything to look for in particular. He says the fan and everything works properly. The spinner decals are worn/faded, but the Playfield and cabinet don’t look worn otherwise. He did say the coin door is missing. Thanks in advance.
No coin door at all? Odd, I would check back sticker and see if it is a re-import, and as far as price, I would have to say if as described I would say $2700-3000. One of the most sought after titles of that time.
Check if ramp flap is cracked, level inserts, playfield wear outside of mylar(assuming it still has mylar). I wouldn't spend more than $2400-$2500. For reference, I sold a nice, fully shopped and LED'd one for $2500 last year.
Open the backbox and check the boards for alkaline damage.
You can see photos of the MPU at http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#MPU_Driver_Boards
A new board is around $300.
http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#Repairing_Alkaline_Corrosion
If you want to be thorough, go through the test menu. Switches, solenoids, etc. I'd probably go through the sound tests and make sure all the sounds play, take a look at all of the displays for missing segments, play a couple four player games with the glass off and make sure everything on the playfield is working. Worn artwork on the playfield is difficult to fix. Look for raised inserts, and planking on the playfield. Broken/cracked ramps.
You guys are awesome! He was at $3200. Bottom dollar is $2800(he said). I think someone would have bought it already if the price was lower. It still has the Mylar. I hate to drive 2hrs and offer $2200 and get shot down lol. I’ll try to get some more cabinet pictures and pictures of the back box boards before driving.
In addition to the great suggestions so far:
Look closely for wear on the playfield above the spinners from the ball hitting the edge of the PF. There should be a black line in a sawtooth pattern. This is worn off on many games.
Ensure it has the topper with working fan that does not sound like it is coming apart when running (both are hard to come by and $$$ lately)
Make sure the ramp flap lift is working as it should and freely.
Flippers should be strong enough to make the ramp shots.
Don't be afraid to pass on this one. There are lots of this title out there and another is sure to come up in the coming months. $3200 and even $2800 is way too much for a game with a missing coin door and worn out parts. For $2800 you should be able to find a completely shopped, perfectly clean and complete example. I would be closer to $2000 than $3000 from the sounds of this one.
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Asheville, NC