TUTORIAL: Buy a working SS pinball machine for less than 1200€
Many of you played pinball in the 80s and now you want to acquire one without breaking the bank to relive your youth. The solution may not be the one you think, and that's why I'm going to explain to you how to determine the value of a pinball machine.
Buying advice
Avoid Electromechanical Pinball Machines
These machines, although often cheaper, are generally less fun to play and very complicated to keep running.
Favour Gottlieb Machines from the 80s
Gottlieb pinball machines from the 80s are the easiest to repair and make reliable without breaking the bank; what's more, they are really fun to play and often out of order!
Tutorial: Buying a Pinball Machine Without Breaking the Bank
Step 1: Keep an Open Mind
It is important to stay flexible and not to aim directly for the pinball machine of your dreams. The probability of finding it at a knock-down price is low. It is better to get some practice on a pinball machine that makes you dream a little less.
Step 2: Look for Interesting Listings on Leboncoin
Set the search filter to "more than 500€" and start exploring the listings.
Examples of Listings:
- Uninteresting listing: The seller is a "professional" and the pinball machine is 'new' and expensive.
- Interesting listing: The listing makes no sense, which indicates that the seller doesn't know what they are selling and has probably set a random price.
Analysis of the Seller's Profile:
If the seller's profile suggests a sale following a death, a divorce, or another personal reason, there is a strong chance that you can negotiate the price. For example, if the pinball machine stopped working because of humidity, it is likely that the battery has leaked and destroyed the CPU board, or that there is a simple problem such as a blown fuse.
Estimating Repair Costs
Pessimistic Repair Cost:
- Transport: Depending on your location. Pinball machines fit easily in a diesel estate car. For example, transport over 500 km in a BMW 320d E46 estate (consumption 6.4 l/100 km) would cost around 55€.
- CPU and Driver Renovation: Renovation pack at Pinballs.store at 289€ + 12€ shipping = 301€
- Small Supplies: Pack of rubbers, balls, bulbs, fuse kit = 65€
- Other: Glass cleaner, elbow grease, patience
Total Estimate:
If the seller offers the pinball machine at 800€, you can probably negotiate to get it for between 600 and 700€. Let's assume you only manage to reach 700€.
Total cost:
- Purchase: 700€
- Supplies: 65€
- Renovation pack: 301€
- Transport: 55€
- Total: 1121€
Installation and Repair
Once the pinball machine is in your living room, install the new boards by following this tutorial: Installation tutorial. Check the voltage of the power supply and start up. In 99% of cases, everything works!
If that is not the case, follow this troubleshooting video: Troubleshooting video. If the problem persists, contact me for assistance by video call free of charge.
Conclusion
With a little patience and negotiation, you can get a pinball machine at a reasonable price and put it back into working order. Once repaired, you'll be able to enjoy great games without problems! If something doesn't work the way you want, use your pinball machine's test mode to diagnose and solve problems easily. Good luck in your quest for the perfect pinball machine!
