TUTORIAL: Buy a functional SS pinball machine for less than €1200

Many of you played pinball in the 80s and now want to acquire one without breaking the bank to relive your youth. The solution may not be what you think and that's why I'm going to explain to you how to determine the value of a pinball machine.

Tips for purchasing

Avoiding Electromechanical Pinball Machines

These machines, although often cheaper, are generally less fun to play and very complicated to operate.

Favor the Gottliebs of the 80s

Gottlieb pinball machines from the 80s are the easiest to repair and make reliable without breaking the bank, plus they are really fun to play and often break down!

How to Buy Pinball Without Breaking the Bank

Step 1: Have an Open Mind

It's important to stay flexible and not aim directly for your dream pinball machine. The probability of finding it at a knockdown price is low. It's better to get your hands on a pinball machine that makes you dream a little less.

Step 2: Search for Interesting Ads on Leboncoin

Set the search filter to “more than €500” and start exploring the ads.

Examples of Advertisements:

• Not very interesting ad: The seller is a "professional" and the pinball machine is 'new' and expensive.

• Interesting ad: The ad doesn't make any sense, indicating that the seller doesn't know what they're selling and probably put a price at random.

Seller Profile Analysis:

If the seller's profile suggests selling due to death, divorce, or other personal reason, there's a good chance you can negotiate the price. For example, if the pinball machine has stopped working due to humidity, it is likely that the battery has leaked and destroyed the CPU board or there is a simple problem like a blown fuse.

Estimated Repair Costs

Pessimistic Cost of Repairs:

• Transport: Dependent on your location. Pinball machines fit easily in a diesel station wagon. For example, a 500 km trip in a BMW 320d E46 station wagon (consumption 6.4 l/100 km) would cost around €55.
• CPU and Driver renovation: Renovation pack at Pinballs.store at €289 + €12 delivery = €301
• Small Supplies: Elastic pack, beads, bulbs, fuse kit = €65
• Others: Glass product, elbow grease, patience

Total Estimate:

If the seller is offering the pinball machine for $800, you can probably negotiate to get it for between $600 and $700. Let's assume that you only end up with €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 cards by following this tutorial: Installation tutorial . Check the power supply voltage and start. In 99% of cases, everything works!

If not, follow this troubleshooting video: Troubleshooting Video . If the problem persists, contact me for free video conferencing support.

Conclusion

With a little patience and bargaining, you can get a pinball machine at a reasonable price and get it back into working order. Once repaired, you will be able to enjoy great games without problems! If something isn't working the way you want, use your pinball's test mode to easily diagnose and fix problems. Good luck in your quest for the perfect pinball machine!