Pinball machines

[OGC]

<p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">I am thinking of buying an Addams Family&nbsp;pinball machine. I have playing pinball for 35 years, and if I scrimp a little, I can afford it.</font></p><p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">Does anyone out there have any advice? Does anyone own one ? Does anyone work in the pinball machine maintenance field ? </font></p><p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">I am hoping to go check out the machine this week, what should I look for on a machine that is probably close to 15 years old? </font></p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by richg0404 on 11-5-06 @ 9:18 PM</span>

[TheRealEddie]

<p>I don't own any pinball machines but I do own the 2 arcade games I loved as a kid (a Dragon's Lair and Super Sprint) but I do know a little about pinball machines.<br /></p><p>Basically you have 2 options for buying games. First is to find a local dealer, they are usually either game room type businesses or people who just run a coin-op busiessness out of a garaage. The latter isnt too common anymore since arcade machines arent too big these days. This option is the local option, if you are in the NY/NJ area there should be several local options. The second option is the internet. You can find sites of dealers and ebay usually has a couple machines up for sale. The big concern here is shipping, especially with a pinball machine which I imagine could be fairly delicate. But the dealer would know what to do. They used to go for about 1500-2500 depending on the model. Not sure about today's prices.<br /></p><p> In the old days (mid-90s) there was an arcade game auction that took place in Clifton, NJ, you might want to see if thats still around. They use to use the old usnet alt.rec.video.arcade.collecting..or something like that. I guess google is the bet best now. Also, I know there is a myspace group for arcade game collectors, the link is on my myspace page: myspace.com/absoluteeddie<br /></p><p> </p><p>You were right to ask about mainenance. If you arent handy with a screw driver you might want to get a friend who is. Also, some basic electronic's skill is a plus. But other than that, you would be set. The internet is great for all data like service manuals and the like. Try to get a service manual for any machine you get. </p><p> </p><p>BTW I just caught an old epidsode of Beakman's World on TV last week and forgot how cool that show was...ah Lester... </p>



<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by TheRealEddie on 11-5-06 @ 10:23 PM</span>

[OGC]

<strong>TheRealEddie</strong> wrote:<br /><p>....Just curious what machine are you looking for? </p><p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">I am thinking about buying an Addams Family pinball machine. There is one on eBay currently. From the pictures, it looks to be in great shape. I am in Mass and the machine is located about 60 miles away so I hope to check it out before bidding (I wouldn't bid if I couldn't check it out). </font></p><p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">The starting price is $2750 but there are no bids.</font></p><p><font face="times new roman,times,serif" size="3">Shipping wouldn't be an issue since I could pick it up myself.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">There are a few arcade/pinball services in my area, but I would like to avoid a machine that has been beaten on in an arcade or worse a bar, unless I could get a very good deal.</font></p>

[TheRealEddie]

<p>Seems like the right price for a marquee pinball machine even if its been &quot;in service&quot;, ie cigarette burns, etc. Finding one close enough to pick up is pretty cool. I drove to Ohio in 24 hours (from staten island) for a part to get my dragon's lair working. oh and there was that trip south carolina for a different part..but I like to drive :)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Good luck!&nbsp;</p>