You are here:

Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Vintage Pinball machines

Advertisement


Question
Where do you recommend I look to purchase an vintage (1975-1983) pinball in good working condition at a good price?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Steve,

Well, good question. I would maybe get a subscription to maybe gameroom magazine http://gameroommagazine.com also I would get a price guide, and shop around, check adds, but you would want to know what your looking for first. You could check at http://www.Mr.Pinball.com Maybe a show http://www.pinballexpo.net The pinball Resource at http://www.pbresource.com I myself like the Gottlieb Wedge Heads of the early 60's, several need games in this line. Auctions maybe, you might find a good deal at ebay. Best course is to get to know a dealer in your area who you can trust for good information. A dealer who will stand behind his games and who is willing to go the extra mile to help you can be good protection, and good back up for repair problems. If you get a great deal on a poor working machine and it quits, and you don't have someone to repair it close, well it might not be such a good deal. A restored game is expensive but if you buy a game and have to pay to have it restored you into a lot of money that way also. Simple repairs might not be bad, and a lot of things you can learn to do yourself. Even tr4y placing an add, wanted old pinball machine, also don't forget cregs list at http://seattle.craigslist.org/ this is another great place to watch for one in your area. Well I gave you a lot of ideas here and I hope the help pans out and you find a old pinball you love at a price you can live with.
Thank You
Rodger
http://www.coinslots.com

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Rodger Knutson

Expertise

I am an expert on old coin operated machines, slot machines, trade stimulator's, jukeboxes, old arcade machines, etc. I have been identifying these for people who respond to my web site listed below, for a few years now. In almost all cases I am able to tell them about their old coin operated machines, the year, the value, and other general information about their machines. I do not know much about soda vending machines, coin banks, or scales, but I will try to help you with these if I can. Please email photo's to: jackpot7@ix.netcom.com My web site is at: http://www.coinslots.com

Experience

I bought my first slot machine, a .50 Cent Mills Black Cherry in 1969 and have been hooked from that time, I still have that Slot machine! Before that I found a open barrel full of old scraped jukebox wall boxes behind a restaurant, I wanted them all but never took a one of them. Anything that took a coin drove me nuts!

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.