Expert: Rodger Knutson - 7/17/2008

Question
I have an old wood rail Gottlieb Wagon Train pinball that I''ve had since 1969 when I was 10 years old.  The playfield and glass is in great condition (perhaps needs a bit of cleaning and some replacement of minor plastic covers), but the mechanics have not fared as well.  The roto does not function properly, some of the switches are bad, and it generally needs cleaning and maintenance.  What is a reasonable amount to pay for this type of service and is it worth it?

Answer
Hi Jeff,
Your Gottlieb Wagon Train was made in 1960-63, and there was 1,1,100.00 units produced. Average Value is $700.00. As for repairs, well I don't know, I would guess about 300.00 for service to get it up for location operation would be fair and up to 700.00 for a complete restoration of the workings would be a good guess. You Know Jeff, if you take the time to clean the contacts, exercise the step units with maybe a little oil, and if it's bin sitting for yers..... first and most important, unplug each connector plug and wire brush all the pins, each and every one of them because they corrode and corrode bad when they sit, if you do this you may be able to fix it, don't worry, as Long as you do don't bend any life switches, and clean all the plugs you might be able to bring her to life your self. They sit, they just need this kind of stuff so just do it yourself and save a bundle. Push the coils in on each stepper unit, one will release it and one will step it up, if it don't step up or it doesn't release and return quick, clean it. It will then work!
Rodger