How to Recondition a Pinball Machine

Whether you have a classic model or a newer model, you periodically must recondition it. You can hire a professional service to do this, or you can do it yourself by following these steps.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Take the pinball machine apart. Repair or replace broken or cracked pieces. Clean the inside of the cabinet.

2. Clean and check all the parts above and below the pinball field. Wash plastic pieces in soapy water and dry. Clean ball ramps above and below the playing field. Pay attention to all the tight spaces. Wax the wooden playing field with carnauba wax.

3. Inspect the electrical harness. Clean and change any light bulbs. Also, clean under the light bulb covers and lens. Repeat this step for the backlight as well.

4. Re-assemble the playfield and backlight. Attach new rubber rings. Replace any springs and bumpers that are showing signs of wear. Clean and rebuild the flippers as necessary. Insert new pinballs.

5. Repaint the coin door, if cleaning it doesn't suffice. Make sure the coin mechanism is operating properly, even if the pinball machine is set to play on "free" mode.

6. Polish the legs. Add new levelers.

7. Coat the cabinet with some fresh paint. If you have a classic machine, this may be a job for a professional who reconditions pinball machines because of the detailed artwork. If it is just a touchup, and you have a steady hand, you can probably do it yourself.