Tips From the Moving Company Pros: Ways To Move a Pinball Maker
With pinball making a big revival throughout the country, Gentle Giant wishes to make certain that these classic, gorgeous makers remain damage-free while being transported. Oh, and we want individuals moving them to be safe, too.
Initially glance, pinball machines can appear daunting to move due to the fact that of their weight, size, and fragility. Luckily, our knowledgeable Giants have a few tricks up their sleeves to ensure your pinball is moved with ease.
Folding Down the Headbox
The bulk of modern-day pinballs (made in the last 20 years or so) have a hinge system which enables the headbox to be folded down. Early pinball devices had their headboxes bolted on, utilizing either 2 or four bolts. All Electro-Mechanical pinballs use this system, together with the early Strong State makers.
Later on machines have hinges and use a latching system to keep the headbox upright. There might likewise be 2 bolts inside as added safety, in case the latch is broken or inadvertently un-latched.
Electro-Mechanical Pinballs
For Electro-Mechanical pinball makers, you require to remove the headbox rear access panel to get to the bolts and plugs within. Normally this panel has a lock on it to keep it in location, however over time the key may have been lost. On a regular basis, there is a screw keeping this panel in location.
As soon as inside, remove the bolts and unplug the large ports that have circuitry decreasing into the maker. You may want to label these ports to put them back in the best area, however they need to be different sizes, making it difficult to plug back incorrectly.
You can now eliminate the headbox totally, or fold the headbox down onto the playfield glass. Ensure you utilize some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to secure the headbox from rubbing on the cabinet. Foam is best, as it will assist keep the back glass in location.
Early Solid State Pinballs
For early Solid State Pinballs, you will need to eliminate the back glass. There is a lock situated on the headbox in one of 3 locations: the left-hand side at the top, right-hand side at the top or on top of the headbox in the.
Once unlocked, eliminate the back glass by lifting it up using the lift channel (at the bottom of the glass), then pull it out from the bottom.
Then, open up the back box lamp panel by lifting the latch located on either the left-hand side or right-hand side. The panel can now swing out to you, and provide you access to the circuit boards, plugs, and the bolts. Some Gottlieb pinballs need you to raise the light panel in order to swing it open.
Now that you are within, you can get rid of the bolts, and any plugs that have wires decreasing into the maker. You may wish to identify these plugs to put them back in the ideal area. You might not require to remove the plugs, as the wiring should be long enough to allow the headbox to be moving heavy items folded down.
At this point, you can lock up the lamp panel and replace the back glass.
Modern Solid State Pinballs
For Data East, Sega, and Stern Modern pinballs, there is a turnable latch system located at the back of the headbox. Using the supplied secret, turn the lock 90 ° counter-clockwise.
For Williams, Bally, and Gottlieb, you can quickly unlatch the back box at the back of the maker. This is a basic setup and needs no tools.
If you can now fold down the head box onto the cabinet, you're done. Make sure you utilize some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to secure the headbox from rubbing on the cabinet. Foam is best, as it will likewise assist keep the back glass in location.
If you can not fold the head box down, then you require to enter. There is a lock situated at the top of the back glass in the. Utilize the provided secret to unlock, and eliminate the back glass by raising it up from the bottom, and after that pulling it out from the bottom.
Next, you will have to eliminate the screen panel. You can do this by lifting it up and out. And finally, open the lamp panel. There will be a latch located on either the right-hand or left-hand side. (Some newer Williams and Bally pinballs do not have a different amp panel, it becomes part of the back glass panel. And later on Sega and Stern pinballs utilize a fluorescent tube for the back glass lighting).
Remove the two bolts, put the back box back together, and fold down the head box onto the cabinet. Make sure you use some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to secure the headbox from rubbing on the cabinet. Foam is best, as it will likewise assist keep the back glass in location.
Eliminating the Legs.
Pinball Device legs are held in place by eight bolts. They will be either 5/8 inch or 9/16 inch heads. The modern pinballs have captive nuts or threaded plates inside for the bolts to screw into. These bolts can be removed, and the legs will come off.
However these threaded plates and captive nuts can be harmed, and the usage of extra nuts may have been required. If this is the case, you will have to open up the front door of the pinball, slide out the playfield glass, and raise up the playfield.
With the front door (coin door) open, move the lock down bar lock throughout and eliminate the lock down bar. Then slide out the playfield glass, and put in a safe place. Next, raise the playfield by positioning your hand where the ball drains pipes, and raise the playfield up.
You ought to now have access to any nuts that may have been used. As soon as any nuts have actually been gotten rid of, change the playfield glass and lock down bar, and lock the front door.
Make sure to mark or remember which legs are for the front and back, as they will be adjusted in a different way to match.
Packing the Pinball.
You are now prepared to transfer your pinball machine. Before you fill it, make certain you eliminate the pinballs so they don't bounce around during transport.
If you are moving the pinball using a van or SUV, it might be much easier to eliminate the legs just prior to loading the maker. Get a buddy to have and help one of you supporting the pinball, while the other gets rid of the front legs.
Ensure you strap the pinball in, as you do not want it moving if you have to stop unexpectedly!
For Electro-Mechanical pinball makers, you need to remove the headbox rear access panel to get access to the bolts and plugs within. (Some newer Williams and Bally pinballs do not have a separate amp panel, it is part of the back glass panel. And later on Sega and Stern pinballs utilize a fluorescent tube for the back glass lighting).
If you are moving the pinball using a van or SUV, it may be much easier to eliminate the legs just prior to loading the maker. Get a buddy to help and have one of you supporting the pinball, while the other eliminates the front legs.