gottlieb Bronco Pinball your thoughts?

[dsullo]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6118598936&fromMakeTrack=true

This Pinball machine has a reserve of 500.00

What are your thoughts on its worth?

[AlanD]

It's electromechanical so you couldn't pay me to take it. Every one I have had has been a pain in the butt for schematics, parts, troubleshooting, etc. I guess it isn't a bad price for it if it works well but not one that I would want in my collection. Besides where's the multiball, magna-save, multi-level and all the other pinball goodness? ;)

[tholly]

while its a nice machine, i think the price is a little high for an older machine
its a little too old for my liking

a machine similar to that (read: looked just as old) sold at super auctions that i was at for $125 and it was fully working

if it is "the" machine that you really want, i would get it, but if you just want "a" pinball machine, then i would hold out for a newer machine with all the modern "bells and whistles"

[dsullo]

I am just looking and getting ideas on price vs value and the input that this type of machine could be a mantaince problem is good info.

I finally have the red light to get a few full size arcade machines/pinball and I want to make a wise choice.

I know this board recommends NEO MVS CABS for the Arcade Unit

What are the dos and don'ts of Pinball Machines?
What should I look for and stay away from?


Thanks for all your help

Dustin

[tholly]

I am just looking and getting ideas on price vs value and the input that this type of machine could be a mantaince problem is good info.

I finally have the red light to get a few full size arcade machines/pinball and I want to make a wise choice.

I know this board recommends NEO MVS CABS for the Arcade Unit

What are the dos and don'ts of Pinball Machines?
What should I look for and stay away from?


Thanks for all your help

Dustin


id say a main thing with pinball machines is try and make sure that nothing is broken...ie...make sure none of the ramps and what not are damaged or missing since parts for certain machines could be very costly and very hard to find, if you can even find them.

also, if an arcade machine is broken and you dont know how to fix it, you may have problems finding someone that can fix it, so, try and get one that looks mechanically sound and has no known problems

watch out for wear and tear on the playfield....you dont want a machine that looks like the pinballs are made outta sandpaper

[redcurrie]

What are the dos and don'ts of Pinball Machines?
What should I look for and stay away from?


I now have a Defender cabinet and a Spring Break pinball both of which I love. One thing that I have noticed is the pinball machine requires a lot of maintenance. Just when it seems to be working properly, it'll start doing something quirky and those intermittent problems are just like when they happen to a car...absolute hell to diagnose and fix. I agree with the earlier post that said to stay away from EM machines. My friend/repair guy says the same thing. As someone else said, parts are expensive and can be hard to find so take that into account with pricing. Mine needed a simple ramp and when I finally found one (used), it cost me 60 bucks...some run $200+. Pinballs are great and I will probably buy mine a friend but be aware of what you're getting into and...find a good repair guy and make friends with him!!!