Tips From the Moving Company Pros: Ways To Move a Pinball Maker
With pinball making a substantial resurgence across the nation, Gentle Giant wishes to make certain that these timeless, gorgeous devices remain damage-free while being transported. Oh, and we want individuals moving them to be safe, too.
Initially glimpse, pinball devices can appear frightening to move because of their fragility, size, and weight. The good news is, our experienced Giants have a couple of techniques up their sleeves to ensure your pinball is moved with ease.
Folding Down the Headbox
The majority of contemporary pinballs (made in the last Twenty 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 two or four bolts. All Electro-Mechanical pinballs utilize this system, in addition to the early Solid State machines.
Later makers have hinges and utilize a latching system to keep the headbox upright. There may 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 need to eliminate the headbox rear gain access to panel to get access to the bolts and plugs inside. Typically this panel has a lock on it to keep it in place, however with time the key may have been lost. On a regular basis, there is a screw keeping this panel in location.
Once inside, eliminate the bolts and disconnect the big connectors that have wiring going down into the maker. You might wish to label these ports to put them back in the best area, however they should be different sizes, making it tough to plug back improperly.
You can now get rid of the headbox completely, or fold the headbox down onto the playfield glass. Make sure you use some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to safeguard 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 have to eliminate the back glass. There is a lock situated on the headbox in among three locations: the left-hand side at the top, right-hand side on top or on top of the headbox in the center.
Once unlocked, eliminate the back glass by raising it up utilizing the lift channel (at the bottom of the glass), then pull it out from the bottom.
Open up the back box light panel by raising the lock situated on either the left-hand side or right-hand side. The panel can now swing out towards you, and give you access to the circuit boards, plugs, and the bolts. Some Gottlieb pinballs require you to lift up 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 want to label these plugs to put them back in the best spot. You might not have to get rid of the plugs, as the circuitry should be long enough to allow the headbox to be folded down.
At this point, you can lock up the lamp panel and change the back glass.
Modern Strong State Pinballs
For Data East, Sega, and Stern Modern pinballs, there is a turnable lock system situated at the back of the headbox. Using the provided 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 simple setup and requires no tools.
If you can now fold down the head box onto the cabinet, you're done. Ensure you utilize some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to safeguard 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 have to get in. There is a lock located at the top of the back glass in the center. Use the supplied key to unlock, and eliminate the back glass by raising it up from the bottom, then pulling it out from the bottom.
Next, you will require to get rid of the display screen panel. You can do this by raising 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 separate amp panel, it belongs to the back glass panel. And later on Sega and Stern pinballs utilize a fluorescent tube for the back glass lighting).
Eliminate the two bolts, put the back box back together, and fold down the head box onto the cabinet. Ensure you utilize some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to safeguard 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 contemporary pinballs have captive nuts or threaded plates inside for the bolts to screw into. These bolts can be eliminated, and the legs will come off.
These threaded plates and captive nuts can be harmed, and the usage of additional 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 lift up the playfield.
With the front door (coin door) open, move the lock down bar latch across and remove the lock down bar. Then slide out the playfield glass, and put in a safe place. Next, raise the playfield by placing your hand where the ball drains, and raise the playfield up.
You need to now have access to any nuts that might have been utilized. 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 keep in mind which legs are for the front and back, as they will be changed differently to fit.
Packing the Pinball.
You are now ready to transport your pinball machine. Before you load it, make sure you get rid of the pinballs so they do not bounce around throughout transportation.
It may be easier to remove the legs simply prior to filling the maker if you are moving the pinball utilizing a van or SUV. Get check here a pal to help and have one of you supporting the pinball, while the other removes the front legs. Slide the maker in, then get rid of the back legs. It is much simpler to pack the device front first.
Ensure you strap the pinball in, as you do not want it moving if you have to stop suddenly!
For Electro-Mechanical pinball machines, you require to get rid of the headbox rear gain access to panel to acquire access to the bolts and plugs inside. (Some newer Williams and Bally pinballs do not have a different 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 utilizing a van or SUV, it may be easier to remove the legs simply prior to filling the device. Grab a buddy to have and assist one of you supporting the pinball, while the other gets website rid of the front legs.