Tips From the Moving Business Pros: How to Move a Pinball Device



With pinball making a big renewal across the nation, Gentle Giant wishes to make certain that these classic, stunning makers stay damage-free while being transferred. Oh, and we desire individuals moving them to be safe, too.

In the beginning look, pinball devices can appear frightening to move because of their weight, fragility, and size. 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

Most of modern-day pinballs (made in the last 20 years or two) have a hinge system which permits the headbox to be folded down. Early pinball machines had their headboxes bolted on, using either 2 or 4 bolts. All Electro-Mechanical pinballs use this system, together with the early Strong State machines.

Later makers have hinges and use a latching system to keep the headbox upright. There might likewise be two bolts inside as added security, in case the lock is broken or accidentally un-latched.
Electro-Mechanical Pinballs

For Electro-Mechanical pinball devices, you have to remove the headbox rear access panel to acquire access to the bolts and plugs within. Usually this panel has a lock on it to keep it in place, however with time the key may have been lost. Rather typically, there is a screw keeping this panel in place.

When within, remove the bolts and unplug the large adapters that have wiring going down into the device. You might wish to label these ports to put them back in the best area, but they ought to be various sizes, making it hard to plug back incorrectly.

You can now remove the headbox totally, or fold the headbox down onto the playfield glass. Make certain you utilize some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to protect the headbox from rubbing on the cabinet. Foam is best, as it will help keep the back glass in location.
Early Strong State Pinballs

For early Solid State Pinballs, you will have 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.

When opened, get rid of the back glass by lifting it up using the lift channel (at the bottom of the glass), and after that pull it out from the bottom.

Then, open the back box light panel by lifting the latch located on either the left-hand side or right-hand side. The panel can now swing out towards you, and provide you access to the circuit boards, plugs, and the bolts. Some Gottlieb pinballs need you to raise up the light panel in order to swing it open.

Now that you are inside, you can remove the bolts, and any plugs that have wires going down into the device. You might wish to label these plugs to put them back in the right spot. You might not require to get rid of the plugs, as the wiring ought to be long enough to enable the headbox to be folded down.

At this moment, you can secure the light 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. Utilizing the provided secret, turn the lock 90 ° counter-clockwise.

For Williams, Bally, and Gottlieb, you can easily unlatch the back box at the back of the machine. This is an easy setup and needs no tools.

You're done if you can now fold down the head box onto the cabinet. Make certain you use some foam, heavy cardboard, or blankets to protect the headbox from rubbing on the cabinet. Foam is best, as it will also help keep the back glass in place.

If you can not fold the head box down, then you need to enter. There is a lock situated at the top of the back glass in the. Utilize the supplied key to unlock, and remove the back glass by lifting it up from the bottom, and after that pulling it out from the bottom.

Next, you will need to eliminate the screen panel. You can do this by raising it up and out. And lastly, open the light panel. There will be a lock situated on either the right-hand or left-hand side. (Some newer Williams and Bally pinballs do not have a separate amp panel, it is part of the back glass panel. And later Sega and Stern pinballs use a fluorescent tube for the back glass lighting).

Get rid of the 2 bolts, put the back box back together, and fold down the head box onto the cabinet. Make certain 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.
Removing the Legs.

Pinball Machine legs are held in place by eight bolts. The modern pinballs have captive nuts or threaded plates inside for the bolts to screw into.

These captive nuts and threaded plates can be damaged, and the use of extra nuts may have been required. If this is the case, you will need to open up the front door of the pinball, slide out the playfield glass, and raise the playfield.

With the front door (coin door) open, move the lock down bar latch across and remove the lock down bar. Slide out the playfield glass, and put in a safe place. Next, lift up the playfield by placing your hand where the ball drains, and lift the playfield up.

You should now have access to any nuts that may have been utilized. Once any nuts have actually been removed, replace the playfield glass and lock down bar, and lock the front door.

Be sure to mark or remember which legs are for the front and back, as they will be adjusted differently to suit.
Loading the Pinball.

You are now prepared to transfer your pinball device. Before you pack it, ensure you eliminate the pinballs so they don't bounce around during transport.

If you are moving the pinball using a van or SUV, it may be much easier to get rid of the legs simply prior to filling the maker. Get a pal to have and help one of you supporting the pinball, while the other eliminates the front legs.

Ensure you strap the pinball in, Check This Out 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 get access to the bolts and plugs within. (Some more recent Williams and Bally pinballs do not have a different amp panel, it is part of the back glass panel. And later Sega and Stern pinballs use navigate to this website a fluorescent tube for the back glass lighting).

If you are moving the pinball using a van or SUV, it may be easier great post to read to get rid of the legs simply prior to filling the device. Grab a buddy to have and help one of you supporting the pinball, while the other removes the front legs.

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