Does anyone here collect vintage EM pinball machines?
 

I used to have a small collection 4 machines that I kept running. They were always the hit of the party. I still have one in pieces down in the basement.

There is definitely something to an EM machine's sounds.. The clicking, clacking, buzzing (and xylophone chimes) that is missing from the newer machines.
I've restored one new style game, one EM and working on my second.
The current one is a Chicago Coin Pirate Gold from 1969. Apparently Chicago Coin games are rare and made of parts from other vendors so getting spares has been a challenge.

Rob

Got a couple over here. I bought a Gottlieb "Scuba" pinball (circa 1970) many years back for my wife.... as a tie in to her love of scuba diving. I also picked up a Gottlieb "Mustang" pinball (circa 1977, a Western theme...not the car) and a Bally "Bow and Arrow" (circa 1975) as a 2 piece package deal.

I can't say that I collect them..but I enjoy the magic and the life an em machine has to offer.

...i do also work on the things a bit.

I would like to get a 60's or 70's machine. Just waiting for the right opportunity.

I only have electronic pinball machines so far.

99% of the machines I work on are modern solid state machines. I have a love/hate relationship with them. I love the fact I can work on them a lot easier than I can an EM...but I hate the complexity.

EM machines...I can work on 'em...but it generally takes me a while because of lack of expierence...but I've learned a few things over the years and, if I've got the schematic, I generally do pretty well.

I have been wanting one for awhile. I was planning on buying one from a guy I met. He had a big collection. But he passed one winter and never did hear what happened to his collection. But the other day my neighbor who is moving sold me a Williams viking. needs glass for the playing field, and the chrome strip on the bottom that holds the glass in. Could use new rubbers. Sad thing is the back glass is peeling bad. Thankfully the Girls are OK! whew! Playing field is in nice shape. The machine works. could use some cleaning tho. A decent deal for 100 bucks. Oh, and the legs are not original. they are off some kitchen table. but they fit and hold the machine up. Wouldn't mind finding at least one more in better shape. Can't justify more than that. I just don't have the room LOL

I have a Williams 'PERKY' (1956). Theme: Broadway; Artist: Roy Parker (Chicago).

Also have Chicago Coins SPINBALL (1948)

How do you know they're not original?

Old woodrails often had wooden legs, although a viking is too new for that....however, according to IPDB, its not a usual cabinet design....so the legs look like table legs. Unless the original owner knew for sure they aren't original, they might be....

www.ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=2738&picno=27350

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Yeah, he got the machine without legs and found table ones that fit.

I've got a 1973 Williams OXO EM pinball, love the sounds of it and the old-style thrills it brings! I also have a modern 1990's Bally Gilligan's Island pin next to it, nice contrast to the old and new.

I had a Williams "Swinger" that I restored. Loved that machine, but for pure fun to play, it couldn't hold a candle to my Space Shuttle. Man I miss my machines :(

Excellent!!!

Good OLDER pinball machines are one of my FAVOURITE things!

You bet! Just bought #47 yesterday. Most are EMs, some of which date back to 1932 but a number of newer SS pins too. FUN hobby.
Steve

I bought my first pin, a Williams Fan-Tas-Tic from 1972, a month ago. Fixing it up was almost as fun as playing it. I'd like to make it a collection, but with no job this becomes a financially disastrous addiction to feed. Fortunately, a friend of mine saw my machine and now wants one of his own, so I'm all too happy to help him find one and then repair it.

I wouldnt mind playing :)

Welcome ashore my friend!!!

Hi all, I just picked up my first shooting game. Chicago coins(Shoot the Clown) in pretty good shape.

My Dad owns Chicago Coin Cinema and gottlieb 300. Cinema isn't working I've been trying to fix it for 2 years now. I just don't know much about EM's.

I own Whirlwind, Earthshaker and Taxi. Those are all Solid state but like another user said I can work on those easier.

I work on those things. What's it doin?

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Just can't seem to get a game to start.

I don't really "Collect" them, just seem to have acquired some over the years.

Williams "Teacher's Pet" 1965
Williams "Travel Time" 1972 Have a spare head, playfield and parts for this one
Gottlieb "300" 1975
Williams "Jungle Lord" 1981. Not EM, but thought I'd list it anyway.

All are still in working condition but weren't when I got them. Mostly solenoids, switches and rubber kits got them going.

Sadly, that tells me nothing. Do you hit the start button and nothing happens? Does the score motor start running and relays click nonstop without ever starting a game.

The problem with EMs is there are many variables that have to be completed before it kicks the game out. If it can't reset every score reel and counter to zero, and detect its at zero, it won't start. If the credit unit doesn't register its got credits, it won't start. If the score motor run-out contact isn't working, the score motor won't run. If the coin switches are shorted out, it wont start up.

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