F.A.Q.'s

Q: Where have you been all my life? My games have been sitting broken for 20+ years!

A: Moved to Janesville in ‘95 and “lucky” for you, I am still stuck here.

Q: How much do you charge per hour?

A: Please e-mail with your location, time of day machine can be worked on, and the make and model of the machine for a quote. My coverage area includes just about anywhere between Baraboo, WI and Chicago, IL. Competitive rates are based on experience, expertise and quality of work.

Q: I would like to buy a really fun pinball machine that is in immaculate condition, but only want to spend $500 or less.

A: Lets be realistic, that’s why you have yet to own one, silly! I generally do not sell machines for less than $500. Toys ‘R Us sells a pinball machine in your price range. Or if you prefer words of wisdom - “save your money, don’t go to the show”...

Q: I was trying to save money by buying a machine from a local yokel and it has never worked right and/or does not work at all anymore! Can you help?

A: I hear this a lot, especially when people newly into pinball purchase a used one from a vending company. I do service machines bought from other people and places, so never fear!

Q: What hours are you available and how soon can you come out?

A: Hours and days are often flexible, so please e-mail to schedule a service call. Daylight hours are always preferred. Who likes to work at night?

Q: I have a machine that is in really bad shape. Can I bring it to and pick it up from your shop?

A: Certainly! Some words of caution though: I will not be responsible when you plug something in wrong, break a backglass or drop the machine. If that was enough to scare you, arrangements can be made for a nominal fee if you need my help getting it to and fro your location. If you’re familiar with tearing down and reassembling these machines, you can save some money on service by bringing it to me. In addition, if a machine cannot be reliably restored within a “reasonable” amount of time in-shop, I simply charge a flat fee for getting it back into shape, saving you hundreds. Please e-mail for testimonials. Many, many unrecorded hours can go into fixing these things sometimes. Especially if your “electrical engineer” buddy had his hands in it the week before!

Q: My game is located in our dungeon of a basement. To make matters worse, we have children and pets that like to jump all over strangers. Is this going to be a problem for you?

A: Yes it will and on many irritating levels. Common sense dictates that you please keep any children and pets FAR away from the work area. Also, the area where the machine is located needs to be dry, very well lit and away from any walls or other obstacles. Did I mention very well lit? I charge extra if I have to clear away any spiders and/or their webs too. I’m a pinball serviceman dammit, not a pest exterminator!

Q: What makes and models of coin-operated amusement devices do you service?

A: ALL major brands from ALL eras. The key to your question is that it has to be a coin-operated machine. I do not service “home model” pintables including those by Bally and Brunswick. If you are unfortunate enough to own one of these “gems”, you may trade it in toward a real pinball. I may make a ‘Fireball’ go-kart out of it or save it for the clown that asked about a sub $500 machine.

Q: Do you service anything besides pinball machines?

A: Yes. Shuffle alley bowlers, Jukeboxes, rifle games and some of the more odd coin-operated amusements devices from the 40’s - 60’s. Again, please

e-mail with the make and model of the oddity. Truth be told, video game

servicing is not a forte, but that depends largely on access to parts and/or parts I may already have on hand. Thankfully, many new components are being remanufactured for certain machines, helping to keep our hobby alive.

Q: I have heard that Gottlieb System 1’s or System 80’s are disposable machines. I just love my Black Hole and Haunted House though. Are these salvageable?

A: It’s true... the few pinball repairmen that are left do not like to work on electronic Gottlieb’s. I am one though that, dare I say, “specializes” in getting these beasties up and running again. If any of the boards need to be replaced, there are brand new third party replacements. And if that’s the case, it’ll just run you a little more to get your System 1 or 80 Gottlieb machine running consistently. You’ll then have something more reliable than when it was first new!