Buying my first pin

Slippyblade

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So it looks like I've gone and bought my first pin, Spirit of '76. This is important to me because my father-in-law was the sound engineer on this machine. Getting it for a good price thanks to a buddy who knows how to negotiate.

My simple question is: how do you transport a pinball machine? I can't imagine them being solid enough on those spindly legs to just strap into a truck. I literally have no idea how to batten down the hatches on a machine to make it safe to move. It's an old EM machine and we'll be transporting from L.A. to Phoenix, about 6 hour drive.
 
You can remove the legs, and then place it in the back of a truck bed. This isn't the preferred method, as I have heard stories of the backboxes coming off while driving because of the wind, unless your van/truck has a cab that is tall enough. But this may be your easiest solution.

The preferred method is to remove the backbox (held on by 4 bolts), unplug the 3 connectors, and then remove the legs off of the body. You can then transport the body, head, and legs in your suv/van/truck with no issues. Just be careful of the backglass that it doesn't get jostled on the way.

-Pat
 
PinballPatTN has given you the best advice that anyone can. I would like to add a couple things. Remove the ball from the playfield and always cover the machine to protect it from the elements. A little rain never hurt any thing I've ever moved, it will take the paint off your back glass better than anything money can buy. I've seen games that even after a short time in direct sunlight were destroyed

Rodger Kilgore
 
note the connectors and mark them. If you happen to plug one into the wrong spot it could be tragic.

If you have any flaking/lifting in the glass, you can't let wind hit. Those bubbles can flake away. don't touch it either. you need to seal it look up save your glass if you have backglass problems.

also the sun can warp plastics and ramps. So cover the playfield. At the minimum stick newspaper under the glass. better yet, cover it with a light colored blanket/tarp.

you should try to take the legs off. if you ratchet too hard to secure the pin with the legs on, you can pull them out of the cabinet.
 
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