Our Refurbishment Process

Every machine we sell goes through a meticulous, multi-step restoration — no shortcuts, no surface-only clean-ups. Here is exactly what happens before a pinball machine ships to your door.

A proper pinball refurbishment is not a wipe-down. It is a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration that returns a machine to factory playfield standards — reliable, bright and ready for years of gameplay. Our technicians follow the ten-step process below on every single machine.

1

Initial Diagnostics & Safety Inspection

Before any work begins we power the machine on and run a full diagnostic check. Every error code is logged — stuck switches, weak coils, display faults, blown fuses and burnt connectors are all catalogued so nothing is missed. We also perform a visual safety inspection: checking the power cord, fuse ratings, wiring integrity and ground connections to ensure the machine is safe to work on.

  • Full power-on self-test and error code log
  • Visual inspection of power cord, fuses and grounding
  • Check for burnt connectors, loose wires and solder joints
  • Verify correct line voltage and transformer output
  • Document all mechanical and electronic faults
2

Complete Playfield Tear-Down

The playfield is completely stripped of every removable component — apron, all posts, plastics, rubbers, ramps, wire guides, targets and mechanical assemblies. This is not a surface wipe-down. We remove everything so the playfield can be cleaned and polished without any obstructions. Every part is photographed during removal for accurate reassembly.

  • Remove all plastics, ramps, posts and wire guides
  • Drop all switches, targets and slingshots below the playfield
  • Photograph every stage for reassembly reference
  • Bag and label all hardware by assembly
  • Set aside components for individual cleaning and inspection
3

3-Stage Playfield Polishing

With the playfield bare, we perform a three-step polishing process using progressively finer compounds — a heavy cut to remove ground-in dirt and minor scratches, a medium cut to restore clarity, and a final polish to bring out a deep, glossy shine. The playfield is then buffed to a mirror finish that looks factory-fresh.

  • Stage 1: Heavy-cut compound removes embedded grime
  • Stage 2: Medium-cut compound restores surface clarity
  • Stage 3: Fine polish brings out a deep glossy shine
  • Machine buff for uniform, swirl-free results
  • Three coats of premium pinball wax for lasting protection
4

Ramp, Plastic & Component Cleaning

All removed plastics and ramps are cleaned with specialised plastic polish (Novus 1, 2 and 3) to remove yellowing, hazing and scratches. Where possible, ramps are flame-polished to restore optical clarity. Every post, nut, screw and bracket is ultrasonically cleaned or hand-polished before reinstallation.

  • Novus 3-stage plastic polishing system
  • Flame polishing for scratch removal on ramps
  • Ultrasonic cleaning of all metal hardware
  • Inspect plastics for cracks — replace if needed
  • Polish all wire forms and exposed metal guides
5

Flipper & Pop Bumper Rebuilds

The flippers and jet pop bumpers are the most heavily used mechanisms in any pinball machine, and a proper rebuild is non-negotiable. We completely strip each assembly and rebuild with new coils, coil sleeves, plunger links, flipper bats, bushings, springs and stops. The result is crisp, responsive action that feels like it just left the factory.

  • Full flipper rebuild kits — coils, sleeves, links, bats
  • New flipper bushings for tight, wobble-free action
  • Pop bumper skirts, bodies, springs and caps replaced
  • Slingshot assemblies cleaned and adjusted
  • All coil stops and plungers inspected and replaced as needed
6

Electronics & Circuit Board Service

Every circuit board is pulled, visually inspected and tested for proper voltage and signal integrity. Connectors are re-pinned where contacts show signs of arcing or resistance. Power supplies, bridge rectifiers and capacitors are checked — swollen or out-of-spec components are replaced. Game ROMs are updated to the latest official revision to fix known bugs and improve gameplay.

  • Full PCB inspection — solder joints, traces, connectors
  • Re-pin burnt or high-resistance connector headers
  • Test power supply voltages under load
  • Replace swollen or out-of-spec capacitors
  • Update game ROMs to the latest official software revision
7

Reassembly with All-New Consumables

The playfield is repopulated with brand-new parts — every rubber ring, every light bulb, every foam pad on every target is replaced regardless of condition. We install fresh star posts, hex nuts and screws. New LED or incandescent bulbs go into every socket on the playfield and in the backbox. The result is bright, even illumination across the entire game.

  • Complete new rubber kit — every ring, grommet and sleeve
  • All-new light bulbs and flashers throughout
  • Fresh foam backing on all targets
  • New star posts, hex nuts and stainless hardware
  • LED upgrades available on request
8

Cabinet Refinishing

The cabinet gets a thorough cosmetic refresh. We touch up nicks and scratches with colour-matched acrylic or enamel paint, re-stain the interior of the cabinet and head to a uniform jet-black finish, and respray the coin door if the original finish is worn. Dented side rails are replaced, and new legs, leg bolts and leg levelers are installed so the machine stands solid and looks the part.

  • Touch-up paint on all cabinet nicks and scratches
  • Re-stain interior cabinet and head — jet black
  • Respray coin door and frame if needed
  • New leg bolts, leg levelers and side rails (if required)
  • Clean and polish all exterior metal surfaces
9

Backglass & Display Service

The backglass is carefully cleaned inside and out — any loose paint is stabilised to prevent further flaking. Burnt-out backbox bulbs are replaced, and the DMD, LCD or alpha-numeric display is tested for dead pixels, segments or burn-in. If the display is beyond serviceable condition, it is replaced with a modern equivalent.

  • Gentle cleaning of backglass with proper solvents
  • Stabilise any loose or flaking backglass paint
  • Replace all burnt-out backbox illumination
  • Test display for dead pixels or segments
  • Replace degraded displays with modern equivalents
10

New Balls, Glass & Final QA

We install brand-new pinballs — fresh, mirror-polished steel that will not shed material onto your newly waxed playfield. New tempered playfield glass is fitted for clarity and safety. The machine then goes through a rigorous final play-test: every switch, every coil, every mode, every light is verified. Only when it passes every check does it get packaged for shipment to you.

  • Brand-new Grade 25 chromium steel pinballs
  • New tempered playfield glass
  • Full switch matrix and coil test
  • Complete gameplay verification — every mode, every shot
  • Final inspection checklist sign-off before packaging

Why Our Process Matters

A pinball machine has over 3,000 individual parts — coils, switches, rubber rings, light bulbs, steel balls, circuit boards and mechanical linkages that all wear with play. A machine that has been on location for years, or sitting in a garage for decades, needs far more than a quick cleaning.

Our ten-step refurbishment process addresses every system: electrical safety, mechanical reliability, playfield condition, cosmetics and gameplay performance. The result is a machine that plays correctly, looks great, and will provide years of trouble-free enjoyment in your home game room.

Every machine ships with our limited warranty covering electronics and major mechanical assemblies. If you have questions about the condition of a specific machine, or want to discuss a custom restoration, contact us at hello@vintagehallgames.com.