ATARI pinball machine - advice needed

[Sinbad79]

Hi guys,
I've only recently returned from my overseas holiday, but while over there i was told of an ATARI superman machine looking for a new home. Now that i've returned i'll be taking a look at it this weekend. Given i am relatively new to this game and know nothing about the ATARI machines i am looking for some advice / pointers.

The machine seems to be in below average condition and will need a good amount of time in labour to get to a decent standard. If the playfield and backglass are worn, then i'll probably walk, however assuming these are fine, i'll consider it.

1. The machine does not boot. I'm after pointers on what to look for which may give me some ideas as to what is wrong. Are there any guides i can follow while i'm with the machine?
2. Assuming boards are at fault, does anyone have experience in rebuilding these? Are parts available?
3. Original cabinet art is painted over, so a cabinet restore will be needed. Are cabinet vinyl templates available?
4. Playfield parts, plastics, bumpers, posts - are these available?
5. Are replacement coils etc available?

Any other pointers, comments would be welcome, suggestions of price/value also appreciated.

Thanks guys!

[humpalot]

Good luck, it's a fun game that can come up treat.  Unfortunately the boards can be a little hard to work on, my advice is to send the boards out for repair and don't attempt it yourself.

There are cabinet stencils available.

Here's a before and after shot of a playfield that I did for a customer.

[Retropin]

I have a full stencil set available at FLIPPERESCUE.. Price is $150 + postage

[studley67]

best of luck evan.

[Pintoxicated]

Superman is a great game.  You may find it hard to get anyone to work on the boards, I know some guys just flat out refuse.

It probably won't ever be financially viable for anyone to do it but jeez it would be nice if someone could start making a modern boardset for Atari machines.

[Strangeways]

Worth a punt for the right price. Sought after game that has a lot of interest downunder.

Edit

You can get selected parts for the machine, often eBay is your friend. Replacement boards are difficult to find, but who knows, maybe something for Mike at Homepin to do an a rainy day.

Most don't repair the boards are there is no test rig other than the machine itself. Sometimes it is a simple fix like a fuse or connector.

[Boots]

You mean this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/itm/rare-1979-atari-wide-body-SUPERMAN-pinball-machine-not-working-suit-resto-/191254937118?nma=true&hash=item2c87aebe1e&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&si=z7ys%2B6qLkFwEbpZDj2r1gkkjc%2FA%3D

[Sinbad79]

Do you know the machine boots?

[Boots]

Do you know the machine boots?

I don't know the machine, but I know of the machine.
It's been doing the rounds in Adelaide with a few pinheads looking to buy, but I don't think the seller is a negotiator, he wants the price he is asking or it goes back in the shed.
A member from AA was looking at it last year and passed on it I think the pfield is ok but the backglass is faded/flakey.

There was a better one sold on ebay recently in NSW by a member of either AA or AP for $900 which is not a bad buy.

Bear in mind nearly all the backglasses around will be faded so to get a nice one you have to repro one.

[Sinbad79]

Right, thanks for the info. I'll take a look at it and assess my options from there.

[johno]

It's a travesty that all the supermans that come up for sale are not working and trashed!

I would love a working good condition one. It's probably my holy grail pin I think!

[Freiherr]

It's a travesty that all the supermans that come up for sale are not working and trashed!

I would love a working good condition one. It's probably my holy grail pin I think!

From what I read, maybe it is because the Atari wiring and board standard is different to the Bally and Williams from that era. Even the way the lighting operated was different in that the lights were dimmed rather then off like in other machibes.

[Sinbad79]

It's a travesty that all the supermans that come up for sale are not working and trashed!

I would love a working good condition one. It's probably my holy grail pin I think!

Agree. This one in particular would be expensive and very time consuming to restore to a collector quality machine, given that I think his asking price is a bit much, esp considering the game doesn't boot.
I'll decide what to do once i've seen it.