What to Offer - Project Bally Fireball Classic?

[pistolpete78]

So I was reading through some of the resto threads here last night and got pretty inspired by some of the work done.  Decided my next purchase will be a "fixer-upper" and I'll try my hand at it - one day.

Did an inspection of a building in town today, and one of the tenants was an old school music store, like the ones you always imagine.  Really cool old stuff, LP's, signed guitars, very very cool.  And.......

He has a Fireball Classic sitting there, with the high score every week getting 3 free CD's.  Asked him if he'd sell it and he said, how much?  Good question I thought, so thought I'd check with you guys.

Here's what I could gather (I was "working" so didn't want to spend too long gawking at a pin.  Will go back again tomorrow and have another look/make an offer maybe):

Backglass - excellent
Cabinet - no major dings, but the art is farked.
Palyfield - there was some mylar over a lot of it and it looked pretty good where I could see under the dirt and grime.
Rubbers etc -farked

Didn't play, but plan to tomorrow.  I imagine the game will play like shit anyway with the state of the rubbers, bumpers, etc.

I know bugger all about EM's, so thought I'd see what you guys thought it may be worth offering for a project like this.  Time will be invested which is fine.  But don't want to spend way too much on it by paying too much in the first place.

Appreciate if you could let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Pete 

[illawarra_steelers]

Pete,

You need to clear up one point before we can put a price on what to offer.

In the subject line you mention Fireball Classic but in your post you mention 'knowing nothing about EMs'

So is it Fireball Classic from 1985?

Or the original Fireball from 1972?

Or even Fireball 2 from 1981?

http://www.ipdb.org/search.pl?name=fireball&mfgid=412&pl=4&searchtype=advanced

[pistolpete78]

Thought I better check that out before I asked the question - definitely Fireball Classic 1985 mate.

EDIT - and therefore not an EM.  Doh!

So that silliness aside - does anyone have any thoughts?

[ajlaird]

Fireball Classic 1985 is a solid state machine.

I reckon somewhere around $1500 would be a reasonable offer; if they will let it go for less all the better.

[ddstoys]

Id offer $1500 good starting point if you get it for that bargain specially if its working 

[Rod71]

There has been one on eBay recently in Sydney with what looked to be a washed out backglass that didn't sell for $1500. Then went to $1200. Dunno if it sold.

I'd be starting somewhere around the grand mark and see what happens.

[Strangeways]

There has been one on eBay recently in Sydney with what looked to be a washed out backglass that didn't sell for $1500. Then went to $1200. Dunno if it sold.

I'd be starting somewhere around the grand mark and see what happens.

I agree - $1000 would be a "good buy"

[MartyJ]

Hi Pete,

I agree with the others - I think $1500 would be my top offer and around the $1000 would be a good price.

Hehe....I didn't think it would take long for your collection to grow!  Definately time for you to get a project - I think you will will get it done well.

[Pintoxicated]

Pete,

You need to clear up one point before we can put a price on what to offer.

In the subject line you mention Fireball Classic but in your post you mention 'knowing nothing about EMs'

So is it Fireball Classic from 1985?

Or the original Fireball from 1972?

Or even Fireball 2 from 1981?

http://www.ipdb.org/search.pl?name=fireball&mfgid=412&pl=4&searchtype=advanced

Tony, I could hear your brain ticking over and feel your excitement from down here but alas, a 1972 Fireball - too good to be true.  I reckon that was my favourite machine at Expo.

[FirePower]

There has been one on eBay recently in Sydney with what looked to be a washed out backglass that didn't sell for $1500. Then went to $1200. Dunno if it sold.

I had a look at that machine and it was in pretty good condition - much better than the ebay pictures depicted. Had been owned by a family for years they claimed and seemed believable to me.  BG was sound, no flakes or scratches but really washed out and faded, pc boards were very clean and un hacked. PF was pretty good as was cabinet.  I offered them $750 which they would not accept - the low offer was more because I didn't really like the  game play and thought it would have been a good buy at that price.


 

[illawarra_steelers]

Pete,

If you do make an offer, start at the lower end. If you start high there is nowhere to go.

I would offer $800 and go from there.

Maybe play the game and 'small talk' them and try to get a feel for the kind of money they are looking for.

If they utter the word 'eBay' you are screwed - just walk away 

[pistolpete78]

Went in today and picked up a few CD's.  The owner wasn't there so I asked how long they'd had the pin.  The woman I spoke to turned out to be the wife and she says "my husband's had it for years, why, do you want to buy it?".  My one word response was "Yes".  I think she was surprised and didn't know what to say.  She said he might sell it $2500.

I told her there's a lot to be done but didn't say any more (thinking - $2500 - I'm outta here if that's what he wants).  Will send the guy an email and see if he is serious about selling and go back down an talk to him in person if he is.

I was thinking of sussing him out, and starting at $500.  You never know your luck.

If not - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks for the ideas so far guys

[ddstoys]

Good luck Pete start small is the best way can always go up never down     

[pinball-collector]

l agree with you Tony,,was going to say $900,,l would'nt pay anymore than $1200,,, and $2500   forget about it  !

[ktm450]

  $2500