Converting a Globe Trotter to a Kiss Pinball

[swinks]

Hi guys

I am wanting a opinion off some experienced guys.

Can a Globe Trotter pinball be turned into a Kiss Pinball.

Firstly yes a globe trotter has some value, but I picked up one cheap and the playfield is flogged and the backglass has lots of cracks in it.

Secondly, I know you guys may think why, I like the idea of a challenge - like building a hotrod from scratch (not that I have done that, though I did build a jukebox from scratch - well 90% finished so far but sidetracked with pinballs). I am thinking the kiss pinball is from the same year (12 month period) and probably shares alot of parts and there seems to be alot of parts out there for the Kiss compared to the GT. Kiss were the rage when I was a kid and have been watching the Family Jewels lately and has spurred my interest.

Would the cabinet and backbox be the same size?
Would the playfields and backglass be the same size?
Would it share most of the circuit boards?

And if I did decide to do this could anyone send me a few photos of the backbox globe layouts etc.

Lastly I know this won't have the same resale value (not an original with serial number) but would not sell on but like the idea of an oldie but a newie that I built.

Crazy, mad, good learning curve - any one with experience keen to here your opinion.

Cheers

Swinks

[Mr Pinbologist]

cabinet and backbox would be the same size, backglass Should also be the same size, as would the pf. You'd need to get a 2nd hand Kiss pf with all the wiring, boards would also be the same, obviously you would need a set of KISS ROMs for the mpu.

I considered doing the same thing at one point (building my own KISS pin from an old bally of the same vintage) until i managed to find the Kiss im currently restoring. Would be a fairly big task but definitely not impossible.

will be interesting to read what others think!  

[ddstoys]

No reason this couldnt be done.  As mitch mentioned Roms are different and the plyfield would eed to have the globe trotters wirig modified or an old kiss playfield sourced for the loom and other bits.  But by the time you buy a new backglass, playfield, plastic set posts bumper caps stecils for the cab would end up a very expensive project

[Strangeways]

From a technical perspective, it can be done. The cabinets will be identical except the backglass panel.

Challenges would be ;

You will need a KISS playfield only for the wiring loom
The backglass panel will need to be custom built for the GI lamps, feature lamps and KISS logo. Not a hard task, but time consuming.

I'm not a big fan of "re-birthing" a machine - but you have already stated that the Glodetrotters was worn and tired, so I see the validity and I think it should be considered. Important thing is that it is YOUR machine to do what you like with, and it would work out cheaper in the long run. Another huge advantage is that you will HAVE to buy a repro playfield and backglass. It will also be repainted etc..

not a bad idea at all. Better than parting the Globetrotters out completelly.

[dj10555]

Most pcbs are the same, however Kiss had the power supply with larger diodes/bridges to run all the additional lamps. Also you would need to find an auxilary lamp driver board to run the KISS sign and also change the rom on the sound card.

[pinnies4me]

I did similar for my first Joker Poker (rare as hens teeth a few years ago). I'd secured a backglass and playfield, so found a cab from another chime game and put it all together without a hitch. Had the original head so didn't need to make the light board which is a pain (had to remake one for another game that was damaged, not a huge problem, just time consuming as mentioned). Add a pascal all in one to the mix so no ROM issue (and great extra features) and you're done.

Been some talk about maybe some dealer re-birthing Congos as Medieval Madness - I suppose if all the new stuff is in there not such a bad thing, although I hope the background isn't forgotten during the sale pitch!

[chris288]

Personally I think rebirthing is a great idea and I am planning on doing the same thing at some stage with a Bally Lost world cabinet ( and Harlem Globetrotters headbox ) that I have.

I know some purists may scoff at the idea, but I think its a cheaper way of owning a highly desirable pin.

As Nino said you will have to get a new backglass and playfield and that will be expensive unless you come across a good playfield that has everything on it already( good Kiss p/Fields dont come up all that often, even a worn one with all the wiring and targets etc will probably still cost $400 - $700) .

Good thing about Kiss is there is heaps of repro stuff available, as far as the MPU is concerned just get an Altek Mpu which will run any Bally / Stern game and sell the Bally Mpu for maybe $100 if working.
Get friendly with someone who has a Kiss and they might let you borrow the lamp board to copy.

And yeah, if you ever sell it dont forget to tell them it aint original.

[swinks]

Hi guys,

Great thoughts so far, keep the tips coming.

As for the background if and when I sold it - I would definitely include the build details along with some photos to show the work - I don't agree with hiding that sort of major thing and I'm not doing it for the resale though I don't believe it would have the same value as a original restore. It's more for a challenge and achievement.

When you see a restored Kiss getting $5K or more I think it is a feasible project to rebirth a pinball and once finished something to be proud of considering I got the Harlem for $1K and the cabinet is solid.

I will keep thinking for the moment and if I go ahead I will start a new story showing the joys and challenges of the project.

[Strangeways]

Hi guys,

Great thoughts so far, keep the tips coming.

As for the background if and when I sold it - I would definitely include the build details along with some photos to show the work - I don't agree with hiding that sort of major thing and I'm not doing it for the resale though I don't believe it would have the same value as a original restore. It's more for a challenge and achievement.

When you see a restored Kiss getting $5K or more I think it is a feasible project to rebirth a pinball and once finished something to be proud of considering I got the Harlem for $1K and the cabinet is solid.

I will keep thinking for the moment and if I go ahead I will start a new story showing the joys and challenges of the project.

If you have the time and resources, I'd do it. There is no harm in trying and there's plenty of help on the forum. I think the only "real" issue would be the "Aux lamp module" - not sourcing one, but creating a wire harness. I would still go ahead with the project.

[swinks]

I have decided to do a rebirth but not a KISS machine - am doing a Skateball.

I managed to find a populated Skateball playfield ( with a complete harness) and compared manuals with a Harlem GT and it looks like a sound board and score displays are the only major components needed apart from a cabinet paint job and backglass (and probably a different globe layout) to do a conversion (rebirth). I have been on the hunt for a Skateball for a while and stoked to get a playfield - though does have a gauge in it but a great start.

The hunt begins, along with the challenge.

I will start a new thread once the project gets off the ground and all the major parts are acquired.

I may need some help from your guys along the way.

Cheers

[Strangeways]

Interesting rebirth !

I have a few notes on a Skateball restro I completed a few years back, so if you need any help 

[swinks]

Hi Strangeways

Any hints, tips would be much appreciated. I had 2 hunts going at the same time and this opportunity came up and rode the sidewalk alot in the 80's.

Cheers

[Strangeways]

Here is the restore thread ;

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=1987.0