Bally Space Invaders Restore

[Strangeways]

Underside playfield Work done

I decided early on to replace the flipper mechanisms, as they were the original sets and the coils were a mixed bunch. I wanted the game to play as fast as possible, as some collectors are of the opinion that Spacies is a slow game, and also I wanted the game to be in mechanically, great condition. So I ordered the correct coils and 2 flipper kits from Pinball Resource. In addition to the standard EOS, Spacies uses an "Advanced EOS" which routes the current from the lower set of flippers to the top set after the standard EOS is closed on the lower points.

Here's a close-up of the Advanced EOS mounted on the standard EOS on the lower Flipper ;







The top flipper has an extra set of switches - these trigger the sound that is heard when the flippers are pressed. Note that I ALWAYS trim off the end of the wires and restrip them, soldering on a new connection.


All four kits are installed and ready to go !





I rebuilt all the mechanisms, including the single target bank. Wotto already ordered the new targets with the machine, so it was simply a matter of installing the target. After a rebuild, these targets are very "snappy".. Does not take long to strip the parts off the assemblies and give them a clean with Nifti. MOST of the time I soak moving parts in Isocol and wash the crap off them with a toothbrush. Then they look like this ;






Upper Playfield


After cleaning the playfield and giving it a good polish, it all comes together very nicely. I've simply positioned the plastics to see how it will all look. The Target banks and flippers have not been installed as yet.












I just LOVE the artwork on this machine !

 

[Creech]

Yes, the artwork is very intense isn't it?

[illawarra_steelers]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate,

This old girl is really coming together - she is looking better and better every post.

Lucky Wotto did all the hard work for you before you got it 

Just one silly question - what is Isocol - and where do you buy it?

[jyebow]

Hey Tony, Iv'e seen Isocol at Coles supermarkets., from memory it was cheaper & in a bigger bottle than the Isopropyl alcohol I bought at bunnings ( I'm still using it but will buy isocol when this runs out )

[Strangeways]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate,

This old girl is really coming together - she is looking better and better every post.

Lucky Wotto did all the hard work for you before you got it 

Just one silly question - what is Isocol - and where do you buy it?

I waited until Wotto did all the hard work.. 

People kept asking us to combine our efforts on a Pinball - So there you have it

Isocol is 63% Alcohol and is also known as "Rubbing Alcohol" - sold at supermarkets, but more often Chemists. I use it all time time to soak stepper unit parts on EMs.. It has a really nice smell as well !

[illawarra_steelers]

Thanks for that - will hunt somedown today.

[Strangeways]

Spacies Finished !


The playfield was dropped into the cabinet and apart from a few small issues, the game worked fine. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the boards, but I definitely upgraded the Solenoid Driver Board and MPU. It played fast and I enjoyed the game while I still owned it. I clocked it once, and never got close to it again !

Here's some finished shots;
























The game now sits at within a Collector's gamesroom with the Jacks Open, Strikes and Spares and Genie - All which I restored within the last 4 years.

Big Special thanks to Wotto who sold it to me when I was looking for a Spacies. The decal really came up well, as did the  mylar..

Theres something really special about these Bally SS machines, I never tire of working on them !

 

[Ballywannabe]

Top work as usual Nino

I always found SI as a great machine to look at but a bit of a pig to play - too slow and relied too much on the high risk/reward shot of the horseshoe.

Paragon kills it for game play, but I am sure you already knew that!

cheers
Ian

[Strangeways]

Top work as usual Nino

I always found SI as a great machine to look at but a bit of a pig to play - too slow and relied too much on the high risk/reward shot of the horseshoe.

Paragon kills it for game play, but I am sure you already knew that!

cheers
Ian

Cheers Ian..

Paragon is a completely different beast.. I'd love to add an Embryon one day. I think Embryon, Paragon and Hot Doggin' are the Bally Widebodies to have in a collection. Even though Future Spa was popular, I didn't like it. If Space Invaders had another theme, but the same layout, it would on par with Future Spa.

[Ballywannabe]

I have never seen or played a Future SPA, Embryon or Hot Doggin'.  Artwork on FSPA would put me off, by Embryon looks interesting in photos...maybe somewhere down the track.

cheers
Ian

[ktm450]

Great work Nino, looks fantastic 

[ddstoys]

I WISH I NEVER SEEN THIS THREAD
     Well done nino you really do a great job on your pins ive always likes Space invaders but after seeing yours i really really want one now.  I have a friend who is going to sell his shortly but with my upcoming wedding ill struggle.
  But again NICE WORK

[Strangeways]

I WISH I NEVER SEEN THIS THREAD
     Well done nino you really do a great job on your pins ive always likes Space invaders but after seeing yours i really really want one now.  I have a friend who is going to sell his shortly but with my upcoming wedding ill struggle.
  But again NICE WORK

you will have to line up for one Daniel !

MarkC is after one for his personal collection. They do appear on eBay from time to time. But unfortunately, they are usually listed overpriced (imho)..

[ddstoys]

Ive started helping a friend do one up and now that he is buying a house he is selling all his machines but if i cant get the cash together ill let mark know.