Pinball machines have been around since the early 1930s, and for much of the last century were mainstays of game rooms, pool halls, and by the 80s, the video arcade. More recently many of them have been finding their way into home game rooms, basements, and man caves across the country. They provide hours of entertainment and challenge, and ca quite often be among the center points of many social gatherings.
Of course when you are planning a long distance, or even short distance move, you will want to take your pinball machine (or machines) with you. Because these are finely engineered units, you want to make certain that they are moved correctly and efficiently, minimizing the chances of any damage occurring en route. Here we will examine the proper methods for preparing and transporting your pinball machine arsenal while keeping them damage free and in good working order.
Preparation For the Move
As with any moving project, the key is in the preparation. You will need to have a few things ready to make sure the moving project is an efficient one. Make sure you have the following:
- A tool set
- Packing tape
- Moving blankets
- Glass cleaner and microfiber cloths
- Dolly or hand truck
- Ratchet straps
- Measuring tape
Take proper measurements of the pinball machines as well as any and all doors and entranceways they will be traveling through to their new location. Also, consider taking pictures or video of the disassembly as this will help with reassembling the unit later on.
Breaking It All Down - Headbox
First thing is to fold down the headbox. Most of the pinball machines produced over the last 20 or 30 years have a hinge that allows the headbox to be folded easily. Earlier models had their headboxes bolted on. For those early models you will have to remove the rear access panel to reach the bolts for removal. There is often a single screw that holds this in place.
Whether you remove the headbox completely or just fold it down, make sure it is protected either with bubble wrap or moving blankets. You do not want the headbox rubbing on the cabinet. If there are any plugs that need to be disconnected, be sure to label them so that they may be reconnected at the new location.
Display Panel
The next thing to remove is the display panel, which is done by lifting it up and out. Then access the lamps; keep in mind that varied brands of machines have different methods for accessing the lamps. Williams and Bally machines do not have separate lamp panels, while Sega and Stern pinballs utilize a fluorescent tube for back lighting.
Removing the Legs
Pinball machine support legs are held together by eight simple bolts, two for each leg. Remove the bolts and the legs will come off easily. Keep in mind that the nuts and threaded plates can be easily damaged, and sometimes extra nuts are required. If this proves to be the case, you will need to gain access through the front door (also known as the coin door) of the machine, remove the playfield glass, and lift up the playfield itself.
You will have to remove the lock down bar and slide out the playfield glass. Lifting up the playfield will give you access to any nuts that might have been used. Of course, be sure to mark which legs are front and which are back, as these will have to be adjusted differently during the re-set up process.
Loading Up
Now you are ready to transport the pinball machine, but in case you forgot, remove the actual pinballs from the unit; otherwise, they will bounce around and possibly be lost, rendering the machine useless.
We discussed removing the legs, but if possible, wait to remove them until you are loading the machine into your truck or trailer. With a friend helping to support the machine, remove the front legs. Slide the machine partway into the truck, then remove the rear legs. You will repeat this procedure in reverse at the other end of the move.
Wrap the unit securely, then tie down using ratchet straps to prevent unwanted sudden movement or shifts due to braking or lane changes. Use several moving blankets to wrap the machine, using packing tape to secure the blankets in place. Pinball machines are among the easiest pieces to wrap once you have removed the headbox and legs.
Stuff some bubble wrap or foam or cardboard under the blankets before taping them. Bubble wrap is preferred as it does not cause any kind of static. Any and all loose parts such as nuts, bolts, screws, and oh yes, the balls, should be placed in labeled plastic baggies and stored with the pinball machine. Labeling makes these parts easy to locate and identify their purpose later on.
Moving It Out
When moving, remember that some of these machines may weigh up to three hundred pounds, so make sure you have sufficient able-bodied help to make that happen. Dollies or hand trucks are recommended.
Place the machine bottom side down on the floor of your truck or trailer as this will help to avoid damage when shipping. Stabilize the machine through the use of ratchet straps, which are excellent for holding large pieces firmly in place. You can also pack bumpers, blankets, and other protective materials around the machine to protect it. Remember, there is no such thing as too much protection.
The use of bubble wrap and anti-static foam is recommended to protect the pinball machine’s electrical components. Place the foam inside the wrap for best protection.
Lastly, do not stack any heavy items on the machine. Allow it to be an island unto itself.
Once you have arrived at your destination, carefully remove and load the pinball machine into your new home. Consult your photographic or video records when doing the reassembly, because you do not want to find yourself wondering where this screw or that bulb goes.
Once the machine is in place, wipe it down with a microfiber towel before plugging it in. Your machine is now ready to be enjoyed for many more years.
Remember, plan, plan, plan. There is no substitute for proper planning.
