Evaluation - Step Two

The second step in the evaluation process is to assess the condition of the machine’s playfield and playfield components, including bumpers, drop targets and playfield plastic pieces.

The condition of the playfield and playfield components are judged based on the following criteria:

  • The most important aspect in determining the value of just about any pinball machine is the cosmetic condition of the playfield. Does the playfield have areas where the paint has been worn down to the wood? If so, the value of the entire machine is going to be significantly affected.   A good graphic artist can touch up the playfield, but it requires every component on both sides of the playfield to be removed so that the playfield can be clear coated after it has been touched up. Other playfield factors that affect the machine’s overall value include mylar that was installed and is now bubbling or peeling or areas of the playfield were the light bulb inserts have sunken.

  • Are any of the playfield plastics missing, chipped, or cracked?

  • Are there missing or non-original pop bumper caps, drop targets, or stationary targets installed?

  • Has the playfield been cleaned and waxed regularly?  Are the rubber bands clean and all of the light bulbs workings?

Here is a very nice playfield! There are no wear spots at all! ...and to think, this machine is over 30 years old!!!

Here is another example of a classic playfield that shows no signs of wear.

This Eight Ball Champ playfield was covered by a sheet of mylar. Unfortunately, the mylar began to lift and discolor.

This NOS Rolling Stones playfield was installed in a machine to replace one that was worn down to the bare wood in numerous places.

Unfortunately, not all pinball playfields can look perfect.  This Rolling Stones playfield has significant wear in many places.

This Bally Viking is a really fun machine.  Unfortunately, most of these machines have playfield wear, like this one, which negatively affects the value of the machine.

This 30+ year old Bally Centaur playfield is as nice as they come! This is what a 10/10 looks like! Flawless!

Take a look at the upper left hand corner of this playfield. Someone decided it would be a good idea to use a power tool on this playfield.