Every blinking light. Every flipper click. Every score reel sound.
Behind every restored pinball machine for sale at House of Pinball, there’s a story—and a skilled technician who brings that story back to life.
Welcome to the real world of pinball restoration, where passion meets precision, and no two machines are ever quite the same. In this blog, we take you behind the curtain for a day in the life of a pinball restorer—and help you understand why buying a professionally restored machine is worth every penny.
🕗 8:00 AM – Coffee, Check-Ins, and the Day’s Machines
The day begins in the workshop with a mug of coffee and a review of the schedule. Some machines are halfway through restoration, others are newly acquired and in rough shape.
🔧 Tasks for the Day Might Include:
- Playfield cleaning or replacement
- Wiring diagnostics
- Replacing or repairing coils, switches, and LEDs
- Cabinet touch-up and decal work
- Testing flippers, slingshots, bumpers
- Final quality control checks before sale or delivery
📦 At House of Pinball, every pinball machine for sale is put through a rigorous restoration process—not just cosmetic, but deep mechanical and electrical inspection.
🛠️ 9:30 AM – Disassembly and Inspection
For a machine just brought in, the first step is complete disassembly. The restorer documents everything—taking photos, labeling wires, and identifying wear or missing parts.
🧠 This step is crucial: Older machines can hide corrosion, cracked plastics, worn playfields, and hacked wiring from past owners.
Pro Tip: When buying a used pinball machine from a private seller, you rarely get this level of transparency. At House of Pinball, we guarantee a fully inspected, certified restoration.
🧼 11:00 AM – Cleaning and Playfield Restoration
Next, it’s time to bring the playfield back to life.
What’s involved:
- Cleaning all inserts and plastics
- Polishing ramps and rails
- Replacing rubber rings
- Repainting touch-up spots
- Applying new playfield decals
- Installing LED upgrades
🎯 Many buyers don’t realize how much work goes into making a playfield look new again—this is what sets apart a machine that looks good from one that plays beautifully.
🔌 1:00 PM – Board Repairs and Wiring Checks
While the cabinet gets cleaned and touched up, the restorer dives into the electronics—often the trickiest and most time-consuming part of any restoration.
Common Repairs:
- Reflowing solder joints
- Replacing old capacitors
- Diagnosing short circuits or ghosting LEDs
- Updating ROMs and code on newer machines
- Calibrating sensors and optos
⚡ Want your machine to work like new (or better)? Every pinball machine for sale on our site has fully tested and updated boards, giving you lasting reliability.
🎨 3:00 PM – Cabinet Restoration
The cabinet is often the first thing a buyer sees—so it needs to look as good as it plays.
Restoration Includes:
- Sanding and filling scratches
- Repainting or applying cabinet decals
- Rebuilding or reinforcing corners
- Installing leg protectors and levelers
- Upgrading coin doors or adding free-play mods
💡 Whether you’re buying a 1990s Bally or a brand-new Stern, we treat the cabinet like a canvas—and give it the attention it deserves.
🎮 4:30 PM – Final Assembly and Playtesting
Once the playfield, electronics, and cabinet are complete, the machine is reassembled. Then comes the most important part of all: testing.
Each machine is played and stress-tested for several days to ensure perfect functionality before it’s listed in our pinball machines for sale section or shipped to its new home.
Testing Includes:
- Flipper response and strength
- Switch and sensor accuracy
- Multiball handling
- Game mode progression
- Sound and lighting checks
- Tilt and slam sensitivity
🧾 6:00 PM – Documentation and Customer Prep
Before a machine is sold or delivered, it’s carefully documented. The restorer creates a report listing all parts replaced, any upgrades made, and tips for ongoing maintenance.
🛡️ Every machine comes with a warranty and post-sale support—part of what makes House of Pinball one of the most trusted names in the industry.
🛍️ Why Restoration Matters (and What to Look for When Buying)
When you’re browsing for a pinball machine for sale, you’re not just buying a game—you’re buying a piece of mechanical art. But not all machines are equal.
Here’s how our restoration process adds value:
| ❌ Other Sellers | ✅ House of Pinball |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic touch-up only | Full mechanical and electrical rebuild |
| Unknown history | Documented, tested, and warrantied |
| Risk of malfunction | Ready-to-play, stress-tested |
| No support post-purchase | Expert help before and after your purchase |
💬 Meet the Restorers Behind the Game
Our team isn’t just technical—they’re players, collectors, and historians. They know what makes each machine special, and they bring it back to life with care.
When you buy from House of Pinball, you’re not just buying a game—you’re joining a community that cares about pinball’s past, present, and future.
🎯 Want to own a machine that’s been hand-restored by passionate experts? Browse our pinball machines for sale today—each one tells a story worth playing.
🏁 Final Thought: When Passion Meets Precision
Restoring a pinball machine isn’t just about replacing parts—it’s about preserving a legacy.
From the dusty corners of a garage to the spotlight of a home arcade, our restorers are the unsung heroes who turn forgotten relics into centerpieces of nostalgia, fun, and craftsmanship.
🎮 Want a machine with heart and history? Explore our curated collection of pinball machines for sale—restored with love, tested with precision, and ready to flip the moment it arrives at your door.