1980 Magic Neon Challengeball

[lotsoballs]

I just imported this rusty 1980 Magic Neon Challengeball; partially tested by the same seller I bought the nice Fuji Cyclone V from; the trim is a little rusty; and I can tell this one needs nearly a full restoration, nails removed, parts removed cleaned up and polished.

Initial testing seems promising; 4 lights aren’t lighting up but that may be to the switches out of adjustment; or just burn bulbs. Sounds work; both of these early 80s models I recently got have an loud alarm that triggers when you drop a token to start the game it activates the solenoid that drops the balls to start the game for 2-3 seconds; completely normal but alarming at first!

Scoring works; and payouts are working.

The plan for this one is the same as the last; nearly a full restoration but preserving the excellent shape factory playfield; I just hope they used solid brass nails in 1980

The nails are far too corroded and filthy to be playing this machine; so time to take it all apart now it’s passed the test.

[MrGneiss]

Is that a hand holding a gun on the pockets??

[lotsoballs]

Is that a hand holding a gun on the pockets??

Yes; not sure what the guns pointed at you has to do with the flying saucers theme though!

I forgot to test those pockets when doing the initial testing; I believe they should just payout 1 token.

[MrGneiss]

Maybe they are trying to scare the UFOs away??

[lotsoballs]

Luckily this particular model is kinda like a Nishijin model C; the whole rear mechanics just “pop” off with the release of some “buttons”, also the playfield board is screwed; not nailed to the door frame; so this facilitates quicker disassembly and way less headache as earlier 70s models pachinkos and arrange balls often use nails (and the wood will disintegrate removing them if you aren’t careful)

Nails are removed, chrome and plastics have been polished.

No idea how to remove the gun pockets; there’s no nails of screws on the front or rear…so those are staying put.




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[takethecastle57]

The pockets could have been interference fitted

[lotsoballs]

The pockets could have been interference fitted

Or they could be glued in? I figure it’s best to leave them be than risk damaging them.

The pistol pockets polished up nice and shiny with some Novus polish.