Bally Strikes and Spares
While I was crawling through an old operator's warehouse in the late 90s looking for arcade parts - I came across a flaked "Strikes and Spares" backglass. Even with art missing, it was still incredible. It suddenly went "On the list". In March of 2002, I pick up a broken one from my friend Tony P. in very restorable condition except that it's beyond my abilities at the time. A funny story happens when I bring the backglass in the house. My 6 year old Daughter came in and saw it. She pointed out that one of the guys was pouring a drink on his date's lap because he's looking at the other girl's big "thingys". She also noticed another guy being pulled out by his date because he was looking as well. My Wife and I chuckled about it. I sold it in October at a $50 loss.
Right after moving to Georgia in 2003 I get the option to buy another one . This one works and is reasonably priced so I bring it home. The playfield has some wear but it does play witha few lights not working properly.
Over the years I do minir repairs to the game, but it never seems to work perfect. My Daughter and I even touched up the cabinet a bit. It's clear that this has become a permanent part of our collection. I just wish it were a nicer example.
Fast Forward to April of 2010. I acquire a bunch of playfields from a friend. My friend Phoebe who does pinball playfield restorations says that's shes interested in all of them regardless of condition. We work a deal to get the S and S playfield redone. Part of the deal is that I'd have to wait. I'm completely OK with that. It's done just in time for Pinball Expo (2010) but I'm not going. I get a friend who is going to pick it up for me. When I get it, it's simply stunning. It doesn't look "New" but it doesn't look repainted either. Other than the clearcoat, it looks like an excellent original. Me likes a lot.
I decide that the Christmas of 2010 holiday is the best time to do this since I took the week between Christmas and New Years off. I also think I should try and beat my friend Rob Craig's failed attempt to change a playfield in 24 hours (see PopBumper.com). Figuring that this one would be easier, than a Funhouse because of the lack of ramps and toys, I would clearly succeed where he failed so I decide to film it for Pins and Vids. At about hour 30, I stopped shooting. I labeled everything on the bottom of the Playfield with blue painters tape labels, then, I just transferred one to another.
It took a while to tweek it out, but After putting it back together and adding a new "Classic Playfields" Plastics Set, it's simply incredible. Because of the incredible playfield, it plays REAL fast. I still need to make some nice custom cards for the apron, but it's a sweet game.
Late Update! A friend gave me a great deal on yet another Strikes and Spares. So the count is up to 4. Prolly sell this one though. Needs some work, but it could be a decent game to someone.