Cleaning and Upkeep
To maintain a pinball machine, you need to clean it every 2-3 months. Open the coin door, slide the lever from right to left to lift the lock-down bar, then remove the glass from the playfield. Eliminate dust and dirt. Check batteries on the motherboard. Replace with same type if corroded. Manuals help ensure proper care.
Monthly cleaning helps upkeep. Consider removing all plastics and rubbers for deep cleans. Proper care keeps machines sparkly, shiny and smooth.
Costs and Value
New machines cost $3,000-$5,000. Old ones bring a few hundred to tens of thousands. Value depends on condition and game. Parts sometimes fail, raising costs. Public use and revenue can help absorb expenses, but without it, costs fall to the owner. Refurbishing can lower future costs.