Our restoration process
How We Restore Pinball Machines
Every machine is unique. Some need the full treatment, others just a few steps. This is what a complete restoration looks like when a pinball needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.
Phase 1 of 5
Assessment
Before we touch a single screw, we study the machine inside and out. We need to understand exactly what we are working with and what it will take to bring it back.
- Full identification of the model, production year, and country of origin
- International market valuation in dollars to set a realistic restoration budget
- Evaluation of collector interest and rarity
- Detailed feasibility analysis to make sure restoration costs never exceed the machine's market value
- Clear cost estimate shared with you before any work begins
Phase 1: Assessment
Before we touch a single screw, we study the machine inside and out.
- Full identification of the model, production year, and country of origin
- International market valuation in dollars to set a realistic restoration budget
- Evaluation of collector interest and rarity
- Detailed feasibility analysis to make sure restoration costs never exceed the machine's market value
- Clear cost estimate shared with you before any work begins
Phase 2: Disassembly
We take the entire machine apart, piece by piece.
- Detailed photos from every angle before disassembly
- Complete teardown of all screws, mechanisms, plastics, ramps, glass, wiring, and hardware
- Every part is sorted into 5 dedicated containers
Phase 3: Restoration
Each material type gets its own specialized treatment.
- Playfield: deep degreasing, cleaning, polishing, color matched touch ups
- Cabinet: sanding, repair with epoxy resins, anti woodworm treatment
- Painting: spectrophotometer color matching, silkscreen application, clear coat protection
- Steel and Iron: rust removal, anti rust treatment, powder coating, mirror polishing
- Plastics: delicate cleaning, scratch removal, laser cut graphic replication
- Mechanics: contact cleaning, lubrication, spring replacement
- Glass: specialized cleaning of delicate silkscreened backglass
Phase 4: Electronics
We go through every board, every wire, every connection.
- Circuit board inspection and resoldering
- Component replacement (capacitors, transistors)
- Power supply testing
- Ultrasonic cleaning of all wiring
Phase 5: Reassembly
Everything comes back together following electrical schematics and documentation photos.
- Playfield reassembly from schematics and photos
- Mechanism calibration for perfect gameplay
- Full gameplay testing
Hours of Pinball Restoration Work
The Work
A complete restoration of a pinball machine from the 70s, 80s, or 90s takes one restorer roughly 150 to 170 working hours. One person, one machine, from the first screw removed to the final gameplay test.
Our Mission
Our mission is to keep each machine as original as possible. We work to restore the parts that are already there, not replace them with new ones.
Gallery of Completed Restorations
Take a look at what comes out of our workshop. Every machine you see here was restored by hand, start to finish, using 40 years of techniques passed down through our family. Browse all restored machines available for sale.
What We Guarantee on Every Pinball Machine
Every machine that leaves our workshop has passed the same checks we would apply to one going into our own home.
Tested Before It Ships
Before any machine leaves the workshop, we run it through full gameplay and electrical testing. Every solenoid, every flipper, every light. If something is off, it does not ship.
Transparent Estimate Before We Start
Before any work begins, you get a clear cost estimate. We also run a market valuation to make sure what we spend on the restoration makes sense for what the machine is worth.
Three Generations, One Craft
The Travagin family has been restoring pinball machines since the 1960s. Zaccaria, Williams, Bally, Gottlieb, including the obscure models most shops have never opened. Browse our restored machines for sale.
Packaging Built for the Journey
Every machine is loaded into a custom wooden crate, two per pallet, built to survive long-distance freight to Europe, the UK, the USA and beyond. The packaging gets the same attention as the restoration.
What Pinball Collectors Say About Our Work
Thanks for the fantastic game! I'm happy everything came through great with the shipping overseas. If we can ever buy again, I'd not hesitate to reach out. Buy with confidence
RyankCollector
Super job on every pinball you've delivered to us. Thanks to your work our Devil King won Best Original at the Texas Pinball Festival. You guys are the best!
Wormhole PinballContent Creator
Wow. A great job restoring this very uncommon Zaccaria title. Thank you for all of the great work you did in bringing this game back to life.
SpecTraderCollector
Ready to Restore Your Pinball Machine?
Whether you have a machine that needs a full restoration or just want to discuss your project, we are here to help. Get in touch for a free consultation.