what does refurbished mean in pinball

Table of Contents

1. Quick Summary: More Than Just “Cleaned”
2. Why the Term “Refurbished” is Critical in Pinball
3. Level 1: The Basic Shop Job (Cleaned & Adjusted)
4. Level 2: The True “Refurbished” Machine (Parts Replaced & Worn Items Addressed)
5. Level 3: The “Fully Restored” Machine (As Close to Factory New as Possible)
6. How to Vet a “Refurbished” Pinball Listing: Your 8-Point Checklist
7. The Big Question: Is a Refurbished Pinball Worth the Premium?

Quick Summary: More Than Just “Cleaned”

In pinball, “refurbished” is a broad term with a huge quality range. At minimum, it means the machine has been cleaned and tuned. At its best, it signifies a comprehensive process where worn mechanical and electronic parts are replaced, the playfield is protected, and the game is returned to reliable, like-new playability. Always ask, “What was actually done?”

Why the Term “Refurbished” is Critical in Pinball

Pinball machines are 20-50 year old electromechanical devices. “New” is almost never an option. Understanding the level of refurbishment is the single biggest factor in determining a machine’s value, reliability, and price. It separates a ready-to-enjoy game from a costly, time-consuming project.

The 3 Tiers of Pinball Refurbishment: What “Refurbished” Really Means

Level 1: The Basic Shop Job (Cleaned & Adjusted)

Often advertised as “shopped,” “gone through,” or “tuned up.” This is a minimum viable refurbishment.

• What’s Typically Done: Deep clean of playfield and plastics, adjustment of flippers and slingshots, replacement of obviously broken parts (like a cracked ramp), general lubrication, and bulb replacement with LEDs.
• What’s Typically NOT Done: No replacement of worn but still-functioning parts (old rubbers, original coils, tired pop bumper caps). No playfield touch-up or clearcoat. Original, aging electronics are left as-is.
• The Bottom Line: The game works and looks cleaner. It’s a step above “as-is,” but long-term reliability is not guaranteed. Expect to need repairs within 1-2 years.

Level 2: The True “Refurbished” Machine (Parts Replaced & Worn Items Addressed)

This is what most serious buyers expect when they hear “refurbished.” It’s a proactive restoration of functionality.

• What’s Typically Done:Everything in Level 1, PLUS:
  • Full Rubber Kit: All rings, sleeves, and gaskets replaced.
  • Coil Rebuilds/Sleeves: Solenoids are rebuilt with new sleeves and often stops.
  • Playfield Protection: A high-quality playfield mylar application or a new clearcoat (unless the original is pristine).
  • Plastics & Ramps: Cracked plastics are replaced; ramps are polished or repaired.
  • Flipper Rebuild: New bushings, links, and potentially coils for optimal power.
  • Targets & Switches: Adjustment and cleaning of all mechs.
• What’s Typically NOT Done: No cabinet repaint, no major playfield touch-up/art repair, no full electronics board rebuilds (unless a specific fault was found).
• The Bottom Line: A reliable, player-grade machine that should offer years of trouble-free play. This is the standard for most quality home collections.

Level 3: The “Fully Restored” Machine (As Close to Factory New as Possible)

This is the pinnacle, often commanding prices 50-100% above a Level 2 machine.

• What’s Typically Done:Everything in Level 2, PLUS:
  • Cabinet Work: Full sanding, repaint, and reproduction decal application or hand-stenciling.
  • Playfield Restoration: Extensive touch-up of worn art, followed by a professional automotive-grade clearcoat.
  • Backglass/Translite Restoration: Professionally cleaned and sealed (or replaced with a high-quality reproduction).
  • Full Electronics Rebuild: All circuit boards (CPU, driver, power supply) are recapped and repaired to factory spec.
  • Every Part Renewed: Every nut, bolt, and bracket is cleaned, polished, or replaced. Chrome is replated.
• The Bottom Line: This is a showpiece and investment-grade collectible. It looks and plays like it just left the factory. Expect a detailed portfolio of “before/during/after” photos.

How to Vet a “Refurbished” Pinball Listing: Your 8-Point Checklist

Never take the word “refurbished” at face value. Ask these specific questions:

1. “Can you provide a detailed list of parts replaced and work performed?” (A reputable seller will have this.)
2. “Were the boards inspected, and were any capacitors or connectors replaced?”
3. “Was the playfield clearcoated or new mylar applied?”
4. “Were all coils rebuilt with new sleeves?”
5. “Was a full rubber kit installed?”
6. “What is the condition of the cabinet and backglass?” (Ask for close-up photos of corners and legs.)
7. “Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on the work?”
8. “Do you have ‘before’ photos?”

The Big Question: Is a Refurbished Pinball Worth the Premium?

Absolutely—if it’s a Level 2 or 3 refurbishment. You are paying for:

• Certainty & Safety: No hidden, costly issues.
• Immediate Enjoyment: Plug and play from day one.
• Long-Term Value: A properly refurbished machine holds its value better and is easier to sell.
• Saved Time & Expertise: You’re paying for hundreds of hours of skilled labor you didn’t have to do yourself.

For a Level 1 (“shopped”) machine, the premium should be modest. You are still assuming some risk.