1096 Hopper Interchangeable?

[collecktor1]

First post here, thank you for having me.  I'm looking at a Bally 1096 quarter machine tomorrow, with the intent to buy.  I'm already aware from the photos that the hopper has been removed by a prior owner.  Before I get too interested in this machine, I was hoping to find out if hoppers are interchangeable for certain machines.  For example, would a hopper for a model 1090 fit in a 1096, assuming both are for quarters?  Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[RiseLikeRa]

Welcome to NLG.  I am far from an expert however as I understand it a hopper swap is never easy.  This is more true if the models are not the same.  I would say STRONG caution light here.  The price had better be right


Ra

[Amechanic]

I would need more information.. Is the 1096 a single or multi coin machine, but since your dealing with a later EM slot it might. A lot of them had a hopper to just count coins and the payout wiper boards were a seperate unit. It's usually found in the lower right corner behind the hopper. I just did a repair on two 1090 or 1088 EM Ballys where I was able to run one hopper between the 2 machines. I ended up building one nice machine out out the two.

Gary

[collecktor1]

Thank you for the replies.  The machine is a 5 coin. Here is a photo of where the hopper was:

[Amechanic]

You have part of a hopper.. I don't see the coin bowl.. From that picture I can't tell if the payout unit is in the machine or on the hopper. To me that a $50 max parts machine.

Gary

[GOS]

although the 1088 thru 1096 hoppers do not have payout unit built in - there are differences in the wiring ..  The easiest way to verify is to find the gray/black wire position on the female plug and compare its position to any hopper you plan to use.

[RiseLikeRa]

I agree with Gary.  I would see that as more of a parts machine.  I was trying to be gentle when I mentioned in my post that the price had to be right. :-)   Good luck with whatever you decide.  Please keep us posted.


Ra

[collecktor1]

Thank you for all the replies and suggestions.  Well, I saw the machine this morning.  From what I've read here and seen online, it is overpriced for the condition it's in (they are asking $415).  The seller asked me what I thought about the price and I told him that given that it is missing the stand and coin collector/hopper, I was not interested.  I've attached a pic of the bottom showing the missing parts area.  The search for a first EM machine continues.  Thanks again.

Steve

[rdaniel]

As a fellow Southern Californian, I spend a lot of time looking for my next Bally Slot machine. Many have sat and need some TLC. Others like this one were both neglected and canibalized. I agree with RA, that machine is for parts and has a realistic value of no more than $150.00.


My experience is that one has to travel to find that working slot machine in good condition. It is difficult to find close to home, unless you get lucky.

[Amechanic]

From the new picture, the hopper looks to be just missing the bowl and mounting screws and springs. I still think its missing the payout unit. It would have been plugged into the two empty white molex plugs just to the right of the hopper.. I can believe they want $415 for a non-working machine. Heck I can't sell a working one for that here!!

[collecktor1]

rdaniel,

You hit the nail on the head for me.  I was hoping that machine would be a good deal since it's about 2 miles from me and would fit in my SUV.  I see quite a few nice machines elsewhere; however, after adding shipping or adding my time/mileage for pick up, the "good deal" aspect would be gone.  For some reason, everything seems to cost more in So Cal

The seller of the machine I looked at this morning wanted me to make an offer.  I may still do that and give it a go, for the right price.  If I do decide to try and save that machine, I am sure I will be on this forum alot, asking alot of questions.....

[rdaniel]

You might be interested to know that that owner of this slot machine has listed it on EBay for $415. He certainly is a optimistic. Some people take a while to learn the value of things.

[collecktor1]

Yes, that's the model 1096 I looked at when it was first listed on ebay, for the same price.  The seller says he bought it at an estate sale.  I told him the price was a little high, given the missing parts and overall condition.  While I may have been able to overcome the missing hopper issue, I did not want to undertake a project that would involve more, including a missing payout unit.

[rdaniel]

I agree with the advise given on the forum to stay away from that machine. It may require more work than just the hopper, and some parts are very hard to find. It is certainly not for a beginner.

[Amechanic]

I went and looked at the ad on EBay. They have more pictures posted of it, but not at the angle showing if the payout units missing or not? The missing hopper bowl and mounting hardware easy to replace, heck I have those pieces, but that payout could be a problem.. I know I have one or two, but would they be correct? 
Makes you wonder how much they gave for it, before figuring it out not to be a complete working machine??

Gary