Author Topic: Detailed Restoration of a Bally 1090 (Read 110063 times)

David Walz · « **Reply #40 on:** March 23, 2018, 08:54:03 PM »

Moving on, the cleaning of the upper and lower cabinet continues. I must have gone over this cabinet a dozen times and im still removing gunk.

The top and bottom are now together permanently. I pity the fool who trys to move this beast without a dolly and a liftgate, however I'm not selling it so my family will have to deal with it when the time comes.

David Walz · « **Reply #41 on:** March 23, 2018, 09:05:17 PM »

The belly glass is a difficult one to locate, I found one from a seller, however he thinks Alaska is unable to get mail, he thinks we are not part of the United States.

I found a Vegas casino belly glass that is perfect for my wife and myself, since we were Las Vegas regulars in our hayday.

David Walz · « **Reply #42 on:** March 27, 2018, 06:52:32 PM »

As of today, I've got the slot machine functioning correctly. Everything operates as it should. I'm ordering some missing parts to further the restoration. Seems that some people think that leaving parts out, screws out is fine. Now I'm having to hunt for replacement parts.

The previous owner stated that the slot machine worked, but it didn't pay out the coins properly. I cant see how this slot machine even lit up. The number one reel was stuck, the hopper motor was jambed from a upside down bearing, the fuses were not correct, the ground was missing, and the door had a ground short blowing the fuses. Most of the light bulbs were burnt out, or made in China. I found some GE USA old stock light bulbs and replaced all of them.

As I said, I need to work on the small defects like missing small parts, chrome trim that is good condition not rusted.

Amechanic · « **Reply #43 on:** March 27, 2018, 08:41:48 PM »

I like the belly glass you found. First time Iâ€™ve seen that style before. Iâ€™d take that over the stick one any day.

David Walz · « **Reply #44 on:** March 27, 2018, 11:12:15 PM »

Quote from: Amechanic on March 27, 2018, 08:41:48 PM

I like the belly glass you found. First time Iâ€™ve seen that style before. Iâ€™d take that over the stick one any day.

Amechanic · « **Reply #45 on:** March 28, 2018, 01:40:54 AM »

If you donâ€™t mind me asking, where did you find it and at what cost?

David Walz · « **Reply #46 on:** March 28, 2018, 08:04:14 AM »

$200.00 for the slot machine, $50.00 for the belly glass.

HISTORY OF MY JOURNEY

Here in Alaska we don't have a lot of slot machines that come up on Craigslist, I wanted a good quality American made slot machine that was 100% quality made used in the casino's that were tough as nails.

I arrived here in Alaska five years ago, always scanning Craigslist for the right slot machine. I found a lot of those China made ones, cheap made inferior quality, but never seeing a Bally. Recently I saw this one on Craigslist for $200.00 that just came up for sale and I snatched it up knowing the true potential of this amazing slot machine. I didn't even plug it in knowing that at anytime the machine could be damaged if it was not wired correctly. I never plugged it in until I had gone through the machine and I was certain it was safe.

True to the name Bally its a tank, well made 100% American made that lasted several decades, the idiots before me really did a number on this slot machine, however it was mostly wiring, which with the find of the exact wiring diagram helped me figure out what was the problems, resolve the butchery, black tape issues, removing the black tape and repairing the machine back to Bally standards. Im looking for the wiring " catgut" rope to finish the job which is not hard to find.

THE BALLY MACHINE AND IT'S RESTORING

I have resolved many issues that kept this machine dormant for a long time, the wiper not setting on the first wheel, preventing the reel to spin, gunk in the reel bearings, cleaning all of the contacts inside the machine.

Dissembling the whole machine, cleaning every nook and cranny, every mechanical and electrial item was hand cleaned checked with a meter. I ripped out the electrical 110V power cord and installed the proper size for the machine, all of the fuses were replaced by factory required sizes, not the 20amp, or the 10amp fuses that were being used because of all of the shorts inside the machine.

The hopper was stuck, it did not move, finding out a bearing was upside down, and bare wires hanging didn't help. Replacing a ton of screws that were butchered, the safety timer was completely dry, at first it would not move easily, after cleaning and servicing it works as it should. Once the hopper was repaired, it runs flawless. The wires that were cut, I found out what they were used for and corrected them, if needed I used Molex plugs to prevent a short.

Parts are difficult to locate that are missing, however the mechanical parts will outlast since they are quality made, so when I find the missing parts all I need to do is maintain the machine, the electrical parts are not hard to find, most will never have any issues. Maintenance is important, and that will keep it running well.

Overall, the resale value will be greater since the overhaul, all of the locks are keyed to one key, and the base cabinet matches the Bally slot machine. I have the upper and lower cabinet permanently attached, cleaned, and they are getting a buffing with something that will bring back the Formica to a nice finish.

Its going to be awesome. I just need some parts.

David Walz · « **Reply #47 on:** March 28, 2018, 02:47:22 PM »

I've found the parts, now it's time to get the cat gut and string the wires, only in places where the cat gut is missing in the wiring. The black tape doesn't fit in this slot machine, this way nothing will be different.

I hope to have all of the missing parts re-installed into the slot machine, this is what I need:

1) cover cap for the handle hub (page 96 from the complete service manual 1964-1980)
2) chrome glass belly retainer (page 98 from the complete service manual 1964-1980)
3) counter assembly with bracket (page 55 from the complete service manual 1964-1980)
4) scoop cover (page 79 from the complete service manual 1964-1980)
5) baffle assembly (page 79 from the complete service manual 1964-1980)
6) coin run down assembly (page 99 from the complete service manual 1964-1980) These are the only ones that are missing, everything is accounted for in the slot machine.

David Walz · « **Reply #48 on:** March 29, 2018, 02:28:33 PM »

I'm amazed at how inept people can be. This poor machine has gone through so much butchery from people who were retarded.

I always wanted a 1960-1970 Bally slot machine, since they were 100% American made, and I was prepared to rebuild it to factory specifications, even in this condition, all I needed was a wiring diagram, and a good service manual.

The positive aspect of this Bally machine is mostly everything is there to run the machine, and I was able to locate original Bally parts.

David Walz · « **Reply #49 on:** March 30, 2018, 08:28:57 AM »

Another note of a bright light idea, regarding the upper cabinet bulbs, you can keep the bulbs tight in the sockets
by adding a dab of solder on the bottom of the bulb, it works for me and I clean the bulb afterwards.

The cabinet is pretty much completed.

David Walz · « **Reply #50 on:** March 30, 2018, 08:36:58 AM »

I have completed the repairs on the wiring throughout the machine.

The change bowl was reworked/repaired from the wood getting moisture and expanding.

shortrackskater · « **Reply #51 on:** March 30, 2018, 11:55:37 AM »

This is looking great. You better be careful, or I'm going to send you one of mine to restore!

I like your wiring. I've always been a fanatic on neat and tidy wiring harness's.

David Walz · « **Reply #52 on:** March 30, 2018, 03:12:02 PM »

I'm anal retentive, everything has to be the best it can. The change bowl assembly was a pita to slide into place, someone loosened the screws to make it work.

I was able to disassemble, re-build the whole thing to slide into the pocket with no resistance. I also replaced some ugly screws.

Some idiot drilled two screws into the top of the lower cabinet and I have a Bally ash tray that will cover them up.

David Walz · « **Reply #53 on:** March 31, 2018, 01:23:06 PM »

This is one awesome slot machine!

My wife wants to play with the slot machine, however I'm not through putting it through its system check, however this Bally rocks, the manufacturer built some quality slot machines back then. Everything works great, no issues, no power problems, its a great machine and im really pleased with the outcome.

As I said before this is built solid, heavy duty, it will be a great addition to my home, the cabinet is now really, really, nice. The slot machine looks good I replaced the middle glass which was flaking and the belly glass that had a chip missing.

BTW: what is this button inside the slot machine used for?

David Walz · « **Reply #54 on:** April 01, 2018, 03:19:18 PM »

I found a place in our sun room.

I still have some work to get done.

Here:

David Walz · « **Reply #55 on:** April 06, 2018, 08:51:47 AM »

I'm getting the bugs out of it.

The air cylinder was full of caked grease. I missed that when servicing the reels. IMPORTANT make sure the reel shaft lock springs up into place on the reels. If not its FUBAR, the previous owners didn't set them correct and I followed suit until I realized that the shaft would not stay put. Then I looked at the book.

This photo is the original one when I first got the slot machine, as you can see the lock is going down.

David Walz · « **Reply #56 on:** April 06, 2018, 09:02:22 AM »

And dont forget to align the shaft lock plate.

YOU REALLY NEED THE BOOK "BALLY SLOT MACHINES"! It's a must to un-FUBAR the slot machine issues created by someone else who obviously is brain dead.

Between the book and the wiring diagram I was able to remove ALL of the wiring FUBAR'S remove all of the electrical tape, repair everything without anything being seen. Re-catgut the wiring, use the Molex connectors to straighten things out.

I've learned a long time ago that mechanical things like this needs a complete tear down, parts inspect everything, screws, nuts, bolts, parts, everything needs to be checked out, hands on, visual check on function. If not you will be going in circles chasing your tail.

Amechanic · « **Reply #57 on:** April 06, 2018, 11:55:56 AM »

Air cylinders are my first thing in these old machines. The rubber cup seal turns to a sticky tar. I just remove the old seal and clean up the mess it makes, then I apply a very thin amount grease on the steel piston and assemble. Do not use a large amount of grease or you will have a mess inside the machine as it squirts out of the air hole on the back of the air cylinder. Learned that the hard way.

David Walz · « **Reply #58 on:** April 06, 2018, 04:27:21 PM »

Quote from: Amechanic on April 06, 2018, 11:55:56 AM

Air cylinders are my first thing in these old machines. The rubber cup seal turns to a sticky tar. I just remove the old seal and clean up the mess it makes, then I apply a very thin amount grease on the steel piston and assemble. Do not use a large amount of grease or you will have a mess inside the machine as it squirts out of the air hole on the back of the air cylinder. Learned that the hard way.

I just noticed the difference in the machine pull, when I first got started, the pull was awful, then I serviced the handle mechanism assembly and it was 100% improvement. The air cylinder makes a lot of difference now its really slick as snot.

David Walz · « **Reply #59 on:** April 06, 2018, 04:49:35 PM »

I contacted S** D**** Slots and the guy said that their time was to valuable to be taking online orders, sounded like he didn't want any more business.

I contacted S***** and C*****, he is someone who has no time for customers, I sent a email last week, on a Monday. I called Wednesday and talked to a person who acted like he would get my order together. After I flew back from Phoenix this Wednesday the same guy was on a road trip and was telling me he had the parts but was away from the office on a coin convention. So it looks like this guy will probably get around to my needs around Christmas.

I was contacted by someone else who said he had some parts, however I found out he just moved and everything was in boxes. I appreciate the help, however if your parts are boxed up, you should unpack them before you say you have them.

I have been in business for 40 years, I don't conduct business this way. If I'm not going to ship products I would state that on my website, I am courteous, if I'm going on a trip, I finish my business first. When I moved to Alaska my company was shut down until I had everything set to open shop, I had customers call me before I was ready and I told them I was not ready to open.

So who can help me with my parts? I'm not wanting to fabricate parts for this slot machine if I can get them, however, it seems I might have to. I really dont want to piss people off however I need this project completed before the snow thaws.

What I need:

I have a Bally 1090-22 1979, I'm restoring the machine by factory standards and I'm looking for items:

First, the lower display unit, specifically the chrome glass retainer looks poor compared to the rest of the slot machine. The glass for that model is 8" X 20".

Second: I am missing the counter assembly with bracket, which is located inside in the reel assembly.

Third: Hopper parts, scoop cover and baffle assembly.

Fourth: cover for the pull handle cap.

Fifth: the coin chute that drops coins in the lower cabinet. The one I have was damaged by the previous owner/technician.

I have the photos of what I need on the next post.

News:

NLG Site Navigation Menu

Author Topic: Detailed Restoration of a Bally 1090 (Read 110063 times)