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Another Signature Series pinball restoration. Only by Action Pinball. |
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Bally
The Six Million Dollar Man |
- Price:
$3,995.00 - SOLD -
- Manufacturer: Bally
- Date Produced: October, 1978
- Units Produced: 10,320
- Design: Greg Kmiec
- Art: Dave "Mad Dog" Christensen
Above info courtesy of Mr. Pinball Flipper Pinball List
TRIVIA: The Six Million Dollar Man was the first and only six-player solid state pinball ever designed (most others were standard 4-player).
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Page Contents:
 Game Description:
The Six Million Dollar Man was one of the first "licensed" theme pinball games designed by Bally- based on the hit TV series from the 1970's starring Lee Majors as Col. Steve Austin- The Six Million Dollar Man. This game was also the first and only six-player solid-state pinball, making it even more unique.
The artwork on this game was commissioned from one of Bally pinball's most famous artists- Dave "Mad Dog" Christensen who is known for his famous artwork on many other popular & collectible Bally pinball games including Capt. Fantastic, Dolly Parton, Fireball, Mata Hari, Old Chicago, Bobby Orr's Power Play, and Wizard!.
The Six Million Dollar Man features all of the elements of classic Bally pinball play from the golden era of the 1970's, including three pop bumpers, a kickout saucer at top center of playfield, two spinner lanes that return the ball to the top "arch" of the playfield, a bank of 5 drop targets, several stand-up targets, rollover buttons, and two extra-special features not found on most games: a ball-save gate in the right outlane, and an up-post between the flippers to help keep the ball in play.
Shoot the top saucer to advance bonus multiplier and light outlanes for "special". Complete the 5-bank drop targets to increase award to extra ball and special. Complete the standup targets and top rollover lanes to complete the Bionic Power Awards for 50,000 point bonuses and to open the ball-save gate. A shot to the center stand-up target raises the up-post between the flippers. Rolling over either of the two rollover buttons in lower center of playfield will drop the up-post.
With the right shots and skill level, you can become virtually "invincible" during play- blocking all exits for the ball except the left outlane- raise the up-post to block the exit between the flippers, and complete Bionic Power Awards to open the ball save gate and you're nearly indestructible!
Recently returned to "like-new" condition, this game plays lightning-fast with strong, crisp flipper shots and fast bumper and ball action- everywhere on the playfield. Switches and bumpers are extremely responsive- after a game or two on this machine you'll think you were back at the arcade in 1978 playing a brand new game again! There is no greater experience in pinball than playing a top-condition game like this one, and after a few plays on this vintage classic, we're sure you'll agree!
Game Condition Details:
NOTE: A large amount of detail/information is given below on the condition of this game, in regard to it's higher collectible value, and often-common multiple inquiries that we usually receive regarding intricate detail on "high end" popular games such as this one. We apologize in advance for the "extra reading" but want to convey as accurate a depiction of the game's details as possible for those customers who cannot visit our shop to see/play this game in person before buying. Customers are reminded to keep in mind that this is a used game- fully restored and reconditioned- but is not brand new, nor microscopically perfect in every possible aspect. Any older game- regardless of amount of use and care- will always show some signs of age and use which can never be completely reversed or done away with during any restoration process. If you have any questions or require any additional information or pictures, just e-mail us.
Overall:
Over 200 hours have been invested in the excruciating detailed restoration and customization of this legendary classic Bally pinball game. It easily meets our criteria for a "Collector Condition" rating, which is our top rating for a used, reconditioned, restored game. Before restoration, this game had seen far-below-average use and very good upkeep which helped preserve it's internal and external condition very well- far better than most games that have been around since the late 1970's. This game is extremely clean inside and out- as clean as "brand new" condition- and does NOT have any signs of the common "cigarette smoke smell" from a bar or bowling alley, and no damage from spilled drinks or food either.
Cabinet and Backbox on this game (entire cabinet) have been fully repainted from top to bottom in original factory paint colors with original factory artwork and design faithfully reproduced. The artwork on the repainted cabinet has been clearcoated with professional automotive-grade catalyzed clearcoat to seal, protect, and preserve it's finish. The whole cabinet has a fresh, brand-new appearance, and has a very smooth, high-gloss finish from the protective clearcoat. All signs of use on this game over the years have been erased from this cabinet with the repaint work so the entire cabinet- inside and out- is essentially again in "brand new" condition- absolutely gorgeous. Brand new white nylon gliders have been installed in original locations on the back of the main cabinet, and on the underside corners of the backbox, replacing the factory original used parts in these locations. Brand new leg protector pads have also been suppli
Backglass is in overall excellent shape as well- we would rate it as "near mint" rather than "mint" since no pinball machine or pinball part that is over 25 years old can truly be "mint" due to age. There are no imperfections or damage to the backglass artwork (see images below) such as flaking, scratches, chips, bubbling or "lifting" of the artwork as is so commonly seen on many older vintage games. This Six Million Dollar Man game has had it's backglass very well preserved over the years and still retains that original "new" look.
Playfield on this game in in outstanding condition. It is the original playfield that this game came with in 1978 and was preserved extremely well over the years- not requiring replacement by a NOS playfield or lower-quality vinyl "overlay". The original playfield surface was entirely cleaned with Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to remove the majority of the common "ball swirl marks" or "crazing" marks that are commonly seen on older playfield finishes. This process essentially removed probably 15-20 years of use on this playfield and brought it back to nearly new condition again. No process will remove all age and wear/tear from a used pinball playfield, but the restoration process on this particular field did as much "renewing" as practically possible, and really produced excellent results.
A few very small areas on the playfield were professionally color-matched and touched-up to restore original artwork (such as a small 1/4" wear spot below the top kickout saucer and a small spots in front of the slingshot bumpers from removal of original mylar protectors in these areas). Edges around light "inserts" in the playfield were also touched up (solid black) to restore a more smooth finished look to the artwork.
The entire restored playfield was clearcoated (or "Diamondplated") with 4 separate coats of professional automotive grade catalyzed clearcoat to add protection to the original/restored artwork and to add a very high glossy "wet look" finish to the whole playfield surface. The cured clearcoat had additional protection added to it by several coats of Kit Carnauba wax to add additional shine and protection.
The playfield on this game plays lightning-fast and has a gorgeous "wet" look to it- like playing on glass. Absolutely outstanding and very impressive- definitely worth all the work that went into it to make it this way.
Here is a detailed list of work that has been done on this game, followed by more details on parts and game modifications:
- We have invested just over 200 hours of work in the restoration of this game.
- Entire cabinet and backbox have been stripped, refinished, and fully repainted in original factory colors with original factory artwork/design faithfully reproduced.
- All cabinet artwork has been clearcoated with professional automotive grade catalyzed clearcoat for sealing and added protection to the artwork as well as a smooth shiny gloss finish all-around.
- Playfield top and bottom surfaces stripped of parts and assemblies for proper cleaning and rebuilding- right down to the bare wood and paint.
- Playfield surface has been fully cleaned, polished, and restored, and finally clearcoated (like cabinet) for added layer of protection and high gloss finish (similar to "Diamondplate" finish on later-model Bally/Williams games). Clearcoated playfield surface has been waxed with Kit Carnauba wax for added protection and shine.
- Red wooden "rails" around perimeter of playfield, and on both sides of plunger lane, have been removed, stripped, refinished, and repainted in correct red paint, and reinstalled.
- All playfield parts & assemblies have been removed and hand cleaned, or replaced with brand new parts where necessary. This includes light bulbs, posts, wireform ball guides, flipper assemblies, spinner targets, standup target banks, drop target banks, bumper assemblies, ball trough and associated parts, and any other parts that are installed on the playfield.
- Brand new reproduction decals installed on both spinners (front and back sides) on this game- original "red diamond" Bally design. Spinners also cleaned, stripped, and repainted with gloss white paint before decal installation, to restore edges of spinner where decal does not cover the original metal finish.
- All metal parts removed from playfield have been hand cleaned and polished for original bright shiny finish.
- All playfield plastic posts removed and cleaned by hand with detergent and brush to remove any wax, dirt, grime, or leftover cleaner. They once again look like new!
- Pop bumper assemblies on this game were removed and rebuilt with new parts including brand new reproduction bumper caps (with correct colors and artwork/designs), brand new pop bumper cap screws, new white plastic pop bumper bodies, skirts, bases, and new coil sleeves.
- Both flipper assemblies completely removed, 100% disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt with brand new original parts, and reassembled. Brand new flipper coils installed, as well as new plungers and bakelite links, coil stops, coil sleeves, coils, and EOS (end of stroke) switches. Flippers tuned and adjusted for optimum performance. They once again work like new!
- New rubber insulation installed on flipper crank tabs (for EOS operation/insulation).
- New flipper button switches installed in main cabinet for improved flipper operation.
- All new rubber rings installed on playfield.
- All light bulbs on top and bottom of playfield, and elsewhere in game, removed, cleaned, and replaced. Brand new light bulbs used as replacements for old worn, discolored, or burned out bulbs and flasher bulbs.
- All light bulb inserts (or "lenses") in playfield surface cleaned and polished for maximum shine and light penetration.
- Brand new chrome steel pinball installed in game.
- Playfield flat plastics (screened artwork) all removed, cleaned, polished, and reinstalled.
- New white nylon cap nuts installed on posts all around playfield to hold down playfield plastics. Nice new bright nuts help give this game that "brand new" look again.
- All standup targets on playfield have been fully cleaned and adjusted for best look and operation.
- Score and instruction cards have both been reproduced for clean clear looks, and hard-laminated for durability, and to prevent against damage in the future- these look great!
- Both slingshot bumper assemblies fully removed, disassembled, cleaned, rebuilt, and adjusted. New nylon sleeves installed in coils for added performance and reliability.
- NOS up-post amber cap installed on up-post unit between flippers. Commonly cracked, broken, scratched, or otherwise worn out on games that used these units, and can be very hard to find! This one is brand new (NOS original part) and really looks great! Allows both light bulbs underneath to fully and properly illuminate it- just as originally designed- really nice looking.
- New coil sleeves installed in all coil mechanisms including pop bumpers, slingshot bumpers, kickers, and flipper units.
- Brand new nuts/screws installed on many assemblies and brackets under playfield. Hex-head screws (standard and oversize) used to replace some original worn out phillips head screws for added reliability and performance.
- New disc capacitors added to many target switches under playfield for improved performance during play (allows MPU board to detect fast/brief switch closures and makes for more responsive mechanisms such as pop bumpers).
- Brand new bright white plastic flipper caps installed on both flippers on playfield. These once again look brand new!
- Plunger (ball shooter) fully rebuilt with all new hardware including inner and outer springs, plunger tip, and new e-clip spring retainer.
- New chrome steel tilt roll cage ball installed in main cabinet for fresh new look.
- Inside and outside of main cabinet and backbox completely stripped of parts/hardware, cleaned, parts individually hand cleaned, and reassembled.
- Brand new polished stainless steel twist-nails installed on sides of main cabinet to retain the stainless steel side rails (used to hold playfield glass on to cabinet). All seven new twist nails replaced on each side for original new look.
- Coin door completely removed and 100% disassembled. All parts (including wiring harness and switches) individually cleaned and detailed by hand and reassembled. Coin door metal parts professionally cleaned and refinished for that brand new "day one" look! Fully working quarter coin mechanisms installed in coin door and tested for proper operation/adjustment.
- Brand new coin door decal installed- original diamond-shaped "Bally" logo design.
- Playfield glass lockdown bar and latch assembly completely removed, cleaned, refinished, and reassembled. Brand new strip of insulating foam rubber applied to underside of lockdown bar.
- All four legs on this game have been stripped, cleaned, and professionally repainted with automotive-grade catalyzed metallic paint in original color. Not your average "spray can" paint job- like the rest of the paint work on this game, a professional durable finish has been put on the legs as well.
- New hardware for legs installed, including all-new polished stainless steel leg bolts, new leg levelers, and leg leveler "jam" nuts.
- Solder joints on circuit boards in backbox all reflowed and reinforced with fresh solder to prevent cracks and intermittent operation/problems in the future.
- All electronics (PC boards) in backbox checked and tested for proper operation and good looks (no burned connectors, etc.) Fuses all removed, checked, and proper values verified- replaced where necessary.
- Remote-mount battery holder installed for MPU board in backbox (See image below). This prevents damage to the valuable MPU board from accidental battery discharge or leakage, which can destroy the board. Batteries are now mounted off-board and risk of damage is eliminated. Brand new fresh batteries installed.
- New heavy-duty power supply PC board installed (from Repair Connection- $125.00 value). 100% new with upgraded heavy-duty bridge rectifiers, resistors, fuse holders & fuses, and connectors. This is one rugged durable unit!
- Solenoid driver/voltage regulator board fully overhauled and upgraded, including brand new filter capacitors for display and 5vdc power supplies, as well as modifications and upgrades to make this board run more reliably and trouble-free for future years of operation.
- MPU board upgraded with new 2732 EPROM chips and corresponding modifications.
- All 7 score displays cleaned and tested for proper operation and good looks- no flickering or burned digits on any of the score displays- all crisp, bright, and 100% functional.
- All adjustment/instruction cards in backbox have been professionally reproduced on original style card stock in original type face for 100% new look- very impressive! No more dirty, torn, or stained cards in this classic game- they are all-new throughout!
- New white nylon gliders installed on "skids" on back of main cabinet and under corners of backbox for fresh new look.
- Brand new set of drop targets installed on playfield (game uses 5 total) with correct hot-stamped "red bullseye" design- just like originals.
- Brand new set of reproduction bumper caps installed on all three bumpers.
Partial List of New Parts on This Game:
NOTE: ("NOS" means "New Old Stock", and indicates a part that is of original manufacture, new (never used), and authentic (not a reproduction, look-alike, or "aftermarket" part). Most "NOS" parts are discontinued and no longer available from the manufacturer, and can consequently be very hard to find, or expensive if they can be found.)
Custom Modifications:
- MPU board upgraded for use with modern 2732 EPROM chips.
- Solenoid/regulator board upgraded with new power filter capacitors and custom modifications for added reliability.
- New Repair Connection heavy-duty power supply/rectifier board installed on transformer unit.
- Fully repainted and clearcoated cabinet/artwork.
- Clearcoated playfield.
- Legs repainted in original factory colors.
- Score/instruction cards reproduced and hard-laminated for best look and protection.
- Adjustment/instruction cards in backbox reproduced and installed for new look.
- Remote-mount battery kit installed for MPU board to prevent potential damage to board from on-board batteries leaking. Batteries now located off-board to avoid this potential problem.
Game Images:
Playfield:
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Playfield- restoration complete and fully reassembled.
(See below for during-restoration pictures...) |
 | Lower playfield "score card apron" & flippers area. Note reproduced & hard-laminated score/instruction cards added for nice bright white "new" look. "Apron" (and ball shooter "guage") on this game are original parts in excellent condition but have a few tiny imerfections from use/wear over the years, but overall outstanding condition. |
 | Right middle area of playfield. Note brand new drop targets installed in 5-bank assembly, new decals on spinners (2 spinners total on this game) and pop bumpers with new parts- caps, bodies, skirts, bases. Restored and clearcoated/waxed playfield on this game really gives a nice "wet" look and mirror reflective shine. |
 | Top of playfield and pop bumpers area. |
 | Left middle section of playfield. |
 | Lower center section of playfield- slingshot bumpers and flippers area. |
 | Detail- flippers area. Note NOS (new original) amber up-post cap. |
 | Another view of top "arch" and saucer/rollover lanes. Note that there is one tiny hairline crack in the plastic to the right of the "0" rollover lane- under the top most nylon cap nut. Does not show up well in image (very small), but mentioned for accuracy. |
 | Larger view of top section of playfield. |
 | Side view of pop bumpers and left side of playfield. |
 | View down towards outhole and inside plunger lane. |
 | View across playfield, down toward left slingshot bumper. |
 | Underside view of playfield. |
 | Restoration Pictures:
Stripped playfield in the paint booth duriung clearcoating process. |
 | Detail during clearcoating- note high gloss finish from clearcoat- stunning! |
 | Playfield during reassembly- nearly complete. |
 | Playfield during reassembly- detail of ball trough area. |
 | Playfield during reassembly- detail of right outlane, ball save gate, and plunger lane. |
Cabinet/Backbox:
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Game overall view.
(See below for during-restoration pictures...) |
 | Backbox/backglass front view. |
 | Back side of backglass. Note outstanding condition for original 25+ year old glass. |
 | Backbox left side view. |
 | Backbox right side view. |
 | Backbox interior. |
 | Backbox interior- right side. Note upgraded/modified solenoid/regulator board in upper right corner, with new power filter capacitors installed (along with appropriate upgrades). Also note brand new heavy-duty power supply/rectifier board above transformer- this is a new aftermarket unit designed and produced by The Repair Connection ($125.00 value). It features larger, more heavy-duty rectifiers (3) on the front of the board (rather than original rear mount design), and heavy-duty connector pins for cable connectors- very good robust upgrade for any older Bally or Stern game. |
 | Backbox interior- left side. Note MPU board with new remote-mount battery kit installed. Includes protection diode and quick-disconnect connector for easy removal of board for service. Board is original AS-2518-35 unit, modified and upgraded for modern 2732 EPROM chips, and has no battery corrosion damage present (or previously repaired)- very clean original board. Note also the new reproduction adjustment/instruction card set stapled to the backbox interior sides- very nice finishing touch to a thorough restoration. |
 | Main cabinet left side- overall view. |
 | Close-up- cabinet left side- front. |
 | Close-up- cabinet left side- rear. |
 | Main cabinet right side- overall view. |
 | Close-up- cabinet right side- front. |
 | Close-up- cabinet right side- rear. |
 | Front of game and restored coin door. Note repainted legs with leg protector pads installed, as well as new polished stainless steel leg bolts. Also brand new "Bally" logo coin door decal installed. |
 | Main cabinet interior. (Original coin box and lid are included, but not pictured here.) Note interior of game has been restored and repainted as well, including restoration of all hardware and wiring. |
 | Interior of fully restored coin door. Looks like it just came from the factory! |
 | Interior of front of cabinet- tilt mechanisms and service panel. Note new flipper button switches installed and new chrome steel ball for "tilt roll cage". |
 | Interior- front of main cabinet. Power switch, ball plunger, and credit knocker assembly seen here. |
 | Main cabinet during restoration- stripped, refinished, primed, and ready for base coat color. |
 | Main cabinet after repaint work- ready for reassembly. |
 | Entire cabinet after repaint.
Just when we thought the hard part was over.... Several more weeks of work must be invested before this will look like a complete game- all metal parts, assemblies, hardware, wiring harnesses, circuit boards, and everything else, must be cleaned, refinished, and brought back to new condition (or replaced) before being installed. Anything less wouldn't be worthy of being placed in this "like new" game! But it's all worth every minute when we see the finished product! We hope you'll agree. |
Like all pinballs we sell, this machine also comes complete with instruction/operation manual and schematics, and fully functional coin door with all parts present and working. For our local customers, this game also includes delivery, setup, and a full 30-day warranty on parts and labor, at no additional charge. For out-of-town customers, we offer our 30-day Limited Warranty.
For more details on our work on this particular game, see our restoration information page.
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