1979 Bally Harlem Globetrotters On Tour pinball restoration

Here's an overview of a restoration job for a Bally Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine.

[@BIGMIKE360AMUSEMENTS]

My favorite pinball machine all time

[@BIGMIKE360AMUSEMENTS]

I’m in Nashville, Tennessee I wish you have another one ☝🏽

[@MrSilverballmania]

This is a fun game as I have a HUO and have videos on my channel

[@LeebosPinball]

Yeah, I agree; great game! I'll check out your videos.

[@doughylton2403]

I just got this exact pinball machine. mine is in great working order. The lady that had it does not have the backbox key. I am scared to drill it out. I have even tried picking it with a locking pick kit but now dice so far. I called a locksmith this morning and see what they would charge but worried about damaging the glass. I contacted Bally and other pinball retailers and they said they are all keyed different. I wanted to get your suggestion.

[@LeebosPinball]

Hi Doug, if I remember correctly the lock engages a metal bar that basically prevents lifting the glass high enough to slip out of the bottom “channel” of the backbox. So I really don’t think there is a risk to the glass if you drill or force the lock. But before you try a drill, try inserting a large flat blade screwdriver into the lock and twist it back and forth. IIRC, clockwise opens it. Those locks can sometimes turn a bit if you just give them a good twist. I know I replaced it on the one I worked on with a keyless lock (7/8” size) and I think the key was missing on it too. It’s not as delicate as you might think and the glass should be safe.

[@DreddJudgeJoe]

@@LeebosPinball GREAT, now I know how to open ours. Thought the case was stuck, but from what you say I agree. Turning the key moves the bar, thus allowing you to lift the glass front (hand painted) then open the front case. THANKS. Before, I was scared to damage the glass and my wife would have killed me.

[@doughylton2403]

@@LeebosPinball I wanted to give you an update. I got it it drilled out and new lock installed. I do have another question? do you have an email address i can contact you? I want to send you a picture. my game is working awesome but i do have a problem with my drop targets. Every once in a while the ball will rest on top of the targets. the targets work fine but its like they might need an adjustment to prevent the ball from resting on top of it and getting stuck. do you know how to adjust the targets so that i could move them up a little higher when deployed to prevent the ball from resting on the crevice.

[@geftiler2112]

there is something wrong with your soundboard.... this machine does not sound right.

[@LeebosPinball]

If you’re talking about the sustain, that’s one of the adjustments. If you’re talking about pitch, I did have it making tones all over the place early on before I recapped the sound board (if my memory is correct). If it’s something else, lemme know. The game is 2hrs away at an arcade playing pretty solid but I’d still like to know what you hear more specifically that’s different.