Service and Repair

On the Shop Floor Today

Services

How it works

• You bring your machine to my workshop.
• I give it a thorough inspection to determine what's broken.
• I quote you on extra spares if needed.
• I order the necessary parts from the USA.
• I service your machine.
• I send you an invoice.
• You pay me by EFT or cash.
• You fetch your machine.

What it costs

How long it takes

Approximately 8 weeks.

Repairs

How it works

• You bring your machine to my workshop.
• I give it a thorough inspection to determine what's broken.
• I quote you a total cost.
• I order the necessary parts from the USA.
• I repair your machine.
• I send you an invoice.
• You pay me by EFT or cash.
• You fetch your machine.

What it costs

Your repairs will cost you labour of about R1000.00 and spares, probably another R1000.00 depending on the spares needed.

How long it takes

Approximately 8 weeks.

Before you decide

Any machine that is not working will require repairs and the cost will be higher. Clients have spent up to R12,000.00 because we had to replace all the plastic ramps. Other clients have received discounts because their machines were in good condition.

Please note that I will not fix all machines. Some machines are just not worth it. One has to do some research (ipdb is a good place to start) into the value of the machine given its age, condition and collectors appeal before spending too much on its restoration.

If your machine arrives at Escapism with a missing legs, lockbars or other major parts I will regretfully decline your business as this usually means that it was sold as scrap.

If, however, you've managed to get hold of a classic piece like a Spirit of "76, a Twilight Zone, an El Dorado or a Kiss, we'd better talk, soon, regardless of the condition. Legs can be made, lockbars can be imported.

If we need to get a conversation going, take some digital stills and e-mail them to me. We're looking for worst case scenario here so there won't be surprises when it comes to the budget.

Here is a [link] to a youtube time lapse video of a Williams Hurricane being serviced

What is done in a service

A service means stripping the playfield of ramps and decals to the point where all the rubber can be removed and replaced with new rubber. Broken and darkened bulbs are replaced. The playfield is cleaned of grime and dust before replacing the decals, ramps and other items removed during stripping. It also includes minor mechanical repairs and adjustments.

If a major part is broken, like a burnt flipper coil, it will cost extra, take longer and will be quoted separately for repairs to proceed.

Electromechanicals are a lot more expensive to fix than solid states because they require more time and effort to identify and repair problems. The parts needed are not readily available and have to be salvaged from dwindling sources.

Bookings

Please send me an e-mail to book a spot in my workshop. No business will be conducted over the phone.

Transporting Machines

I do not take the risk of letting some idiot without a drivers licence ruin a perfectly good day. Besides, its your machine, you figure out how to get it from the Bar to the Bakkie.

Here's a pdf on the right way to load and unload assuming you don't have a gantry crane or a forklift in the broom cupboard. If your machine arrives at my shop with the legs attached, standing on the back of a Hilux you'll have to unload it yourself. Bring two healthy strong men with you. If its done the way I recommend I'll gladly assist you because I know I won't be hurting my back — again.

Call Outs

I'm afraid company policy dictates: No call outs, no exceptions. I only do my business in my workshop where I have all the tools, spares, ashtrays, and coffee I need.

If your machine has parts like these you're
looking at an electromechanical (EM) machine.

Gallery