restoring a 1950's era electromechanical pinball machine

Gottlieb Universe

• Original production run: 1,150 Units
• Machine runs completely by electromechanical devices (motors, solenoids, physical switches)
• Advertised as one of the first pinball machines with an animated feature in the upper light box
• Game features 4 flippers, 10 rollovers, 2 targets, 2 slingshot kickers and 3 pop numbers

starting condition

• Machine was purchased in non-working condition at a local flee market
• Electrical issue would not allow the machine to initiate a new game
• Playfield and original backglass were intact and in decent condition but in need of extensive cleaning
• Original plexiglass decorative covers were badly warped and interfering with the ball kickers

Restoration

Ball Shooter Repair

• replaced cracked plastic sleeve and worn springs
• cleaned and tuned mechanism

Electrical Repairs

• located and repaired wiring issue that prevented new games from starting
• repaired frayed and disconnected wiring throughout machine
• replaced old power cord and added ground wire for safety
• Verified all playfield components and tested game sequences using original wiring diagram
• Repaired broken light sockets and replaced all bulbs

Playfield Plastics Replacement

• Removed the original warped playfield plastic covers and backbox animation wheel
• Located new replica plastic pieces and installed in machine

Metal Component Cleaning

• Removed, cleaned and reinstalled playfield and cabinet front metal pieces
• Utilized an ultrasonic cleaner for dirt and oxidation removal

Plastic Component Cleaning

• Removed, cleaned and reinstalled playfield plastic components
• Removed dirt and grime with a magic eraser

Playfield Cleaning

• Removed all playfield parts and vacuumed loose dirt 
• Removed heavy grime on playfield with Novus 2 cleaner
• Waxed clean playfield with Blitz One Grand 100% Carnauba Wax

Miscellaneous Restoration

• Replaced all rubber rings
• Cleaned upper and lower sash pieces
• Installed new chrome pinballs
• Re-painted scratched front door 
• Replaced missing tilt plum bob
• Replaced front door and backbox panel locks
• removed rust from cabinet legs and installed new leveler feet

Finished Product

This restored Gottlieb Universe machine is now fully functional and playing as originally intended. It is a fast paced and exciting game with bells ringing and lights flashing frequently. Set to 'free play' mode, a press of the front door button automatically initiates a new game with 5 pinballs. Rollover switches and pop bumpers earn the player points on the scoreboard and are all functioning well. If the player is able to hit each of the illuminated numbers the 'special when lit' bonus in the center drop hole is activated and can earn the player bonus points or extra games. At the end of a 5 ball game a number is illuminated in the upper light box. If this number matches the last digit of the player's score a bonus credit is awarded.

demo VIDEO

Going Further

• Outer cabinet walls have cosmetic damage and could be repainted
• Top wooden side rails have some damage and could be replaced
• Playfield glass has some scratches and could easily be replaced
• Some rollover plastic pieces embedded in the playfield are warped and could be corrected
• Original power transformer is working properly but could be replaced with modern equivalent