help on slot machine

[millslot]

Hi, I was hoping that someone could give me a little info on columbia slot machines. I was looking at one to buy (see pic.) and before I make my decision, I was hoping someone could help me out with some things.

The first thing I wasn't sure about was parts. As far as I know the machine is in full working order, but some pieces are a little rusty (handle, denomination badge, etc.) and just in case, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction (does not matter if the parts are reproductions, as long as it works ).

Another thing is the paint. The paint is mostly all there, however, it is chipping on the top. I was hoping to repaint it myself, but I have no idea what type of paint to use, or if it will even be the same color???

Also, is there anywhere I can buy/find manuals or parts guides for this machine? And any opinion of what would be a good price to pay for the machine?

Any information would be greatly appreciated
Thanks, Millslot

[watlingboy]

Since that top escalator is pot metal as well as other parts, they are hard to keep running. Pot metal shrinks and becomes brittle with age. The escalator slots shrink, nickels won't go around and the castings break. Not the most reliable of slots for this reason. Value $400 and good luck. Also it was painted with hammertone paint originally which has been unavailable for at least 10 years or more.

Watlingboy

[TJ]

I got one of these little jewels almost 20 years ago and spent some time getting it into working order. As you might be aware of the fact that these machines were made for one reason to separate people from their money pennies nickels dimes and quarters. Although not popular with most collectors and dealers, they were made to endure hundreds if not thousands of pulls on those little handles. An interesting feature of which no other machine has that I am aware of at this time is that each machine came with a little bag of parts that made it possible to change the coin head to except one of the four different coins listed above. As to value, a few things to consider originality, condition, ie. completeness, does it do what it is supposed to do pay correctly, spin the reels and so forth. How strong is your desire to have the machine and how bad does the seller wish to get rid of it. These things are usually negotiable. What is the person asking for the machine, and how big is your collection? Last of all good luck. T.J.
P.S. I have machines playing in the four coin denominations penny nickel dime and quarter and have no problems with operation. An important thing about mechanical devices they must be clean, lubricated properly, and played in order for them to continue working.

[Jackpot]

You can find a manual and information here:

http://jackpot7.freeyellow.com/page21.html

Rodger