Mills Castle Front resto

[sam2002]

Hello
I am hoping to find some help with a project . Purchased a Mills Castle Front at a recent auction figured I would try my hand at a little resto project . The castings and the cabinet are done but I am having problems with the mech , it does not seem to be the right mech I am thinking I may be able to find new strips and award card to match the mech . The award card on the outside of the case starts payout at 2 cherries , the mech pays on 1 cherry . The reel strips have been cut and pieces added , it also does not payout properly for example 2 bells and an orange pay 17 , 2 bells and a lemon also pay 17 , 2 plums and a bell paid 14 . 3 bars and no jackpot paid . Probably all typical stuff to anyone who has been doing this , but this is my first attempt .
Is there a way for me to figure out what mech I have ? I see all these different reel strips and award cards up for sale but do not know which ones to get .
Thanks for any help you can offer .
Attached are a few photos of the work in progress

[sam2002]

I got it .............3rd reel strip was out of whack by about 7 paces ........... as for the extra piece inserted in the other wheel , well it just needed removing ....... now onto the stuck trap door on the jackpot mech .....I believe it is going to be a nice little machine ......... yes I know I'm kinda talkin to myself here ......but thanks for listenin ..........

[TheFatman]

Not talking to yourself .... we all sit bacvk for a bit and watch....glad you figured it out. Let us know about the issues with the JP ... post pics if you can.
dave

[SLOT DYNASTY]

Sam:
Sounds to me, that your machine had been jockey'd around a bit, before hitting the auction block.
Hopefully you did not overpay, so that you can eventually make the necessary changes to it, within
budget. It appears that someone has replaced the original mechanism with a later version, because
of the single cherry pay. The easiest fix for you, is if all of the payouts are working correctly now,
except for the 1 cherry issue, just install a new award card to match, but get one on buff colored
stock, not silver. You should also consider changing the reel strips to buff as well. Even though those
silver strips may look 'tits', they do not belong in this machine. Your restoration project, looks to be
turning out quite well. We would like to see the finished results, when you are done. If this is your
first Slot, you picked a popular model. If you are after any additional machines, and are not sure if
it is correct or not, this is the place to ask. Most of us are here to help, whenever we can. Just watch
out for all the Reproduction "War Eagle", "Golden Nugget", and other junk machines that are for sale
on a daily basis, and eBay is at the top of the list for offing these phonies.
Bill

[sam2002]

Bill
Thanks for all the info on this machine . As for the machine being jockey'd I was kind of expecting that given the overall condition . The payouts all work on the mech but the double cherries pay 5 every time they hit , no matter what is on the last reel . The award card shows 2 cherry 1 bell or 1 lemon should be the only pay 5 combo . Was once told to me better a generous machine then one that pays less . I would like to find a replacement award card that would match the mech . I'm hoping one is available . I am planning on changing out the reel strips . When you say buff color what exactly is that ? Where do i find the replacement strips and award card ? I have seen many listed on ebay as well as other places .
I am a small time collector who got interested in the hobby several years back .I like coin op in general but have a fancy to the payout gambling devices . This is my first time taking a shot at bringing one back . It does not have to be an all original or in mint condition , but it deserves to have some dignity . As for ebay I am getting better at weeding out the good from the bad . I do have a 10 cent Golden Nugget I bought from a private collector , I don't think it is a real McCoy but it isn't one of those from ebay . The decal on the side where Mills would usually be says ,The Antique Gambler Reno L.V.
From what I have been able to gather it looks like that person has not been in business for some time . I love the machine it is a beaut that plays well and it did not cost a fortune . All of the original gear lock , door , cash box etc . I presume it was once another machine converted to a nugget .
I have added some photo's of the CF
Thanks again for the help