This Taiyo Electron - junk or not?

[marietta_ken]

Newbie here. Recently started looking into finding a basic vintage machine. Found this site -- now guilty of near addiction!

I have the opp to pickup a local machine that I was very excited about...prior to getting high res pics, that is. It's a Taiyo Electron that is quite rough (see pics). I'm a pretty ambitious sort, but fear this one is like that absolute rust bucket classic Mustang that's just not worth it.

My biggest question is what, if anything, can be done about the trashed/peeling playfield? The only prospect I can imagine is to remove all pins and features, then apply something custom -- maybe shooting for an authentic look (if even possible). Or, just go totally non-vintage with the look and just make it look good and play nicely.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Ken

[wrkey]

Wow.. when you said it was in rough condition, you weren't lying. I will say this though, it is one I would probably take on, simply because I don't have one that functions quite like it. However, I don't think I'd give more than $5 for it as the work required to get her back in shape would be extensive.

There may be others here with a different opinion, it may be rare and worth lots... or may be common and not worth the $5.

In any case, if you do get it, you'll have LOTS to do in the near future! I noticed that the collection tray at the bottom appears to be broken. Do you have a photo of the back side mechanics? The back side components are what can really make or break a machine.

Good luck and Welcome!

[birdbrain]

while it is a very cool Arrapachi machine i think that one is better for parts

[marietta_ken]

Yeah, she's rough alright. Would have to custom make some colored plastics for lenses in corners, make/remove tray, give that chrome and prob pins some serious, painstaking work...ugh.

Photos of backside below.

[Meathead]

Wow, if you're a collector of unconventional art, that may look nice on your wall. Given the appearance of the front, I would guess the back would be completely unsalvageable. That said, if I saw it at a yard sale, yup, I'd buy it. I know of only one Arepachi fan here who would have the fortitude to take on a project like that. He has yet to speak up.

[alstonj1]

There are limits and i think this one went past those at least for me ...

[sharmoni]

That playfield is pretty unsalvageable. We've had at least one member repaint theirs, but paint is not an appropriate backing as it has too much friction and will wear and will be hard to clean. Replacing the nails so you could re-laminate a new printed image is not easy since the nails end with a twist and the holes will likely be larger once they are removed.

In the first photo you are missing plastic covers for the lights which will be very difficult to replace as there are not as many of this type of machines around for parts. You could play without the coin payout tray, but I would very surprised if any of the mechanics still worked, much less all the electronic circuit boards.

Take a look at the different threads to see what Eddie has been able to do with arepachi machines. Ones that are in decent condition occasionally show up on eBay (I found mine there), and you'll have a lot more fun with one that looks nice and is playable (I play mine more than any of my other machines).

[takethecastle57]

Ok , I you can get it for $10 go ahead and get it , BUT this machine is a LONG TERM PROJECT with alot of fabrication of missing parts and derusting the metal . This is if the back of the machine does not have major parts gone and the pieces are intacted . if not stay away from this

[Meathead]

Don't kid yourself. It's not a long term project. You should buy it for parts or a conversation piece. You'll be very surprised at the improvements cosmetically that you can make to the machine, but as far as function, that one has seen its days...

[Bigdog]

In my opinion, yes, the machine is junk.

HOWEVER, if the price was right, I'd still buy it (as would many others on this board...)

[Eddie]

The chances of getting that machine operating again are slim to none.

More likely then not besides the obvious parts missing and poor cell field the electronic
boards are probably shot.

That being said I could use it for spare parts for my Arepachi.

Especially the center lamp board as it probably has the light boots that Im still looking for!

[who922]

How much are they asking for it? If it's even close to reasonable, I would buy it. Even if you can't get it back to working order...but then again I still have my 4th grade history project.

[hanabi]

Oh dear that does look to be in a very sorry state!!

You may be better off looking for a Pachinko in a bit better state to refurbish especially if it is to be your first one, I know members often post about their bargain purchases that look to be in better shape

Obviously it depends on your time, skills and enthusiasm to decide how far you want to go but some of the members here seem to be very knowledgeable with Vintage restorations and their advice is good

Good Luck with whatever you decide and Welcome to PachiTalk Ken!!

[wrkey]

What's the verdict Ken? Are you going to make the leap or not?

[marietta_ken]

OK, so after sleeping on this one -- I've decided take a pass and go with a "clean-up" job vs. reconstructive surgery project. Was darn tempting and has made me curious about this type of machine. However, my original goal was to add another amusing piece to our basement gameroom. In light of that, I've found and agreed to a deal on a Nishijin C type/Sophia that'll be coming sometime next week.

Thanks for all your input! For those who might be able to make use of this machine for parts, it's on the Atlanta Craigslist. He only wanted $40 (or $50?) for the machine. Nice guy, but I don't know that he fully appreciates just how basket-case this machine is. BTW, I told him I'd try to do something with (ie save) it if he was going to scrap it. I have an EE background...

[who922]

Wow!!! 40 or 50 dollars for that is nuts! The most I would pay for it is 10. You should take a look at the one I turned down for 40 a couple of weeks ago. Pristene compared to that. Good Call! And Welcome!

[marietta_ken]

Was it an arepachi type machine? How much does a pretty decent one go for?

[Meathead]

YouTube - The Taiyo Electron Arepachi Pt1

YouTube - The Taiyo Electron ArePachi Pt2

The above videos are by our member Eddie. He does an exceptional job explaining the function of the machine. It's exactly the same machine you are looking at. The machines are somewhat rare and as you can see from the video, it is a different kind of gameplay.

There aren't many of us that would turn down an opportunity to own one.

[marietta_ken]

Yup, I watched those videos a couple of days ago. Ran across them as I was trying to figure out what type of machine the basket-case was. Those videos really peaked my interest. Man I wanted that to be the sweeeet deal. Thank goodness I didn't waste my time driving the 1.5 hrs round trip to just be terribly disappointed.

Now, though, I have an unaddressed hankering for an arepachi...

[compirate]

Now, though, I have an unaddressed hankering for an arepachi...

'Join the club, we've got jackets!' - Shrek