Powerflash X 2

[mbodi]

Didn't want to post this story until I had both machines in my posession.
Been looking for a powerflash long before I joined the forum. I actually remember playing these pachinkos when I was stationed in Japan in 1974. Used to go to the parlor in Yokosuka at least twice a week for the 8 months I was there.
Its a coincidence, but I was the first person to respond to the craigs list ad for the powerflash in Florida a couple weeks ago, and the one in California last week. Both sellers agreed to sell me the machines when I contacted them. Sent the seller in Florida $150 for the machine plus $100 for packing and shipping. Sent the seller in California $200 for the machine plus $125 for shipping. Both sellers were offered more money for the machines before the tanactions were complete, but both kept their word and sold the machines to me. The one is California was offered over $800 for the Little Man.
Another coincidence. I was the first one to respond to the craigs list ad on Saturday evening for the machine in Houston. I offered her the $150 asking price plus $130 to pack and ship. She agreed to the offer and wanted me to overnight cash. She also told me she was recently divorced and didn't have any bank account, credit cards, etc.
This didn't sound good, and then I noticed Rusty's generous offer. Sent Rusty a PM and told him I would like to get the machine, but that if any other members wanted it, they could have it instead of me, since I had one and hopefully another one coming. Never heard back from the seller, so not sure how that deal is going. I notice in the other thread that Rusty is still on it.
Attached are some photos. The Thunderbird from florida is a little faded with some rust and a lot of dirt. Mechanically, all the solenoids are working. The California Little Man is excellent as far as the cell. Still deep blue with no visible water stains. Mechanically, the frame is shot and one solenoid is not working. Hard to see in the photo, but a lot of rust on the linkages.
First 2 photos are the Florida Thunderbird before, and then the begining of the restoration. Last 3 photos are the California Little Man.

Mike.

[dattia]

Very nice... congratulations on your purchases... and kudos to the sellers for standing behind their sales even when offered more money!

[Moparformances]

Nice looking Pair

[emmadog]

Congrats on your machines. Tons of info on here about them as well. It seems that all the L-man machines have a deeper blue cell. I don't know if the original color was darker as compared to the T-bird, a more fade resistant ink or what. I've got replacement solenoids-they were only about 5 or so bucks a piece from an online electronics surplus store. I'll look and see if I can find where I got them.

[emmadog]

Solen 121K13261 DC Solenoid-The Electronic Goldmine
That's the link to the solenoid on Electronics Goldmine

[mbodi]

Thanks Emmadog.
I might need one.

[hanabi]

Congratulations!!

TWO PF's!!

The blue cell one is certainly a very vivid blue and looks to be in great condition

[CoventryCat86]

Nice looking machines! I had never heard of a powerflash until I signed up here and they look like a fun machine to play. Your finds look very good, congratulations.

[Super Dave Osbourne]

Did you by chance find the source for the cells to the Power Flash units?

[emmadog]

The cel I used on the PF I restored was adhesive auto vinyl. Comes in many colors or can be printed any custom color.

[Super Dave Osbourne]

Exceptional, thank you for the closure on this thread sub-topic!