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Once again  Pinrescue is very proud to help supply the  Professional Amateur Pinball Association  with vintage pinball machines for the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008

Greatest pinball tournament ever held anywhere. www.papa.org .

We at Pinrescue admire are amazed and respect the tremendous job everyone there has done rebuilding after the 2004 flood.  

Please visit www.papa.org for information on the 2008 games and pictures of some of the 300+ Classic to modern pinball machines set up in a totally renovated facility. Pictured above is just a tiny portion of the vintage pinball machines available for play in this year’s tournament.  

Some recent customer testimonialsRuss,

Russ,

Thanks so much for your recent assistance on my Spirt Of 1776 Gotlieb machine. You willingness to walk me through possible corrections to issues makes me always remind myself of how glad I am that I purchased my machine from you. These classic machines have many moving parts and you seem to know every one of them.

Steve Gottlieb Spirit of 76 November 2024

Good morning Russ,

Jungle King was delivered yesterday morning, in good condition. You did an excellent restoration job!

JK was definitely one of my favorite machines to play almost 50 years ago! LOL - I've lost my knack of playing, but had one great play with many free balls, and rolled it over 100,000 points!
100423 jungle king.jpg

Thank you so much!
Gay

Hi Russ, Got delivered to my daughter and family in San Jose today. They have been playing it all afternoon. My son in law told me the man that delivered it is a real pin ball fan and said there is some sort of pinball museum in San Jose. So we are going to try to check it out next time we visit down there. Anyway thank you so much for getting them a great machine. I know they will really enjoy it. The 2 girls are already competing to see who can get the best score. Good fun.

thanks again Kirk - Jacks Open August 2023
(Kirk has many restored Gottlieb’s now his grandkids are playing)

Hi Russ, My daughter and her family have been playing the machines I got from you since I first got them years ago. She and her husband have 2 daughters that are 10 and 12 that are both good players. They have decided they want to get a machine. I volunteered to contact you and see what you would recommend. They are not in a huge hurry and could wait if you think it might be best to wait for you to get in the right machine. Of course if you have something available now you would suggest that is good too. We will appreciate your advice. thanks
- Kirk B May 2023

We have been enjoying our Sure Shot machine for about a month now,and want to thank Pinrescue for all they have done. It was a pleasure working with them and we will continue to do so I the future. Thanks again.

Joe & Cynthia Runia August 2022

Russ,
My family is loving the 1973 Big Shot. Thanks for what you do!
I'm still dying to get my hands on a 1957 Royal Flush; but in the mean time, please let me know if you have anything coming available from 1966 (the year I was born).

Thanks,
Gerard Darby (June 2022)I

 heard from my son and his family that Quick Draw is up and running, and they have been playing it all morning. Many, many thanks for making the delivery. I'm sorry you had to make the trip in the rain, although maybe the weather kept some of the Sunday drivers and beach traffic off the road. (Wishful thinking?)

I'll always count it a lucky day when I first made contact with you and pinrescue. Nice to know there are still some highly professional and good people around.

Be well.
Jim (June 2022)

Russ and Stacy - I just want to say thank you and let you know that my experience with Pinrescue could not have been any better. If, down the road, I am ever in the market to buy a pinball machine Pinrescue is where I will go.

Cheers,
Steve
Lake Gaston, NC

Russ I got my machine today and I’m having a blast with it. I am not getting much work done because my partner and I have been playing pinball all day. I guess we can get back to work tomorrow. Anyway I was curious since we are in electrical contractor do you happen to know anyone who sells re-prints of the schematics for these machines I thought it would be cool to get one and frame it and hang it on the wall.
-1976 Card Whiz

Time to get into our time machine and zoom back to the 1970's! The era of bell bottom pants and lava lamps.....

I have been playing pinball since the early 1970s. To me, there is no substitute for the beauty and simplicity of those Gottlieb EM machines! Give me one of these over the new machines with all their sounds and toys.

But -----my BIG concern was ---could I MAINTAIN one of these legendary pinball machines? I live in a remote area of the mountains and I don't have nearby local support.
I was just about to give up on this dream when I ran across Pinrescue's website ---and learned what a great job Russ and Stacy do in restoring these classics. When you look under the "hood", it is clean enough to eat off of. You can see that they have meticulously have gone through every switch, every stepper unit, the scoring motor, scoring reels, etc. It looks and plays just like it did in 1975!

You may be able to find a lower price somewhere on the internet ---but you certainly won't find a better machine and one that has been restored to near new levels like they do at pinrescue. You can just tell that they take restoration of each machine personally.

The machine I wanted was Quick Draw/Fast Draw from 1975. Russ found me one and the rest is history.

He delivered it to my home and walked me through the machine and answered all of my questions. It left me feeling like i have the best EM anywhere. This machine rekindles many fond memories from my childhood.

I had a pinball tournament this weekend at my house with some visitors and the new Quick Draw was clearly the favorite machine of the group.

In summary ----if you want an EM machine and want to take a trip down memory lane ---Russ and Stacy are the folks to deal with. You may have to wait a bit if you want a certain machine (like I did), but the wait is worth it when you get your AWESOME EM for your home. --Damone S

I bought an Abra Cadabra from you back in 2014. I love it. If you can find a Top Card and/ or a Super spin Or Jet Spin I would buy them from you. Wouldn’t have to be in mint condition. (Super Spin has a cooler back glass than Jet Spin.)
--Mark Olson. June 2021

Dear Russ and Stacy

2001 arrived at Dubai airport on january 1 at 3 am. what a new year gift. It reached my home yesterday night. I played a few games with it. it plays beautifully. I LOVE IT.

I know it was not easy to prepare all the export documentation and requirements thank you Stacy for your help. I modeled the basement as a Diner to house the EM's I bought from you Russ.

Playing them brings me much joy over and over again.they definitely enriched my life and my family's life. thank you for that.

Happy New Year

sincerely
Oussama

Hello Russ and Stacy,
The Bronco arrived yesterday and we are so happy to have it in our new home. Thank you for everything. It has been a pleasure doing business with you both. By the way, you should have seen my grandsons face when he saw that it was a Gottlieb. Priceless!.

Thanks again,
~ Larry July 4th 2020

Hey Stacy and Russ,
We received the remarkable “King Rex” machine yesterday! What a treat! Unfortunately I think I have lost my natural ability to play, however, I’m hopeful to be back in good form in short order! I enjoyed playing more that I thought I would!! Thanks for the coins!!! All the best…
Paul (rare 1970 King Rex June 2020 )

Hi Russ and Stacy:
The "Spirit Of '76" machine is here, and it's excellent. Everything seems intact, and considering it's from 1976, it is cosmetically wonderful: you did a great restoration on it. I've played three games so far and everything is functioning as it should. It turns out the room I out it in is roomier than I thought, so I might get another one from you someday, depending what shows up for sale. I couldn't be happier with this machine! Thanks again! -- Ben Brackett 1976 Spirit of 76 installed Jan. 2020

Russ, thank you again. The grandkids battled me to play 1 more game. The product worked very well but the kids dont like losing HAHA. It is worth every penny but please do try to find me "Slick Chick" thanks mucho. Gerry Fox  November 2019 – 1972 Wild Life

Russ - Just wanted to let you know it got here safe and sound. Put on the head, leveled it out, flipped the switch and commenced playing. What an awesome experience and flash back in time. Thanks so much for sorting it out and we will all have a ball playing!
All the best, Will Davenport ( super nice 1968 Doozie) August 2019

Hi Russ,

For years on and off I would check out Russ’s Pinrescue.com web page to admire Russ’s work. The beautiful and meticulously restored machines always appeared second to none.

I am not one to write testimonials but I can't say enough about Russ, his wife, Stacy, and Pinball Rescue. They are awesome!!!

Earlier this spring, we contacted Pinball Rescue to see if they could fix three pinball machines which had sat unused in our basement for more than 25 years, after sitting unused in my parents basement for at least another 10 years. To put it simply, our machines were "ripe for repair."

After sending digital photos back and forth, Russ recommended that we restore two and scrap the third, as it wasn't worth fixing.

When Russ came to pick up the machines, it was like watching a master at work. There was no question that he knew what he was doing and took great pride in his work. We knew immediately that we were in good hands.

A few weeks later, when Russ delivered our restored machines, we were blown away. The machines looked like new - inside and out. Parts were cleaned, replaced, repaired - whatever it took.

And when there was a glitch with one of the machines two weeks later, Russ talked us through the process by phone. Both my son and I were stunned by how well Russ knew the inside of the machines and how he could guide us from afar. Talk about expertise!

If we had another pinball machine to repair, I would not hesitate to bring it to Pinball Rescue. They are true professionals.
Peter. 1974 Soccer 1975 Top Score

I am so thankful I stumbled upon Russ and Pinrescue. It started when I saw a Royal Flush pinball machine for sale on my local Craigslist. I spend many hours playing this machine while I was in college in the late 70’s. The Craigslist machine was in rough shape and the seller said it needed a lot of work. Seeing this machine caused me to do a google search for electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines and that’s when I found the Pinrescue website. Russ and Stacy have developed an awesome business model specializing in finding, reconditioning, and selling EM pinball machines. It was fascinating to read about all the old machines on the website including my beloved Royal Flush. Pinrescue was where I learned Gottlieb made a two player version of Royal Flush called Card Whiz. Unfortunately, Russ did not have either Royal Flush or Card Whiz currently for sale so I sent an email to the Pinrescue site asking that I be notified the next time they got one in. Russ emailed back less than 24 hours later saying he would. About four weeks later, Russ emailed back saying he had taken a nice Card Whiz machine in on trade and I could have it after he went through it to make sure it was working properly. I was thrilled – first, that Russ actually followed through on his earlier email saying he would let me know when he got one in and second, that I would have an opportunity to rekindle some fond memories from my youth!

 While I was waiting for Russ to complete his work on the Card Whiz machine, I decided to add a second machine to my order and bought the Big Indian machine that he had for sale. Both machines were delivered to Charlotte yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. Russ is a great guy who showed up on time and got both machines unloaded, set-up and running in less than 45 mins. He then took the time to walk me through some basic maintenance items on the machines including how to remove the glass and back panel to change burned out bulbs and adjust the tilt mechanism. He even left me with 2 boxes of spare bulbs! I feel 100% confident that Russ will provide whatever customer support I might need in the future. As I matter of fact, I am keeping an eye on any new machines Russ offers for sale because I will likely add a third machine to my game room sooner rather than later! If you are in the market for a good running EM pinball machine, you can’t go wrong buying from Russ and Pinrescue.

 Mark
Charlotte, NC (1976 Card Whiz 1973 Big Indian) March 2019

Russ and Stacy,
Sorry that it's been a while since we emailed.
King Pin has been a welcome addition and a really popular attraction with our family and friends.
I hope you are doing well and look forward to another great year and hope you do as well!
Warmly,
Cheung, Tamara and the boys (1973 King Pin) February 2019

Hi Russ and Stacy, 
I just wanted to say thanks again and let you know the vintage pinball machine was a big hit at the party! So the timing worked great. My husband is so pleased and the kids enjoy it thoroughly, too! We appreciate your excellent service to deliver promptly and install by a knowledgeable expert. happy holidays to you both,
1974 Big Brave Dec 2018

Hi Russ,
Thanks again! We are really enjoying the Pioneer,
in fact, it's difficult to get any work done in the evenings :)
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cindy & Gareth

Well, it's been 45 years since I played on a King Kool but it seems like yesterday. I love it and am so very glad you found it for me. Hours of fun ahead.
Thanks Doug. (Proud owner of a very nice 1972 King Kool) September 2018

Got it today:)
So fun! Old school
Thanks!
Michelle & Tim (August 2018 1971 Firecracker)

I have been doing business with Russ and Stacy for over 10 years, and have bought more games from Pinrescue than I can remember; right now I have El Dorado, Gulfstream, Grand Slam, and Surfer.

During those years, Russ has provided the utmost in quality, service, attention to detail, passion, honesty, and reliability.  There are very few businesses who can delight their customers the way Pinrescue can.

Russ is always willing to go far beyond the normal call of duty for any business; his only goal is to follow his passion and guarantee that his customers are 110% satisfied.

Over the past 10 years, Russ has driven 2 1/2 hours to replace my El Dorado playfield on New Years Eve, driven through a hurricane on Labor Day weekend to fix my Jungle Princess, and given me very specific and accurate directions via email to fix simple things myself whenever I need it, at any hour of the day. He is always available, and always stands behind the games he sells.

On top of everything else, Russ and Stacy are a pleasure to deal with.  After you get to know them, you will think of them as friends, not a business you are patronizing.  It's always fun when Russ comes to service or deliver a game.

If you love pinball, there is no reason to do business with anybody else but Pinrescue.  

Sincerely,
Joe Arena

Russ, Thanks so much Russ and Stacy!!

We’ve been playing pinball all day.
The funny thing is my wife Matilda got the high score on her first try!!!!
(December 2017 1976 Ship Ahoy)

click to enlarge:

Hi Russ,  Jacks Open got a serious workout this summer at our lake place from my kids, grandkids and myself of course and performed flawlessly.  I think some days it was being played most of the day.  Maybe a good thing it will get some time off  now that summer is over.  Also thought you might enjoy this.  My 2 youngest granddaughters are 5 yrs.  My daughter lives is Bethesda Maryland and she and her family were recently at an establishment that had a pinball machine.  Her 5 yr. old is actually quite good at pinball and apparently wowed a crowd at that establishment.  The proprietor wanted to know where she learned to play.  Pretty funny.   And our other 3 machines are also working just fine.  Thank you so much.   Kirk  Oct 2017

(King Kool, Surfer, Jacks Open, El Dorado customer since 2010)

Russ,  
Had a chance to visit the Pinball Museum in Las Vegas yesterday. It’s some guys personal collection housed in a warehouse in an iffy section of Vegas. He must have 150-200 games, mostly new machines but he had about 40 Ems, including Subway and Bank a Ball. Had fun playing Atlantis, Abracadabra, Centigrade 37, Capt. Card, Pop a Card, Central Park (really cool). Liked Domino and Spin a Card a lot. The early games with the metal posts by the flippers were a lot more fun than I imagined, keeps the game play interesting. 
 
Made me realize what great condition my machines are in and what a great job you did in restoring them. Most of these machines have seen some hard play! Although no one there was playing them, all focused on the 100+ new machines, which I really don’t care for. And I have to say I have 2 of the most fun games to play! Anyway, just thought I would pass that along. Hope all is well.
 
Doug (1966 Subway & 1965 Flipper Pool )

Russ, Still enjoy the Central Park and Rack-A-Ball I got from you years back. Have a couple of young nephews that think they are the greatest. Was wondering if you ever come across any bingo machines. Would really like to see a Miss America,’(57, ‘75, Deluxe) or most any of the Bally Magic Screens, Mystic Lines etc..   Keep the past alive Clif (March 2016)

Russ & Stacy just wanted to say thanks, Hurdy Gurdy is a great game, lots of fun and really well restored Mark Dailey (March 2016) 

Russ & Stacy,  Sorry it took so long to write you.  Sue and I have been thoroughly enjoying Jacks Open since you delivered it to us.  We play it every day.  It is a fantastic looking machine and plays as good as it looks.  You have a great attention for detail and everything works as it did in 1976, when the machine was brand new, maybe better.  Your advice on maintaining and adjusting the machine is always spot-on, and it is easy to tell that you know electro-mechanical pinball machines inside and out and have a passion for them.

It’s hard to put into words how much we are enjoying Jacks Open.  It is a challenging machine but very fun to play, with the drop targets, and the “knock” is so satisfying.  It takes me back to summers in the 60’s and 70’s at the Kutztown Park playing pinball with my friends all day long.

Thanks for Jacks Open and the excellent customer service.  It was great fun talking to you and Stacy when you delivered the machine, swapping pinball stories from years ago.  I look forward to our next visit, when hopefully you will be delivering Bank-A-Ball to us. Thanks again a super pinball machine and the memories that it brings back to me.

Sue & Ned Parkes 

Russ and Stacy, 
It has been delivered.  We love it.  Thanks you so much.  Kirk (very nice 1977 Jacks Open)

Dear Russ,    We all appreciate advancement in technology but thankfully we have you to bring back "old school" pinball !!  If it wasn't for the internet we would have never found you to bring back our high school memories.  All the days spent after school just playing for hours on end.      I have purchased and traded multiple machines with Russ and he has NEVER let us down.  Any problems we have had (which has only been 1) was resolved immediately.  If you looking for "old school" pinball Russ is your man to deal with.      We look forward to purchasing more machines in the future from Pin Rescue.  Thanks for the great service.
Vinny & Linda Marinucci Frederick, Maryland. (1975 Fast Draw, 1977 Jacks Open) May 2015

Greetings Russ and Stacy,   Just a quick note to wish you a great 4th of July weekend.  Both Card Whiz and Bank Shot are big hits and great additions to the “arcade”.  Keep me posted on the glass for Card Whiz and let me what you have in the pipeline.  
Geoff July 2014

They say you "can't go back in time" and that there is "no fountain of youth" but thanks to Russ and Stacy and Pinrescue they are wrong. I thought all the thrills and excitement I felt as a teenager playing pinball machines was lost forever and I spent a lot of time and money on "Video Games" just trying to recreate those feelings but nothing worked. But thanks to Russ and Stacy I have traveled back in time and their Pinball Games are the "fountain of youth". Thanks to them I do get to relive my youth everyday with all the thrills and excitement that I thought I lost all those years ago. Yes it's true...."There ain't nothing like the real thing baby" Russ and Stacy I thank you from the bottom of my heart.......Gary V

Hi Russ and Stacy,
Hope this finds you well....been having the best, most frustrating time :), playing my Big Brave.  Love, love, love it.  A friend of mine was here today, and he loves it, too.  I told him that if I can find a Bow and Arrow, I would sell him my Big Brave, since I don't have room for two machines):
Anyway, hope you are still keeping an eye out for one. Was wondering if you have already gone to the pinball show, and if you saw one there.  Let me know, and be sure and keep me on the list for one.
Thanks, Karen Hultz (Idaho) June 2013

Dear Russ,

Just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying our Capt. Card and Playball machines. You are the King of Customer Service, driving 10+ hours round trip to spend an hour or so fixing the Playball machine. I saw on your website the award you've received for "Best in Philly 2012". Congratulations and well deserved. Now I think we need to nominate you here in Pittsburgh! It was a pleasure meeting you and I'm sure that sometime in the future Joe will talk me into another pinball machine and we'll be in touch. Whenever you are out this way don't hesitate to stop and say hello.

Sincerely,
Gloria and Joe Andrejcik

Dear Stacy - have been meaning to write to you - received the game last Friday - looks great - very pleased, and the kids love playing it also. Thank you for a smooth transaction - Best wishes - Sincerely, Jonathan Graff (1975 Eldorado Aug 2012)

Hello, Russ and Stacy:

I've played about 40 games of "Funland" today - the day it arrived! - and am totally hooked.  Great game design, and just a very nice restoration.  All is working well, and if I have any questions at all, I'll give a call. Consider me a satisfied customer.

Sincerely,
Keith Newell
Spokane, WA
(really nice 1968 Funland )

Russ, Stacey and all the folks at Pinrescue.

I want to thank you very much for the outstanding service and quality in the rebuild restoration of the Gottlieb Slick Chick pinball machine.

I am so enthusiastic with its operation, I find it exciting to play endlessly with her.  The hours roll by as minutes.

I finally reached a score of 1326 with the five balls.  The sense and thrill of revisiting my youth is indescribable.

Today, I waxed the playfield, not that she needed it, to give her  the special care in this beautifully restored machine of the 1960’s era.

I am technical person and admire fine workmanship and the quality in a well-built machine. As one knows “ Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” and a “thing of beauty is a thing forever” as they say.

Now my children and grandchildren will experience those happy days and be able to put a smile on their faces as they enjoy the thrill of this pinball machine.

All of this is possible, because you folks had decided to rescue these electro-mechanical machines and restore them to their former glory.  Well done and my hat is off to all of you who made this passion of mine come to realization.

My wife and I would love to visit you and say thank you in person sometime in May

God bless all of you..

Regards,

Peter Luciano
March 13, 2012

Pinrescue in Miami - Dior Event!

Dear Russ and Stacy,

The event in Miami was a great success ! And the pinball looks very good !
You will find pictures here :
http://www.patrickmcmullan.com/site/search.aspx?t=eventName&s=dior 

http://www.gettyimages.fr/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=fr&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=dior+playing+around 


We showed the pinball during a special night organized by the creative director of Dior accessories. She is very into pinball, have a look on her video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ySNqhiC68 

This event was part of a pop-up store that we opened during Art Basel for a special collaboration between german artist Anselm Reyle and Dior. You can find a lot of articles about it on the web.

Warm regards,
Pia
Chargée de Projets Evčnementiels

Russ and Stacy,
I have been meaning to write you guys for a long time! Sept. 30th, we had our rehearsal dinner for our wedding and exchanged gifts. I had ordered online a t-shirt with the Aquarius back glass on it, put it on, and took some pictures next to the pinball machine. I wrapped the shirt and gave it to Steven. When he opened it, the look on his face was awesome, I just gave you a telescope, and you got me a t-shirt... Till he saw what the picture was then he asked where I found it. I then gave him a card saying, your wife to be just gave you a t-shirt, but wait, there's more! On the inside were the pictures of me wearing the shirt next to the pinball machine. He couldn't believe it!!! I then told him it was in the spare bedroom marked no grooms allowed. He was floored! It was a lovely gift that meant a lot to him. His family had the same game growing up but the game was lost in a bad trade by one of his brothers. He was surprised to say the least :-) Thank you guys so much for helping me accomplish this wonderful marriage memory!Tiffany Barnett ( aka Tiffany Heatherly :-) ) 1970 Aquarius

Russ/Stacy,
I just wanted to say it was a pleasure doing business with you. The machine is wonderful (both of them actually) and I am looking forward to sharing it with my family and friends. Thank you for what you do, your hospitality, service and helping me out with the Kiss machine. I hope we can continue to keep in touch and do business in the future.
   All the best, John (1972 Big Brave and 1979 KISS... August 2011)

Hello Russ,
The surprise turned out perfectly ! My husband couldn't be more excited over his "new" pinball machine. He told us that now he has something to help him relax. I hope it does , he has never had a hobby, only work,work,work.
Thank you for keeping the past alive with your beautiful work !!!!!
With much gratitude,
Patty Lanier
June 10, 2011

Dear Russ and Stacy:

Just a note to let you know we are in our new home and loving it. It took a while but we can say it is pretty much done. Our travel to your fair city last September was one of the best things we have done for our new home. We purchased two machines from you and it fits our new rec room perfectly.
In fact we designed the rec room around your machines and our Pool table. Everyone that stops by loves the two machines. They accent each other in appearance and play. We could not have picked two better machines. Sue and I play them almost everyday. Adults and kids that stop by all want to play the machines. It's fantastic. Thank you - Thank you - Thank you

Thanks again
Dave and Sue Aug 2010)

Russ,
Just wanted to write a note of thanks for you making the road trip out to Lancaster to visit one of your favorite machines--a beautiful El Dorado that you fully restored to mint condition a few years ago. The minor repair was much appreciated and she is back to her old self.

As you know, that machine represents fond memories of my childhood and I can't thank you enough for caring for it almost as much as I do.

Thanks again, Russ, you're the best!

Sincerely,
Steve
 

Russ,

Just wanted to let you know that everything seems to be working great with the machines. No problems so far with Quick Draw, and seems like the issues with the Card Whiz have been all fixed. We’re getting lots of use (and fun) out of all 3 machines, so thanks for everything. I’ll let you know when I’m brave enough to try and sneak a 4th machine in there! Hope to see you soon.

Rick (1975 Quick Draw 1976 Sure Shot and Card Whiz)

Russ:

Thank you for reconditioning my pinball Marble Queen .Playing her brings back many pleasant memories of my brothers and I having pinball tournaments in my parent's basement. I even have a document dated March 1, 1960 that shows the vital statistics of every all the games we played which includes every way to win a free game and the amount of free games won. I have included a picture of the document in this e-mail. I hope you can read it. I am going to frame it along with the ad you gave me and hang it next to The Marble Queen. By the way The Queen now has a predominant spot in my rec room. Thank your friend for the ad of The Queen  I have introduced a new generation to pinball neither, of my grandkids knew what a pinball game entailed. They just remember that the game was in the basement gathering dust. Now I have a hard time prying them away from it. They say they never realized how much fun a pinball game could be .

Don’s restored 1953 Marble Queen’s stat sheet (what a fun nice game …pinrescue)

Hey Russ:

9:54 PM we had completed the setup about an hour ago as I was doing some maintenance on my old car - the bells, the popping the numbers incrementing - feels like we are in the best carnival in the world and its in my own basement! WE LOVE IT AND I LOVE IT TOO!

Will the kids ever get to sleep tonight? Not sure but alot of jumping around / smiles and the WII is dead silent! NIIICCCEE

Much more later -  You are a FANTASTIC human being - your kindness has made this night (and many more to come) full of happiness!

I will write a great review and I stretched to buy this machine and I bought it from the right person and very classy individual with a GREAT amount of character and integrity.

From my heart -> THANK YOU!
Tommy (1976 Royal Flush thank you Tommy for the kind words....pinrescue)
 

Russ & Stacy- this is a long time coming but now that I have been in my new house for a month I have had some time to settle in and play the Spirit of '76 machine that you sold me. The machine is functioning beautifully, in fact I don't ever remember it playing so well all those years ago! The entire experience doing business with you has been a pleasure. When I began my search for the Spirit of '76, which was the only machine I had interest in, I did not imagine that I would find a company like yours and had serious doubt about even finding the machine. From finding the machine for me, the incredible job restoring it and delivery to my door, you have made it easy to take a step back in time and enjoy something I had not had the chance to do in over 30 years. My wife and daughter thought I may be a bit crazy but now that they have had a chance to play they see the fun it provides and we enjoy it together. I can't thank you enough and want to tell you that with all of the people I do business with you have proven to be people who are trustworthy, dependable, accessible and you provide a great service! I will be spreading the word about Pinrescue to anyone I know who may have interest. Take care and hopefully we'll see you again soon- let me know if you make it back to Portsmouth and we'll have you back to the house.

Jon
 

Russ and Stacey,
I just wanted to let you know that the machine arrived safe and sound, it was a great surprise when I received word it would arrive on Christmas Eve. The movers arrived at about eight in the morning, and I was playing by eight-fifteen, I just wanted to thank you for bringing back the way pinball was meant to be to me personally, whenever I play, there is always a stream of colorful metaphores that waft up from the basement, the sound of the bells, the " CRACK" that comes from the right side of the cabinet when you clear the score for a free game or when you drop the card that gives a free game for the special, it took me back to the days growing up, I was fortunate to have a couple of places to go play, it brought back names like " Drop a Card" " Flying Carpet " " Big Shot" " Grand Slam" the list could go on, Russ, you are a true credit to your craft, and be hind every great man there is a woman, you go stacy, again guy's, in the words of the King, " Thank You, Thank You very much"........

Yours Truly,
Terry Murphy
Proud owner of " Sky Jump" Reconditioned by the master.................
(I don't know about being a Master but I do know everyone at pinrescue does their best to make these Gottlieb machines play like new ..pinrescue)

Hi Stacy
Well the Surf Champ finally arrived yesterday and it looks great and plays very well. There is one gate at the top (2nd from left) that won't score, but otherwise seems to play perfectly. Nice to see it on the calendar as well. Suddenly I'm back in high school. My 11 year old son and video game devotee said, 'wow this is really addicting.'

Dan
(Who owns maybe the only 1976 Surf Champ in Omaha Ne.)

No wonder they called it Funland!!! It is nothing but fun! Many thanks to you and Stacy for making a little girls dream come true at 50 yrs old. Let me know when you get Drop a Card and want to switch out with Surfer......But only for a little while!! Got to go, I have games waiting for me. Hope your ride home was safe and quick.

Thanks again (and Hi to Dr. Rob)
Chrissie !976 Surfer & 1969 Funland (Cape May NJ)
 

RUSS

HERE'S THE HAPPY GANG ENJOYING BOTH SOLAR CITY AND SINBAD. I CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW PLEASED I WAS IN FIRST FINDING YOU AND SECOND IN WORKING WITH YOU TO BRING BACK INTO OUR LIVES THESE VINTAGE PINBALL MACHINES.

TO LET ALL OF YOU KNOW HOW GOOD THIS GUY IS:

I FOUND SINBAD ON ANOTHER SITE AND IT WAS IN VERY ROUGH SHAPE SO INSTEAD OF HAVING IT RESTORED BY ANOTHER VENDOR I CALLED RUSS (SINCE I HAD JUST PURCHASED SOLAR CITY) RUSS WENT TO NYC RESCUED SINBAD, SHOPPED IT OUT AND DELIVERED BOTH MACHINES. ON TOP OF THAT I WAS ABLE TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE RESTORATION VIA EMAIL PICS RUSS SENT ME DAILY.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK , MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME YOU TRULY ARE THE DR. OF PINBALL RESCUE!!

DR. JAKE AND FAMILY

Russ,
It arrived in good shape and it was used this past weekend for approx 5 hours. Grandchildren and adults had great fun.  Thanks for your good service.

Jim Walker (1977 Jungle Queen)

Russ,

Having a lot of fun with Quick Draw and Sure Shot. Thanks for the seamless delivery.
I am still very much interested in a 1953 Gottlieb pinball machine entitled " Poker Face". Please be on the lookout.

Thanks,
Ellis Cohn (Camden Me.)

I wanted to drop a line to express my thanks. I have done business with the other pinball vendors, but quite frankly, they shouldn’t even get out of bed in the morning. You are a pleasure to deal with and a true professional.

Your attention to detail is obvious when you lift up the playfield and see what looks to be a new bank of relays as well as a spotless cabinet. The “other” vendors may polish the exterior, but lift up their playfields and it look like an old cemetery!! You should know! The 70’s Gottlieb’s that were used as trade-ins are a testament to that. Cob-webs and dirty! I am confident you will have them refurbished and operating the way they should in no time!

I am just tickled pink over World Fair and Gigi!! They are beautiful. You’ve got me hooked on the 60’s Gottlieb Wedge-Heads.. Who knows? You may just wrestle my Klondike away from me!!

I would wish you good luck, but you don’t need it… your work ethic and labor of love in restoring old Electrical- Mechanical pinball machines will bring you and your wife much success!

You have a loyal customer who appreciates your craftsmanship.
Yours truly,
David DiIenno
Newfield, New Jersey (1964 World fair 1963 GiGi)
 

Russ, below is a photo of King Pin in action. The machine that has not
seen more than a few minutes of rest since 7:00 a.m. December 25. High
score so far: 89,920. I'm sure I'll roll it over ... if I ever get a
chance to play.

Thanks for the advice and the great repair and restoration. The game
plays flawlessly and beautifully. As my 11 year-old son said (perhaps
unintentionally flattering you and I), "I didn't know something so
old-fashioned could be so fun."

That alone was worth the price.

Ron Ladouceur
 

Hi Russ -

My dad purchased the Gold Strike from you and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. It is unbelieveable, truly a piece of art. It looks fantastic in my new little game room and plays perfectly. My wife and I are having so much fun with it. It really has become addicting to play. Thank you so much! I love the western theme pinball machines and am glad that Gold Strike is the start of my collection. I may have hooked my dad on vintage pinball machines too. I think he is looking at the Pioneer that you have.

I am already trying to convince my wife we need to add to the collection. How often do you come across Fast Draw? I think it would compliment our Gold Strike and I like the idea of having one that 4 people can play.

Thank you again,
Spencer Marquardt (Fabulous 1975 Gottlieb’s “Gold Strike”)
Kansas City
 

Hot Shot is Working Like A Charm

Russ,
Its been a busy summer since I picked up my Buckaroo. I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed playing it after you worked on it. It had been in such rough shape after years of sitting idol you really made a difference. I am sorry I did not write to you sooner but it has really just been recently that I have been able to find time to play and enjoy it. Russ, Thank you very much for a super job!! Hope to do business with you again someday.

Sincerely,
Don Moats 1965 Buckaroo

Russ,
Thank you for your assistance today with helping my family and me in selecting our first pinball machine. Your honesty and integrity are to be commended. We are very excited and happy with our Sure Shot pinball machine and look forward to many days and nights of pinball action.

Best regards,
Eric    (1976 “Sure Shot”)

Hi Russ

Here's a few lines to let you know How much we are enjoying the Gottlieb Extra inning machine you
restored for us. I found this machine in the basement of a house that had been there more then 20 yr's. It had some issues to be sure. I will continue to let everyone know about your excellent service (which is why I drive over 300 miles). I'm hot on the trail of another machine.
Jed (1971 Extra Inning Buffalo NY)

I had brought the 1975 Gottlieb's "Gold Strike" to Russ at Pin Rescue about a month ago after discovering it in the clean up of junk in a barn in upstate New York. It was so dirty and forlorn looking in which it was almost tossed into the dumpster! I was the one whom saved it as remembering
from my childhood days during the 1970's playing this particular single player wedgehead cowboy theme "add a ball" pinball machine in the bar next to the barn owned by a family relative and had it brought to Russ after cleaning off the barn dust etc... He went over it entirely and did an amazing job in turning the game from near dead to factory new performance! It played strong and fast for an EM pinball machine and am sure it played better than when it was new in the bar back in 1975! I would recommend Russ to anyone for their EM machines! If anyone has any questions regarding Pin
Rescue or the process my machine went through then please feel free to email
me at mreeder307@aol.com.

For those of you reading the testimonials on www.pinrescue.com and finding them hard to believe, so did I. Well believe them! They are all true - and here is my story:

Russ and Stacy worked on my Bally's "On Beam"and brought a machine that wasn't played on for over 20 years back to life. In fact it plays better now than when I remember playing it before it was disassembled. During the "restore" process, Russ sent me an E-Mail that put a knife in my heart. An integral part of a motor/transmission gear peculiar to certain Bally machines manufactured in the mid 60's was completely destroyed. Russ tried all of his contacts and literally spent hours on line trying to find a replacement for this transmission gear - all but to no avail. I honestly believed my machine was destined to be taken apart and it parts sold for salvage.

Everyone I do business with should be like Russ and Stacy.  The purchase was easy and fairly priced and the subsequent service is phenomenal.  28 year old machinery gets quirky...that's to be expected.  The few problems I had until they got it right was attended to immediately and with a smile.  Russ should give management classes on "doing the right thing for customers" when he runs out of stock.

David Neufeld

Russ,

I just wanted to sincerely thank you for all the help, work, and support you have given me in the past year since we met. To let everyone know, I have bought 2 machines from Russ (Atlantis and Quick Draw). Both of these machines have given me absolutely no trouble at all and they are played all the time, and this is because Russ restored both of them. I recently had Russ go over a Big Hit and Central Park that both had numerous issues, and he was able to get both machines in perfect working order in less than 3 hours! He is truly the best at what he does, and what's more he absolutely loves doing it. I live 7 hours from Russ and do not hesitate to travel whenever needed to get his expertise on repairs. He also has helped by phone on numerous occasions. The local people who have bought from Russ are lucky to have the maintenance contract (what a deal). Russ not only is a great pinball technician, but even though I met him strictly through pinball, I am proud to call him my friend. Jim Cain, Huntington, West Virginia (Quick Draw & Gottlieb Atlantis)
 

Russ:

The Royal Guard is great!  We play it all the time. You did a wonderful job of cleaning it up and getting it working after it sat unused for fifteen years. We were very impressed with the way you picked it up and delivered it like it was your own baby. We also appreciated your honesty and integrity throughout the transaction. We highly recommend you. The sound it makes every time we turn it on makes you feel like you're on the Boardwalk, "down the shore".
Joe Bagley (1968 Royal Guard)
 

Russ,

Sinbad is down right awesome!!! Thank you again for the great job you did. (and your wife) It's the best it has played since I got it.  Sinbad is fun to play again and BETTER! Thanks for asking and maybe we can do business again in the future. Now Judy would like to have a juke box that plays 45's.

Thanks again Bill. (rare 1978 Sinbad EM)

Russ,

You have to be kidding me!!! I can't believe what a great job you have done. The game looks brand new!! The paint looks perfect! I'm really impressed.
Albert P. 1971 "Extra Inning"

Russ,

Just a brief note to thank you again for your superb job in restoring my Bally. It plays like new and takes me back more than 55 years to the days when I played Ballys and Gottliebs in our neighborhood candy store and in the arcades in Atlantic City. Thanks again. Alan Molod (1975 Bally's Hokus Pokus)

Hi Russ,

Don't get nervous. Machine is still working great. I just wanted to tell you (because you appreciate how hard this is) that my son, Ben, just exceeded 100,000 for the first time, and turned the dials back to zeros. Very exciting moment. Gary (1976 Card Whiz)

Dear Russ,

Many thanks for delivering and setting up "Flicker" at our house. As always your service call was prompt, efficient , friendly and informative. The game looks great and plays great, just as "Sure Shot" did before it. You did a wonderful job on the restoration, and it's hard to believe a game this old can still feel so new. A work of art that plays like a toy - what could be better? The only tricky part is getting in a game for ourselves once our friends have spotted it!

Best regards,
Ted & Melinda Tally
 

Hi Russ
I received my Paul Bunyan Pinball a week ago today. Just wanted to tell you it look's and plays like a brand new machine. I am very pleased with this purchase. I am sure me and my family will get many years of enjoyment from it. I would also like to say it was a pleasure doing business with you ,and talking to you on the phone. You didn't give me the run around, and were very polite, also I appreciate the way you worked with me until I could get the shipping lined up.
I'm sure all of your customers feel the same way I do. Thanks again Russ. You might be hearing from me again soon.
Thanks
Wayne Smith
Dover, TN. 37058

Wow, pinball service extraordinaire! I found Russ on the internet and went to his home not knowing what to expect… super selection of the older machines. Russ is a pinball wizard. He was “possessed” by the pinball spirit!. I bought two machines Jungle princess and Big Deal. He delivered them promptly and set up a breeze. He even educated me on the simpler things in case of mechanical malfunction. Two weeks after purchase a rubber flipper snapped… I have the service contract… he was out at our home within 2 hours!! And saved the day as my 2 kids and the 3 cousins would have been devastated. They have been playing practically non stop!! So, if its older machines you are looking for…you have found the man! He truly is the Pinball wizard!

Sincerely, Stephen Somkuti