Aristocrat Nevada Restoration

[galinz]

Thanks for your advice. I'm based in Loughton, Essex, IG10 post code. I think sorting out the mechanism will be a good place to start. Then I'll hopefully find out more about restoring the exterior. I would appreciate if anyone with proven track record of restoring such machines contact me with a quote.
Thanks

[badpenny]

You've just been given excellent advice in the posts above.
Tree Frog has an excellent memory, I did once have one re-chromed, it was the early '90s and the front door alone (didn't include the handle). I don't remember getting any folding change out of £400.

If you want to return it to showroom condition then I'd really suggest a different machine. I have no idea where you'd get a rotary escalator for starters. Then after throwing a shed load of money at it, you'll exceed its value and won't have a top end machine anyway.

If I were you, I'd go for the "Fairground Operators" look ...... well used and kept operational, merely to earn money.
Go down to Halfrauds and peruse the spray cans of paint, yellow or red ..... or both.
Study the mechanism and how it works, until you understand the operating cycle.
Take the mech out of the case, into the garden and plonk it on your Work-Mate. Mask off the reels and the pay-out slides, then over the course of a couple of days use a can of WD-40 where ever you see old grease. Work at the gunk with your wife's toothbrush.

Your incorrect pay-out amounts (as already suggested) are probably because 1np coins are thicker than the old 6d. So you'll either have to live with that or get yourself anything up to 500 tanners.

Once you've decided what to do ..... have a go, and come back to ask questions.
You've got a bomb proof mechanism and will get an immense feeling of satisfaction from tackling it yourself.
It's difficult for anyone to give you an estimate for undertaking the work on your behalf as there could be all sorts of other problems we don't yet know about.
As soon as you tackle the above you'll have a much better idea what's what.

Keep in touch

[galinz]

Thanks again. Everyone's advice is much appreciated. I get the picture now. The escalator must be that round mechanical bit which is missing and holds the coins... I guess. In that place I've got a made up "1p play" sign...is that correct? Ok...

[badpenny]

galinz ...... Stop worrying about others' approval.

It's your machine, whatever you decide is fine. It depends on your objective. As I said, if you want to recreate a showroom version of the 1960s original then you need to refit the circular escalator, plus any other parts that might have disappeared during the last 50 years. Chrome the door and handle, track down original locks, sow very deep pockets in your trousers ..... blah, blah.
If you go for the Fairground/Arcade/End of the Pier .... appearance, then choose your look as if you were the owner/operator and follow the advice as above.

Keep in touch

[coppinpr]

Now we can see photos I'm surprised how good it looks compared to what you first said! Widget's plan for the case sounds good, definitely return to 6d, should solve some problems and I hate 1p machines anyway. I'd be surprised if the mech needed any more than a good clean. Buy a can of the WD40 specialist de-greaser but remember the golden rule with bandits, don't get oil or anything like it onto any part that handles coins. If you do, clean them. In fact, clean those parts anyway... The only real work other than a clean I think you must do is remove the payout slides and clean them. This is very easy. If you need advice, just ask here.