I was the ebay buyer who bought the machine...So here is the background story for what it is worth. The original Las Vegas-based seller had this machine listed for $399 with a BIN of $599. I saw it late one night a week or so ago and asked the seller if he would accept $500. ONLY AFTER I made the purchase, I researched the machine and discovered this forum post and felt like I was duped. Immediately contacted the seller and indicated that I was thinking I was getting an actual production machine (whether restored or not) and I requested a return (in advanced of receiving the item as I knew I didn't want it, unfortunately he had just shipped it out).
A few days later I got an email from ebay stating that the seller had opened a case and it was swiftly closed in his favor, now I could not return the item regardless of the 15 day return policy of the listing. I called ebay to appeal and they told me that because I had not received my item that I had lost the appeal and could not appeal again. Here is were I was freaking out and am a little uncertain....thinking I was stuck with the machine I relisted it in an effort to recoop my loss. I listed it as a BIN first and then had to end it to make it an auction or vice versa. Long story short when I got the previous poster's email about the machine being a mash up, I called ebay back and presented my appeal (I had all the photos of the sellers parts pieces and leftovers but didn't even need to present them) and after ten minutes on hold I was told that ebay made a mistake, I won the appeal and that I would then keep the item after receiving a full PayPal refund.
I relisted is again as I really just want to part ways with the whole thing. What is a reasonable price for something like this? I am not appealing to the true collector but it is a neat novelty. I tried to be as clear as possible of its origin in the most recent listing as I want any prospective buyer to enjoy what they are knowingly buying. I see the fancy ebay listing for the 4 reel Bar Boy conversion of a turf machine that seems to be seold by a reputable outfit that makes no mention to how recent of a conversion it is...clearly the same paint and graphics.
Ok,I hope I have not wronged anyone. If if doesn't sell I might try out my first $0.99 ebay auction start or give it away to my sister (who is not a collector and would dig a gambling gumball machine:)