Help Identifying and Repairing an Old Slot Machine

[offline_mail]

Hello,

I have a slot machine that was passed down to me from my mom. It originally belonged to my dad, who passed away about ten years ago. I remember playing this machine when I was a kid, so I know it was working at one point.

I’d really like to get it up and running again, but I’m not familiar with the mechanics. The lever seems to be stuck when I try to pull it, and I’m not sure where to start troubleshooting — it could be a jammed coin, a broken or missing spring, or something else entirely.

Could someone please help me figure out how to identify the exact model of this machine? Is there a specific place where I might find a model or serial number? Also, if anyone knows where I can find an operation or maintenance manual, that would be a huge help.

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XYwrb38cM5WRdP4e6

[flyingfred]

Very good looking machine and it seems to be all there. It is a Mills High Top however I am unsure of the year.

-Fred-

[63mini]

offline_mail,

As Fred mentioned, you have a Mills Hi-Top slot machine. I would guess the age to be late 40's (maybe around 1948). If this machine has been sitting for a long period of time, I would suspect that the old grease has hardened and is causing it to lock up. Generally, when this happens it is best to do a complete tear down of the mech to clean and re-lubricate. You have a decent project to work on. As for a maintenance manual they pop up on eBay from time to time. Just look for one for the Hi-Top model. Possibly a member has a spare to sell.

The serial number would have been on the back of base in the center. In the area of where the wood is damage (probably when the back door was pried off). There may still be a paper tag inside on the back left of the cabinet (when facing the rear).

Also, as a side note. Your machine has the incorrect handle. The one that is on it is the "sword" type which was used on earlier machines.

Attached is one I re-did for a friend.

[offline_mail]

63mini,

Thanks for the info. That machine looks amazing. You think what I have has to potential to look like you refurb? I would mainly like to get it working first. Is there a way to pull the mechanics out of the machine to work on it?

[memphisbigdave]

There are two locks on the inside upper mid, with a thumb press that push down. Pull them down to unlock the mechanism, then remove the cash box. Grab the main frame cross bar at the bottom and slide the mech out. Be careful, it’s heavy

[63mini]

63mini,

Thanks for the info. That machine looks amazing. You think what I have has to potential to look like you refurb? I would mainly like to get it working first. Is there a way to pull the mechanics out of the machine to work on it?

Yes, your machine has the potential. It just takes time and determination.

To remove the mech., I have attached a photo.
1. Remove the bonnet using the two bonnet latches on the L/R sides. They lift up to unhook the bonnet. Then you can remove the bonnet with a slight lift on the rear and slide it out.
2. Remove the single thumb screw holding the mech to the base plate.
3. Swing the Mech retaining latched up. They should latch into the small tabs on the cabinet above the latches.
4. On the mech you can grab the Johnson bar and gently lift and slide the mech rearward. As mentioned before, be careful as the mech. is fairly heavy.

To replace the mech just reverse the above procedure and be careful not to force or slam the mech into position as you could damage the jackpot.

[offline_mail]

I appreciate that! Do you mind if I share my progress and any issues here as I go? It’ll probably be a slow process for me given my time and experience, but I’m determined to see it through.

[63mini]

I appreciate that! Do you mind if I share my progress and any issues here as I go? It’ll probably be a slow process for me given my time and experience, but I’m determined to see it through.

That's what this forum is for.

[offline_mail]

I did some tinkering, and it looks like the machine is working in terms of accepting a nickel, pulling the lever, and running through a full cycle. The problem I’ve noticed is that it’s not paying out. Does anyone have an idea what might be causing that, or a few possible things I could check and troubleshoot?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kbBCvCKznLykFThB6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/n5LMALLmMgRZL9Ds5

[memphisbigdave]

Is the coin tube full of coins? Look inside and see. Ate the payout slides at the bottom of the mech moving back and forth when you hit a payout? Are there springs broken, missing or popped off? That’s a start