WMS Grand Prix EM Refurbishing project!

GRAND PRIX (EM) 1976 Williams

Grand Prix (EM) 1976 made by Williams in Illinois USA was the first pinball to be in my possession. The only thing that worked on the machine was the GI general illumination and the score motor made 1/2 turn when trying to start a new game. I thought it only was to replace and add some coils in the score wheels to get the machine up and running but the work with the Grand Prix came to be more extensive then I ever had thought before. When starting to look into the machine I discovered a lot of homemade electrical connections and loose wires, the fact that the mechanical parts in the game was soaked with oil and different lubrications, dirt etc. does not made me feel happier over the machine. For example the coin relay was blocked with an hoop. My heart was brooked when I thought about the machine - how will I ever manage to bring it back to live again!

The chime unit and the knocker was missing which I recognized first after I had owned the game for some weeks since mine knowledge about what is inside an electromechanical pinball was restricted. When I bought the game I did not know that these parts should be included in the machine.

The counter "Total play" located in the cabinet showed 46269 played game. But has for sure been laped several times during the years the machine has been operative by an operator.

STAT GRAND PRIX 1976

Q-tips: 1100

Acetone: 2 bottles

Sandfiles: 30

Blotting paper: 2 sheets

Cleaning Solvent Mr Muscle: 1 bottle

Working time: 150-200 hours

Number of swithes: xxx

Number of lamps #47 backbox: 69

Number of lamps #47 playfield: xx

Serial Number: 286206

Mech panel Number: 286219

Average Fun Rating: 7.5/10

Manufacturer: Williams Electronics, Incorporated (1967-1985)

Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)

Model Number: 468

Production: 10,554 units

Players: 4

Theme: Formula One Car Racing

Notable Features: Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (2), Drop targets (4), Rollunder spinners (2), Kick-out holes (3) Slingshots (2)

Design by: Steve Kordek

Art by: Christian Marche

Referens: IPDB

Pictures GRAND PRIX 1976

I need to point out that electromechanical pinball need to be played greatly on a regularly basis to keep all functions intact since all contacts is self refurbishing when moving and that the mechanical parts need exercise. A pinball's "death" occur if this is not fulfilled and they will only be a nice piece of furniture to look at in the darkness in the evening which certainly not should be despised.

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