# How to Increase the Beauty & Value of Your Game - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball News

**Source:** Pinball News (Pinball Expo 2025)  
**Type:** video  
**Published:** 2025-10-17  
**Duration:** 21m 49s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WFUBqTttaU

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## Analysis

A craftsperson from Italy showcases extensive restoration and modification work on a Williams pinball machine at Pinball Expo 2025, demonstrating custom decals, fiber optic lighting, PinSound audio upgrades, custom toppers, and hand-polished metal parts. The presenter details sourcing strategies for acquiring vintage machines in Italy, restoration labor costs (€3,500 per machine), and specific upgrade components like optical fiber (€15-20 from China) and custom back glass artwork.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Custom restoration labor costs approximately €3,500 per machine in Italy — _Speaker directly states 'I consider around 3,500 euro for each machine I've done' regarding comprehensive restoration work_
- [HIGH] Optical fiber for ramp illumination costs €15-20 and can be sourced from China via AliExpress or Amazon — _Speaker provides specific pricing and sourcing information: 'probably 15 euro... $20... In China, Aliexpress or Amazon, anywhere'_
- [MEDIUM] Large operator in Italy has 300+ pinball machines in warehouse storage — _Speaker mentions 'I know some guy they have 300 people 300' and references buying 40 machines from an operator who kept machines in warehouse for 10+ years_
- [HIGH] Original Stern pinball machine nickel plating quality is poor, requiring custom scanning and reproduction — _Speaker states 'Normally, the nickel is bad quality for stand. And we decide to make scanning... We're scanning the old one'_
- [HIGH] Indiana Jones pinball machine required character design changes because Harrison Ford/Lucas licensing would not permit use of actual character likeness — _Speaker notes 'That's not Harrison Ford... He wouldn't give the license. Yeah. So they had to change him.'_

### Notable Quotes

> "This machine only have 2000 games, so it's like new. And we decided to make the most beautiful it can be, it's a pro version, we changed a lot of things, we made the new decals from ourselves, we scanned the old ones"
> — **Italian restorer (Facundo Batista mentioned as friend)**, early in presentation
> _Introduces comprehensive restoration philosophy: scanning originals and recreating custom components for quality improvement_

> "This back glass is real foil gold and after printing. It's a piece of art. He can make any type of back glass, any type."
> — **Italian restorer**, mid-presentation
> _Highlights custom back glass artisan service available through network contacts; demonstrates premium customization market_

> "I consider around 3,500 euro for each machine I've done. And the blades and the belts and the valves? The blade field."
> — **Italian restorer**, cost discussion section
> _Provides transparent labor cost breakdown for restoration market; clarifies restoration scope_

> "Normally, the nickel is bad quality for stand. And we decide to make scanning the old one."
> — **Italian restorer**, cosmetics discussion
> _Identifies manufacturing quality issue with Stern machine components; shows market gap for aftermarket replacement parts_

> "I paid 2,000 euro. This machine. 2,000 euro... when they buy the machine."
> — **Italian restorer**, pricing section
> _Documents acquisition cost of 2000-game Pro machine from operator inventory; cost basis for restoration economics_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Facundo Batista | person | Italian pinball restorer/customizer showcasing comprehensive machine modifications at Pinball Expo 2025; appears to be primary speaker or close collaborator |
| Marco | person | Custom back glass artisan who creates specialty artwork for Indiana Jones and other machines; uses real foil gold printing technique |
| PinSound | product | Aftermarket audio upgrade system used in restoration; 200-watt speaker system installed in showcase machine |
| Indiana Jones | game | Stern pinball machine being extensively restored and customized; subject of character licensing discussion regarding Harrison Ford likeness changes |
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer of machines being discussed for restoration and component quality (nickel plating, standard parts) |
| Williams | company | Classic pinball manufacturer; speaker references finding 15 Williams Valley machines in original boxes in Italy; machines part of operator inventory |
| Pinball Expo 2025 | event | Event where Italian restorer is presenting booth demonstrating customization techniques and modified machines |
| Pirates of the Caribbean | game | Stern machine mentioned as example of operator discards; transformer failure led operator to remove machine from route and warehouse storage for 10+ years |
| Optical fiber lighting system | product | 3mm diameter fiber optic cables sourced from China (AliExpress/Amazon) at €15-20 for ramp illumination; installation requires one-by-one hole drilling |
| Italy | location | Source region for machine acquisition and restoration services; speaker network includes chrome specialists, back glass artists, custom decal providers |
| France | location | Location of friend/contractor who provides custom cabinet decal printing services from scanned originals |
| China | location | Source region for optical fiber components available via AliExpress and Amazon at low cost |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Machine restoration and cosmetic enhancement, Aftermarket upgrade systems (fiber optics, PinSound, custom toppers), European pinball machine acquisition and operator inventory liquidation, DIY/hobbyist restoration economics and sourcing strategies
- **Secondary:** Licensing constraints on character likenesses in pinball games, Custom artisan services for back glass and cosmetic components, Quality issues with original manufacturer components (nickel plating)
- **Mentioned:** Collector market dynamics and long-term machine storage

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.82) — Speaker expresses enthusiasm for restoration craftsmanship and customization possibilities. Positive tone about machine transformation and quality improvements. Some mild frustration about original component quality (nickel plating) but framed constructively as opportunity for upgrade. No antagonism toward manufacturers or community members.

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** European restoration service economy established with documented labor costs: €3,500 per machine standard for comprehensive restoration in Italy, sourced from network of specialized artisans (confidence: high) — Speaker states 'Normally, my job in Italy is cheaper. I consider around 3,500 euro for each machine I've done' including comprehensive component work
- **[licensing_signal]** Indiana Jones pinball licensing constraints required character substitution: Harrison Ford/Lucasfilm would not permit original character likeness, forcing designer to create alternate character design (confidence: high) — Speaker directly addresses: 'That's not Harrison Ford... He wouldn't give the license. Yeah. So they had to change him.'
- **[market_signal]** Acquisition pricing for heavily-played Pro machines: 2000-game machine purchased at €2,000 entry cost, with €3,500+ restoration investment creating substantial total value proposition (confidence: high) — Speaker discloses: 'I paid 2,000 euro. This machine. 2,000 euro... when they buy the machine'
- **[market_signal]** Large European operator inventory liquidation occurring: Italian operator with 300+ machines in warehouse; speaker purchased 40 machines from operator who kept inventory off-route for 10+ years due to profitability issues (confidence: medium) — Speaker references 'I know some guy they have 300 people 300' and personally acquired '40 pinball' from operator 'he keep the machine closing in the warehouse for 10 years or more'
- **[product_strategy]** Custom back glass artwork market segment: artisan services creating foil-gold printed back glass replacements with bespoke artwork for individual machine themes (confidence: medium) — Speaker highlights friend Marco's work: 'This back glass is real foil gold and after printing. It's a piece of art. He can make any type of back glass, any type.'
- **[product_concern]** Stern pinball machine nickel plating quality identified as substandard across production; restorers routinely scanning originals and commissioning custom replacements as standard practice (confidence: high) — Speaker states 'Normally, the nickel is bad quality for stand' and describes systematic approach: 'we decide to make scanning... We're scanning the old one... we make the file, we change everything'
- **[technology_signal]** Custom decal recreation from scanned originals becoming standard cosmetic upgrade path: scanner-based reproduction enabling texture and color matching improvements over original manufacturing (confidence: high) — Speaker describes process: 'we scanned the old ones, we changed the software, we changed the file, and we made this machine' with sourcing to 'friend in France, he printed for me'
- **[technology_signal]** Optical fiber lighting becoming accessible aftermarket upgrade: 3mm fiber optic systems available at €15-20 from mass-market vendors (AliExpress/Amazon), enabling cost-effective ramp illumination customization (confidence: high) — Speaker provides specific sourcing and pricing: 'probably 15 euro... $20... In China, Aliexpress or Amazon, anywhere... Standard 3 mm... 16 feet of cable... For $14. Cheap, cheap, cheap.'

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## Transcript

 Buying this drone three months ago, this machine only have 2000 games, so it's like new. And we decided to make the most beautiful it can be, it's a pro version, we changed a lot of things, we made the new decals from ourselves, we scanned the old ones, we changed the software, we changed the file, and we made this machine. The best way is show the machine the job we've done. And so we can go to see the machine. What do you think? You want to see me, but you need the video. We can move. Yeah, we can move in front of the machine. Another thing I show you, this is my friend Marco. He made the back glass for me every time. This is one of the last back glass he made for me for Indiana Hilton Jones. This back glass is real foil gold and after printing. It's a piece of art. He can make any type of back glass, any type. We make for me radical, I have a radical machine. He made for me scarif stiff and now we work in another pinball. Okay, thank you. Yes, this is the last pin sound. they made for this machine all machine the part we made by by us we made the topper is controlled by PCB is my friend made we made the apron we met we made a hard blade is made in Italy the injuries we made in Italy everything include the speaker panel we put the light inside I buy these two motorcycle or Tron Okay, like this we use a fiber, optical fiber for the illumination of the ramp. All the bumper parts was nickel and new and all the metal parts like you can see, shiny it by hand, including this one. It's like this. How are you handling it? FACUNDO BATISTA- For fishing. For fishing. For fishing, the fiber, they're all one by one. One by one with that. Yes, it's a long job because you need to all make a small hole. Are you able to bring it over here? FACUNDO BATISTA- Yes, OK. Because you can't see anything. Everybody's crammed around here. Sorry. Tuesday, one week ago, they sent back the machine. This was we're scanning the original cabinet because if you know Stan, it's not very nice because they use a they call and but we scanned in the original one. We make the file, we change everything in the different level and I have one friend in France, he printed for me. I think he made an unbelievable job. Can we move over there? Me? Yeah, us. Okay. Ah, the pinball, we move, okay. Yeah, yeah. Ah, over there. Yeah. The pinball, that's what we... That's all right, just people need to see it. Oh, there's a huge cord. to see it. Oh, this is a huge cord. This cord is about 50 metres long. Loads of extra there. Okay Okay Okay No. I thought you were dropping the mic down. Can make same. We can make same. Okay. Okay, probably if you come you can see all of this, this decal inside because... You saw with this, it's lightning. Tomorrow we will change it. We have another version which is more bright, more colored. Yes. So this machine was originally in great condition. is like you. Yeah, we have here. We have here. This is my friend. He's with me in the booth. He made for many people. Yeah, he made for many different people. Yes. Just saw the sound moving in light. Very nice. This is an optical fiber. So, you want to see to play? Yes. This is sound, right? It's very, very nice. Where do you get the fiber? China. In China, Aliexpress or Amazon, anywhere. Very cheap. I think probably 15 euro. It's $20, right? $20. Anything special about the fiber? Standard 3 mm. The long time is one by one. Yeah, yeah. Well, I don't know. Because I have a pro, and I use it with zip ties. It's just big holes. Many people use the lead, the lead, line lead. I don't like. This type is better. It's like the original one. It's like the original one. Nice. No, no, it's a big speaker and inside, and the pin sound. It's powerful because 200 watts. Wow. Yeah, pin sound does nice work. Yes, yes, yes, yes. And also this guy make this decal is very beauty. Oh, yeah, red cals are nice. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And the Chrome, because I have a friend, he make a beautiful job in the Chrome. Yes. Every part, including this one. Very nice, yes. And so the play feed, you can see the play feed is perfect. You can see it also there. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Very few games. But I'm finding people because there is, machine is a big operator okay he have a problem in one uh stan piratus of the caribbean and the transformer was fire and so he take out the transformer from this machine because this machine don't make money it's beauty machine but in the operation never make money yes and so he keep the machine closing in the warehouse for 10 years or more and finally i buy from him 40 pinball and this is including yeah last year 40 people back from this guy in Italy can find many continue to find many I know some guy they have 300 people 300 there is one guy in the north of Italy he has 15 pinball Williams Valley all in box new in box others family Indiana Hilton Jones When you buy long time ago, for example, you buy 10 pieces, one put on, take out the battery and put on the warehouse. But you don't want to sell. It can be of any money, you don't want to sell. And most of the people is old guy because was operator, okay? And 85 year old 90 year old but they don nothing it like a baby the pimple twice you want to pray yeah if working because we have traveled for more for Thank you. Thank you. Because it need to matching this and the color. No, the color normally is the light, the light on the bottom. The fiber is clear. Right. It's clear. And the light you use for illumination is the color. And the important is matching the size of the fiber with the hole of the illuminator. When you buy, you need to matching one to the other. I have here. Look at that. Want to play? Yes. Try it. It actually comes with the engine. Yeah, but you can see different sides. Three millimeter. Three millimeter, 16 feet of cable. Yeah, for $14. Cheap, cheap, cheap. I'm suggesting use the power for 12 volts. It's better not use the machine power. Separate power supply. This we made is very nice too. And the copper change the light when you make some flash. Change the movement. I'm very lucky. I paid 2,000 euro. This machine. 2,000 euro. Dollar? Euro. Euro. Okay. Yeah, when they buy the machine. But the investment, consider my job. OK. It's a different. We've done my job around 1,500 euro. We've done my job. Normally, my job in Italy is cheaper. I consider around 3,500 euro for each machine I've done. And the blades and the belts and the valves? The blade field. The armor? The armor? The side armor? We made it. Okay, it's impossible to found a beautiful nickel for... Not there, guys. Normally, the nickel is bad quality for stand. And we decide to make scanning... We're scanning the old one. No, no, no. Oh, this is my friend made. It's the same guy made this one. Last year, I was in the show. I can share with you the address, everything. Yeah, I have Indiana Hilton Jones, Gary Steefe, and Harley Dampson. and also we have this one yes right for me it's okay another one want to play yes one I play Thank you. was my creation, a program designed to create a perfect world. Diversion! All energy! Diversion! Thank you. But he told me that's not Harrison Ford. Was it? That's not Harrison Ford. That's not Indiana Hilton Jones from the movie. Yeah. He wouldn't give the license. Yeah. So they had to change him. Yes. Whatever. But yeah, he grew it. He grew it. He's the artist. Very nice. Thank you. Thank you. . . . . . Thank you. Thank you.

_(Acquisition: youtube_groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: b46cc16d-1959-4bc8-8355-e26f798b1e50*