Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1978/1979 Gottlieb System One pinball machine that has become notable in the modern pinball community primarily through an extensive restoration project by Mike. The machine features classic Gottlieb design elements including a roto-target mechanism and drop targets. Originally stored for approximately 30 years by a Windsor doctor, it was purchased by Stephanie and Mike and became the subject of a detailed multi-part video restoration series documenting its complete overhaul from deteriorated condition to finished playable state.
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The original Close Encounters MPU was poached/missing
The roto wheel issue was caused by rubber routing interference with the target mechanism
Ground mods and fuse mods were performed on the Close Encounters machine as standard restoration practice
Controlled lamp circuit failure was caused by dirty switch contact on tilt relay
Gottlieb licensed pinball title; featured notable backglass artwork by Gordon Morrison with layered screening and mirroring effects
Licensed pinball machine based on Spielberg film; 9,000 units sold; Bug rates C-tier
Gottlieb pinball machine (1978) at Red Lion Inn
Gottlieb classic (1978); Vegas heavily inspired by its design, including roto-target and drop target placement.
1978 Gottlieb pinball machine being restored; features roto wheel mechanism
Pinball machine from Mike Dus's storage; JC likely purchasing during episode; mentioned as ongoing transaction
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Close Encounters roto wheel had all target faces intact (both sets) compared to other examples that had repairs
Roto wheel solenoid bracket assembly was previously modified by someone else (missing screws, bent components)
1978/1979 Gottlieb System One pinball machine; subject of this restoration project
1978 Gottlieb pinball machine; primary subject of restoration project across multiple video episodes
1978 Gottlieb pinball machine being restored; subject of ongoing multi-part video series
1978 Gottlieb pinball machine being restored by Mike; subject of ongoing multi-part video series
1978 Gottlieb System One pinball machine being restored; features roto wheel mechanism requiring service; currently being fitted with Lizzy board
1978 Gottlieb pinball machine being restored; stored for ~30 years by a Windsor doctor; subject of multi-part restoration series
Vintage pinball machine (~50 years old) recently purchased by Stephanie and Mike; experiencing technical issues (scoring 10 points per flipper hit) requiring technician attention