Rating Pinball Condition

TL;DR

Cary Hardy explains pinball condition rating scale using Gottlieb Waterworld as example case study.

Summary

Key Claims

• A 10/10 rating should only be given to new-in-box machines or exceptional restorations

  high confidence · Hardy states definitively that '10, which is reserved for new in-box machines' and 'whenever you're looking at machines and someone wants to say that their cabinet or playfield is a 10 out of 10, then it better be new in box or it better be one hell of a restoration.'

• Cabinet condition is easier to repair than playfield condition

  high confidence · Hardy explicitly states 'cabinet work is a little bit more easier to fix. It's not as sensitive as your play field' and 'I'm not as critical on my rating due to the fact that cabinet work is a little bit more easier to fix.'

• Gottlieb machines have problematic side rails that rust easily in adverse weather

  medium confidence · Hardy observes 'I don't know what it is with these side rails but whenever you leave one in adverse weather conditions you're pretty much guaranteed to have rusted up side rails' and 'I'm not sure what the deal is with this company and their side rails'

• The Waterworld cabinet overall needs cleaning, waxing, and minor touch-ups but no major repairs

  high confidence · Hardy concludes 'The cabinet overall I want to say is in very good shape' and rates it 7/10, noting 'It just probably needs a good cleaning and maybe even a good wax'

• The Waterworld playfield has two major defects: worn rubbers above right flipper and a thin line wear mark near harpoon shooter

  high confidence · Hardy identifies these as 'two total major defects on this play field one of them is above the right flipper' and discusses the harpoon shooter area wear

Notable Quotes

• “whenever you're looking at machines and someone wants to say that their cabinet or playfield is a 10 out of 10, then it better be new in box or it better be one hell of a restoration”

  Cary Hardy@ 1:23 — Establishes the strict definition of perfect condition ratings, setting expectations for the rating scale used throughout the video

• “I'm not as critical on my rating due to the fact that cabinet work is a little bit more easier to fix. It's not as sensitive as your play field.”

  Cary Hardy@ 1:50 — Explains the methodology difference between cabinet and playfield ratings, key to understanding Hardy's approach

• “I don't know what it is with these side rails but whenever you leave one in adverse weather conditions you're pretty much guaranteed to have rusted up side rails”

  Cary Hardy@ 3:00 — Notes a potential manufacturing or design issue with Gottlieb machines regarding side rail durability

• “These rubbers, I fear if I look at them wrong, they will bust. So I'm just trying to give you a good, closer view of how close these damn things are to busting. Easy fix, though.”

  Cary Hardy@ 6:06 — Demonstrates how to identify critical wear issues and prioritize repair needs

• “I'm going to rate this cabinet a 7 out of 10. Once you get it all touched up, cleaned up and everything and waxed and get a good little sheen on it, then it might even be an 8.”

  Cary Hardy@ 5:30 — Shows how ratings account for potential improvement through restoration work

• “I'm having to judge this machine and play field on its current state not what it could be”

Entities

Signals

• ?

  community_signal: Hardy distinguishes between location machines (more tolerant of cosmetic defects) and collection machines (require higher standards), indicating different buyer/operator priorities

  high · Hardy emphasizes Waterworld is 'not going in my collection' and 'will be a location pin,' with different repair approach (mylar vs. airbrushing/clearcoat) based on intended use

• ?

  product_concern: Gottlieb side rails demonstrate systematic rust and flaking in adverse weather conditions, suggesting potential manufacturing or material issue

  medium · Hardy notes multiple instances of rust and black paint flaking on side rails, speculates about design or material quality with Gottlieb machines in humid/wet environments

Topics

Sentiment

neutral(0.5)— Hardy maintains an objective, educational tone throughout. Waterworld is not criticized harshly; it's presented as a typical example with expected wear for its age. No strong positive or negative emotional content, focused on practical assessment.