How to Protect Your Old Chicago Pinball Machine
Bally · 1976
Protection for Old Chicago
Every product below fits the Old Chicago playfield directly — no modifications required.
Playfield Protectors
Installation on the Old Chicago
We don't yet have a machine-specific install guide for the Old Chicago. Our generic installation guide covers the universal steps: preparation, laying the protector, adjusting drop targets and mechanisms, and final checks.
Care After Installation
A playfield protector is maintained like the playfield itself — Mill Wax or Novus 2 on a soft cloth. New machines may show moisture spots from outgassing clear coat — not a defect, easy to blow out with compressed air. See Protector Care and Dimples Explained.
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How to Protect Your Pinball Playfield: The Complete Guide
Your playfield is the centrepiece of your pinball machine. It's where the action happens — and it's where the damage happens too. Every game puts the artwork and clear coat under stress, and over time that takes a visible toll.
Pinball Playfield Dimples — Causes, Prevention, and What to Expect
If you've ever looked at your pinball playfield under bright light at the right angle and noticed tiny dents across the surface, you've found dimples. They're one of the most discussed and most worried-about topics in the pinball world — especially among new owners who think their machine is somehow defective.
Do Playfield Protectors Change How Your Pinball Plays?
This is the single most common question — and the most common objection — to fitting a playfield protector. It comes up in every forum discussion, every buyer's research, and every conversation between collectors.