1979 Stern Meteor SS
Final
Here are some videos of a walk-thru of the restoration, the new 2021 code with new effects, scoring rules, missions, and audio call outs along with gameplay (note that I made the videos before I painted the external “rock” speakers and before I modified the apron with the video screen and graphics):
This Meteor came out spectacular, one of the best I've seen or played. I took this pin to the 2023 Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown and it won the following awards against 200+ other pinball machines:
2nd Place: Best Restoration
2nd Place: Best 80's Pin
2nd Place: Best in Show
Here's a rundown of the new parts. Everything else got fixed and/or rebuilt and polished along the way:
New CPR Playfield, Backglass, and Plastics set
Arduino CPU mod with WAV Trigger board and “2021 Meteor Update” code
Toggle in coin box area to switch between OEM 1979 code and the newer 2021 code
20W Stereo Amplifier (mounted on rear of backbox)
Pair of Rockscape stereo speakers (and new “OEM” speaker in the cabinet)
Comet LEDs (with “fire” flashers in the backglass rocket contrails)
Lamp Matrix PCB Set
Swinks Drop Targets
All PCBs repaired, re-capped and bullet-proofed
Cabinet repaired and repainted with Pinball Pimp cabinet stencils
New ground braiding run throughout the cabinet, plus new power cord
Powder Coated armor (side rails, legs, lockdown bar)
New leg levelers, bolts, screws,
New playfield rails by Reese Rails
Reproduction cabinet tech labels and apron decals
New flipper buttons and shooter beehive
Coin door disassembled, cleaned/polished, and rebuilt with new pricing plates and decals.
New pop and dead bumper caps and bodies (and skirt)
New rubbers
All in all, there are about 140 hours into the restoration of this 45 year machine and it now plays just as nice (if not better) than when it came out in 1979.
Here’s a test video of the apron video mod (pre-apron graphics):
