Atari Football (X's & O's)

Acquired November 2005.
Restoration completed December 2005.
Restoration for Hire.

Typically, I like to purchase games, restore them, enjoy them for a while and flip them. This was the first restoration for hire I've ever done. It turned out pretty well, and I almost didn't want to give it up!

It was acquired non-working from an out of state game wholesaler, for a decent price.

Atari Football is a true classic. This is the first game to use a track ball, and it gives you a real workout. Although there is only 4 offensive and defensive plays, this game is extremely fun to play. When my customer came by to play it (first time I had a chance to play against another skilled player) we had a complete blast and workout. Movement is controlled by a 4 1/2 inch trackball and you *really* have to spin it to move your player.

The cabinet is pretty unique. Two players head to head with the large 4 1/2 inch trackballs and a play selection window which is backlit and has an LED indicator. A pedestal comes with the game to elevate it to play in a standing position.

What was done:

• Repaired wiring damage to control panels. (a mouse needs to eat)
• Replaced power cord and power filter capacitor.
• Refinished control panels, and applied new decals. (special thanks to Rodney)
• Rebuilt trackballs with new rollers and bearings. (Use Novus 2 to polish the trackballs and you'll get great results)
• Refinished coin door.
• Installed credit switch.
• New T-molding.
• Repaired/touched up cabinet.
• Replaced program roms.
• New access door.
• New locks, allen head screws for control panels.
• Installed corner protectors.
• All chrome and aluminum parts polished in vibrating rock tumbler.

Coin door side. Touch ups complete. The side art had some scrapes in it. Cleaned it up as best as I could. If decals were readily avalable, I would have replaced the vinyl and the side art.

Time was of the essence as this was to be a Christmas present to my customer's family.

Original condition of coin door side.

View of right side control panel over original access door. Both control panels were very rusty and worn.

Same side as pictured in the preceding picture, after restoration.

Overall view of the game before restoration. Access door was from another machine and broken in half. Game was pretty dirty overall, and the T-molding was peeling off.

Cabinet with new access door.

Opposite control panel. This game was an original vintage, with the full panel artwork.

Same side as above with a decal based on a later issued model.