How not to transfer your arcade machine...

[JoeB]

This picture was taken by another person at a local arcade auction here in Toronto this past weekend.

 

[Grauwulf]

Yep, I took that at the Starburst auction in Toronto on Saturday. It was one strange day, let me tell ya!

If you want to see a couple more pics, go here:

http://www.cgcc.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3429

[GGKoul]

This picture was taken by another person at a local arcade auction here in Toronto this past weekend.

 

There was a  Championship Sprint at this auction.... DAMM I wish I was there....

[Grauwulf]

It was in pretty rough shape, both steering wheels were busted. Sold non-functional.

[GGKoul]

Do you remember how much it went for?

[Craig]

LOL

[Grauwulf]

No clue what it went for, but it was likely between $25-$75.

[LordDamo]

    HA HAHA Ha ha      OMG - thats just too funny. Did any of you know this person? Did it make it home ok?

Im gonna be giggling about that for day's - hope it made it home ok . . .

[paigeoliver]

I've brought home uprights in my old chrysler lebaron convertible. You just move the seats forward, put the top down, stand them up in the back seat a STRAP THEM DOWN REAL GOOD. And then drive slow.

[menace]

I for one admire this guy's dedication and determination in getting this cabinet home--and to think I was intimidated by a few odd turns in the house--

Cheers buddy--whoever you are!

[quarterback]

As an arcade-auction-newbie, I've got a couple questions about taking home your purchases.

Is there enough time between the end of the auction and 'pickup' for me to go rent a truck and then come back?  I don't want to rent one if I don't end up buying anything, but will they hang on to my cab until I get back?

Also, are there any dollies/help to get the cab out to my vehicle?  Or will they just say: "Okay, there's your cab.  Pick it up and carry it out to the parking lot"  I'm just not clear on how the entire process works.  

Last question, what are the odds of getting an upright cab into the back of a Rav4?  I don't have a rav4 on hand to measure (so I'm really just looking for a general "probably" or "no way") but I could probably get one for the auction day.

[ChadTower]

If the seats fold down in back, yes.  I have a Subaru Outback wagon and I move cabs in it all the time.  You just have to open it up to make sure all the parts are secure before laying them down.

[GGKoul]

Here's how it works at the Starburst action.

You have to wait until the end of auction before you can pickup your item.  And I think they close at 3 on auction day.  Then you have until close on Monday to pick up your item.  Anything after that is $5/day for storage.

I have a Nissan X-Trail, which is a bit bigger then the Rav4 and I was able to fit one cab in the back easily.

[paigeoliver]

If it is a superauctions then the games have to be out THAT NIGHT. But you can pay and leave and load whenever you want.

But you can bid your game, then leave and come back and pay and pick it up. You are gonna have a minimum of a 2 hour window between when the last actual arcade game is sold, and when the big buyers/sellers even START loading up.

Also, chances are good that you will snag your machine earlier, giving you even more time.

You see after the last arcade game is sold they will still have a bunch of touchmasters, parts, gumball machines and other mess left. These are going to take at least an hour, if not longer.

To give you a good idea of how much time you are gonna have, check this.

The last auction I went to was on the small side. The game I bought was towards the end of the upright games, with only about 10 or 12 games after it. I bid my game at about 2 PM. I didn't leave the auction until 6 PM, and they weren't shooing anyone out yet even at 6 PM.

As for a dolly. I always suggest bringing one, but you will be able to borrow one if you try. I usually end up lending my dolly out to a few different people. For that matter I usually end up helping a few people take the legs off pinball machines as well. Basically, talk to some people, help them with their stuff and they will help you with yours.

The superauctions will help you unload, and sometimes will help you load, but DON'T accept this help. They are in it for the money and really don't care if they drop your machine. Better to do it alone, or get another collector to help you.

[quarterback]

If it is a superauctions then the games have to be out THAT NIGHT. But you can pay and leave and load whenever you want.

It's actually a US Amusement auction and after going back to their website I see that they say "Removal of all equipment by midnight day of sale".

Thanks for all the info everybody.