Hot Rod Arcade

09/10/2026

We finally set up a Patreon for Hot Rod Arcade.

A few people have asked over the years if there was a simple way to support what we’re doing here, so this is that.

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated.

Just a place for people who enjoy Hot Rod Arcade, pinball, arcade games, repairs, events, and the community around all of it to hang out and support what we’re building.

If you like what we’re doing and want to be part of it, we’d love to have you over there.

Thanks for supporting us, whether that’s through Patreon, coming to events, buying machines, trusting us with repairs, or just sharing our posts.

We appreciate it more than you know.

Get more from Hot Rod Arcade on Patreon. Pinball, arcade games, and a community for people who love them. Support Hot Rod Arcade and get exclusive access to their work.

09/09/2026

Classic Bally machines have become some of the most asked-about games we deal with.

And honestly, it makes sense.

There is a whole generation of players who grew up around games like Space Invaders, Embryon, Mata Hari, Eight Ball, Eight Ball Deluxe, Harlem Globetrotters, Nitro Ground Shaker, and plenty of others.

They are simple.
They are hard.
They are fun.
And they do not really get old.

You do not have to memorize a huge rule set. You just step up, hit your shots, and try to keep the ball alive.

That is part of why we love working on them, playing them, finding them, fixing them, and helping people get one of their own.

If you need help with a classic Bally machine, whether you are looking to buy one, repair one, or track down parts, reach out to us at hotrodarcade.com.

09/08/2026

Lady Luck is one of those older Williams machines where the theme is actually part of how the game plays.

You are not just flipping at random targets.

You are trying to build a hand, beat the dealer, and make the right shots without busting.

Many older pinball machines gave you a simple idea to chase.

Light these.
Collect these.
Build the hand.
Beat the score.
Get the extra ball.

Simple, but still fun.

It is always cool seeing one of these old Williams machines in the shop.

Have you ever played Lady Luck?

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

This first row of pinball machines is always changing.

Have you been in to play recently?

09/03/2026

Need something fun to do this month?

Come play in our Third Thursday Pinball Tournament on September 17th.

We’ll open the doors at 5:00 PM,
food around 6:30 PM,
and start the tournament at 7:00 PM.

Entry is $10.

If you've never participated in a pinball tournament, trust me, it's something you're going to want to do again and again.

Hot Rod Arcade
1022 Knight Rd.
Joelton, TN

09/02/2026

Eight Ball Deluxe Limited Edition looks a whole lot different than the regular Eight Ball Deluxe.

And that is probably why people have such strong opinions about it.

Most of the time, when people hear “Limited Edition,” they think of a few upgrades, a different trim package, maybe some special art, and a number on the game.

This one feels more drastic than that.

Different cabinet.
Different look.
Same Eight Ball Deluxe gameplay that so many people love.

Some people love the LE cabinet. Some people want the original look. Some people do not care at all as long as the game plays right.

Where do you land on this one?

09/01/2026

Quick reminder for pinball owners.

There are a few things you really need to stay on top of if you want your machine to keep playing the way it should.

Change the balls every once in a while.
Clean and wax the playfield.
Get the dirt and grime out of there.
And don’t forget about the shooter spring.

That little spring can make a bigger difference than people think.

Over time, shooter springs get tired. They don’t pull and release the same way, and that can matter a lot on games with a skill shot.

If the ball is not launching the way it used to, that spring may be part of the problem.

Take care of your machine and it will take care of you.

08/31/2026

Embryon in the shop.

This is one of those Bally machines that has a look all its own. Big widebody cabinet, wild sci-fi artwork, and that early 80s feel that makes it stand out from a lot of other games from the era.

It is not a machine you see every day, so it is always fun having one here for a bit.

If you are around the shop and this one is up and playing, it is definitely worth trying a game on it.

Anybody out there a fan of Embryon?

08/28/2026

Small details can change the whole look of a pinball machine.

That is especially true with plated parts.

A lock bar, side rail, set of legs, wireform, ramp, or engraved piece can feel totally different depending on the finish.

Chrome gives you the classic polished look.
Copper can warm the whole game up.
Brass can look sharp on the right theme.
Antique finishes can make parts feel a little more aged and custom.
Satin finishes can give you something a little softer than full polish.

There are a lot of ways to make a machine feel more personal without making it look out of place.

If you need help with plated parts, engraving, exchange parts, or something custom, check out PinballPlating.com or send us a message.