Bally 809 - steel plate between reel assembly and coin hopper

[dave91169]

I have "inherited" a Bally 809 as the result of repairing a newer Bally Game Maker for another person (he gave me the old machine in payment - I ain't complaining - this machine is fascinating!).  I have it in working condition, after cleaning and adjusting about a hundred contacts, in addition to having to move the coin hopper cabinet connector over about 3/16" to make it line up with the coin hopper - I don't think this coin hopper is original to the machine, but it works when the connectors fit!
There were three loose steel pieces inside the machine when I got it - the "chute" that directs excess coins into the base unit,  a steel plate, and a sheet-metal angle with two slotted holes.
I figured out that the steel plate fits between the reel assembly and the hopper, and the angle holds up the right-hand side.
Question - what is the purpose of this plate?  I reinstalled it - found out that the screws that hold the angle in place have to be VERY short so as not to interfere with the handle mechanism.  Only reason I could think of is that perhaps it is a "drip" plate, to keep lubricant from the reel assembly from getting into the coin hopper.  Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Dave E

[OldReno]

It keeps springs, E clips and other stuff from getting into your hopper coins and screwing up the hopper knife.  A good idea to install it.
Yes, now you know the secret to the two screws which hold the pan onto the right side of the handle mech.  If they are toooooo looooong, it will jam the handle.  And, yes, good as a drip plate, too.
809 is a great machine. Good on ya.

[slotsteve]

i think hes talking about heavy metal  plate thats between mech and hopper  not hopper cover pic would help   also moving hopper  might make coin misss payout slot

[OldReno]

I think he's talking about the pan
see link http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=20192.0
I usually remove the hopper cover as they are a PITA....

[dave91169]

Thanks for the replies. 
I didn't move the coin hopper over; I moved the female beau connector in the cabinet to make it line up with the plug on the hopper.
This was the most difficult part of getting this machine operational.  Apparently, whoever retrofitted the hopper loosened the screws that hold the plug bracket in the cabinet, then reached around the hopper and plugged the connectors together.  I didn't realize that the connectors were not mating until I realized that the hopper was not going back into the cabinet as far as it is supposed to.
Attached are a couple of pictures of the machine.
Dave E

[Thompy]

Thanks for the pics, looks great!

[slotsteve]

yes reno  thats the part i was saying your right

[dave91169]

I have quite a few full-size arcade games, but slot machines are new to me.  Nice to see that there is quite a bit of similarity between the two, and forums like this to get answers to questions.
One question - Why are Beau plugs called Beau plugs?  We used to call them Cinch-Jones connectors, named for the company who did (does) manufacture them.
Dave E