So if you get the game for 2k less, 1k of that goes out the window for a new PF right away. So, now you have a complete swap to do for 1k. Unless you're one of those weirdos that needs to extra-clear a brand new cleared PF, add in hundreds more and months of waiting...but I digress.

Really comes down to whether you WANT to do it or not. It's kind of fun, kind of frustrating, very time confusing, there are highs and lows....it's a marathon. Personally, I wouldn't my first swap to be a modern game..,and sure as shit not TZ.
Sometimes being a check writer has it's benefits.

Even if you swap the playfield you will still have a routed cabinet, electronics, and playfield parts.

Chances are if the playfield is bad enough to need replacing there is going to be a ton of other parts that need it as well. That being said I'm all for people fixing up games, but as far as cost goes it would probably be more advantageous to buy a good example of the game you are looking for.

Another thing to think about, those two titles garner big money even in a dumpy condition. I just saw a box of parts that belonged to an entire TZ game go for 2k......no cabinet! So in short, you may be better off finding a decent/working example.

I have found one of these fabled folded up TOMs. Most people google the name and think it’s worth 10k. Even the POS one I found the guy literally would not price it and he’s sat on it for 8 years...
it’s not gonna happen. Buy a nice example for 7k imo.

Reality setting in...

not the title to swap and not gonna find a routed one for very much cheaper than a decent routed then home version. And if you find a HUO for under $9000 I would be extremely surprised.

Both of those games a bitch to swap. Pay a little more and find a decent one. TZ is always available.

I enjoy restoring much more than playing pinball. So, I'd rather buy a thrashed game and restore it. It's very gratifying to see your final finished restore job.

I believe most of us have this dream. It could happen, but only when you least expect it.

Cheap WPC games are really hard to come by these days. Everybody wants them and hustles to get them. Plus, many projects out there have already been restored or refurbished, and most of what's left are the bottom of the barrel basket cases that people want well over top dollar for.

I agree, if you want an upper tier WPC game, you're probably better off getting one that's already been restored than a project that needs a playfield swap. You might get lucky, but these days, it's like trying to win the lottery.

Plenty of routed games don’t require a playfield swap. Just clean them up, replace worn out parts, get them working 100% and enjoy.

Hi, sorry dream crusher here to finish the job.

Did it? You might be amazed to hear how many people in this thread has some routed games they tried to snag over the years that never worked out. Going to the place, even talking to the owners, hanging around shooting the shit etc etc never to come close (spoilers his wife looked up some prices online).
I have spend COUNTLESS weekends at my local Ice Cream Parlor*, bowling ally, & Go cart* track trying to butter them up.

18% chance you can get hold of him.

THAT'S THE DREAM!!! Reality is he probably paid for the thing 15 years ago so waiting till the business openings up and he goes back to making a small sum a week for no work is enough for most.

Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go get an ice cream on a go cart.

EDIT: * of course these aren't the actual businesses' that I'm trying to get machines from....I'd never let that info slip....I'm so close to closing the deals!!!

All you can do is try, but a game sitting out in public view like that has already been poked at dozens of times, so don't expect anything, especially with a cold call. If the owner actually wants to sell it, I'm sure he has more than 5 ways to do that before he gets to a cold caller bothering him on his time off.

The trick is to cultivate contacts to get at games that are not in public view.

Yep, it's basically free money.

Just find one for sale, and pick it up. You'll spend more time (that you will never get back) chasing a game owned by an Op to save a bit of $. It's not worth it.

And if you really want to do a pf swap on a TZ, have fun.