Quoted from dothedoo:2nd gen pop bumper parts are not available. PBR was the last to have stock. They may still have some plastic rod/rings available, but I got the last of the plastic yokes. The plastic base under the playfield is also NLA. The current plastic bases are made for metal rod/rings and the holes are too small to use with the plastic counterparts.
You are the one who educated me about the plastic rings and, yes, PBR is stocked out. I would not think the plastic rod/rings would be too hard to put back into production, but I could be wrong because the inferior metal rod/rings is all you can buy; I know that sounds strange as I say it because, today, anything that can be made of plastic is made of plastic because it is easier/cheaper to produce.
I don't think larger holes for plastic bases would be hard to effect, and there is always that plastic base plate that Bally used that would work.
Speaking as an outside observer, or Monday morning quarterback, from a technical standpoint I don't think any of the classic Sterns would be a production challenge for Stern or any other shop with a pinball assembly line.
The devil is in the details. Which classic Stern would would offer the best sales possibility? Some want Stargazer. Some don't. Ditto for all the titles.
The great unknown is how many units would Stern need to produce to make it economically feasible? Assume Stern figures out that number but wants to shift the financial risk to you/us by requiring a hefty deposit from you/us for production to begin.
How many would gamble with a deposit of $2000.00, or more, to obtain the classic Stern of their dreams? If you had to put down money up front and bet on Stern to deliver your favorite classic Stern, would you do it? Considering the issues other pinballers have had with making up front deposits, would you still do it?
And if you would still consider gambling your money that your favorite classic Stern would be built, which one is your favorite that you would gamble on? Which classic would give Stern the biggest bang for its buck?
I suppose I would write an advance check for a Quicksilver, or a Big Game to get the ball rolling (no pun intended).
All right, everybody. Stand up. Raise your hand. Would you gamble? Which machine?