So they are running out of replacements. Just make another order from the manufacturer. Or, allow someone like PBL to place an order direct.

I think Stern is starting to restrict sales of certain parts to prohibit people from building their own LE's. Other than that thought they are probably low on parts like said above.

But aren't the Sparky's the same?

They are all the same with exception to the DD LE's coming out. I have heard some squawking over some people trying to acquire ST Premium parts with no success but it could just be because they are still on the production line.

Do pinball machines fall under that law that the manufacturer has to stock and offer replacement parts for a minimum of 7 years? I know it is that way for computers and electronics. I think they can only charge MSRP by law as well so if sparky is $300 list they can't charge more than that.

Funny...they sure have a lot of extra Sparkys for Dirty Don to paint...trophies etc.

I tried getting one last fall and gave up

Did a part break? Did you ask your distributor to replace with you returning the broken part?

I asked for a replacement hammer so I can paint mine and keep one original. They asked for a picture of my game and serial number to prove I own it. With out proof there not selling parts. So my understanding is just the modders are getting stuffed not the owners

Were you able to buy one? They never asked for my serial number of my LE

I wonder if JJP is going to start doing this too? Like not sell the ECLE people some of the parts that might show up on the ruby edition? I hope not. It would really suck if all the manufacturers start to get that petty, over little molded plastic pieces and whether or not customers can buy them? What has happened to this industry? Is that the main value of games now? Why not try to just make a great-playing pinball game and not hold little plastic decorations hostage?

So did you approach them about having a broken part that you needed a replacement for or you were just trying to buy a Sparky? Two different worlds, I could see them not selling extra specialty parts but would help out someone if they had a broken or defective one?

I guess I don't understand why any business with a thing they can sell at a profit wouldn't want to make said profit by selling said thing. Who cares if people want to buy extras? take the money and make some more.

I'm pretty sure you can already buy the Ruby enhancements from Matt (Back Alley). Other than the armor.

Thanks for the confirmation!

How about you show us the proof? You're being very vague about whether you need a part to replace a broken one, or if you just want spares. Is your game even unplayable? From what you've posted, I can't tell.

What you're experiencing is nothing new. Certain parts aren't available from the usual suppliers either because the game is too new or the part won't sell enough. If the game is out of warranty, you go through your distributor. That's what I did for replacement standup targets for the upper playfield on FGY, among other parts. MET is still listed as in production. No surprise you can't buy all the parts you want for that title.

I just call Stern, email pictures and it is usually replaced under warranty, even if it's out of warranty.

I like to show them how a part broke, so future parts can be made better in new games.

I ran into a similar situation when the Hulk magnet rubbed a hole through the pressure plate that sits on top of it on my AVLE. None of the regular parts shops listed it and Stern customer support wouldn't respond to emails asking if I could buy one from them.
I ended up asking my distributor to order one from Stern and he had no issues. I was happy to find out that he could order parts I can't get myself.

Then you don't need parts. The game is still in production. Relax. It's also one of the best Stern's to come off the line in years. Really pisses me off that you're wasting time bitching here when you could be playing it. If you want to waste time, do it on the pinball machine, not here.

I bought a Sparky figure off pinballlife a week ago, so you just gotta keep checking as the website changes hourly sometimes. I have a full game plastic kit coming with the game as back ups and to have since i'am keeping forever might as well have a plastic kit for it too.I ordered the kit through the distributor $140..

IMHO the only reason you can't get these parts all of a sudden is the new custom DD Premium stuff. Stern saw modders making money off painting and cut the market down so they could get a cut instead.

I'm not normally a conspiracy person like that, but it was right after they announced the new custom machines that all of a sudden they started making them harder to get.

Luckily I scored a Sparky to paint right before that, was a lot of fun. Hopefully my enjoyment doesn't make phishrace too pissy!

Stern protocol is to not replace LE parts with out proof that it was broken, in some instances you even need to send them the broken part. This is to protect other le owners from parts not being available to them and people not building their own les. Can they make money off of them, yea they could, however they care more about their customers. As for normal parts, again try and place an order through your distributor, they can order the parts for you. If they have supply issues currently because they are still building a machine they have all the right in the world to not sell spare parts they are using for production. I have been waiting on lighting bolts forever, but I understand that the ones they have they are using for production. Its either sell a small dollar part to someone who wants a back up or its have the parts in stock to continue to build and sell a full machine. Think about it from their standpoint.

We need a pissy'est pinsider of the day shirt. You on that Frax?

FS: Metallica Launch Party Grand Champion Trophy - $500.

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Yep I got me an extra one myself...hate to pull it off the plaque but whatever

I joke about selling it in the post, but I literally was offered $300 for my Launch Party Trophy back when no one cared about getting more Sparky's and I didn't sell it. I just didn't need the money at the time and it looks cool in the gameroom, so I kept it.

I actually think I was in that thread also when that guy was looking to buy a trophy.

Sounds like its time to break out the ole' silicone and start casting your own resin parts...

Once we do that Stern will release a vault edition sparky

Frax, Reach out to my parts guy Carl at my office and see if he can help
303-962-4700

Before starting a thread like this one should probably exhaust all facts first.

After buying many new Sterns I learned the smoking deal vs Game Exchange is not really a smoking deal. In the end the support and service out way it all. And he is still one of the best priced.

Actually, as unfortunate as it is, we don't have the right to have spares. If something breaks, your distributor will be able to get you a replacement. But getting spares is another matter and really isn't a "right" we have as consumers.

I have never had a problem getting replacement parts for any of my Stern's. Ever.

All I have done is sent emails to my distributor and Pat Powers at Stern along with my serial number and a pic of the problem part. They have always sent me the new parts, often even outside of warranty.

IMO Stern's support for their products is top notch.

Yeah, it was pretty vague.

HEY-O!

He's got a legit beef - it's stupid not to sell spare parts to owners of the game, or to anyone for that matter. Lots of folks want to stash things for later installation, or to have down the road for when the original breaks and is (legitimately) NLA from manufacturer because it's too old.