(Topic ID: 234845)

Is it worth the hassle?

By Murphdom

5 years ago



Topic Stats

  • 6 posts
  • 6 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 5 years ago by dozer1
  • No one calls this topic a favorite

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    #1 5 years ago

    So I picked up a machine and it is mechanically good. The backglass is a 10, body an 8, and playfield a 6 or 7. My plan is to eventually restore it completely. I have the opportunity to buy the lower half of another salvaged machine (the same title I already have) with a somewhat populated playfield. My thought process was to buy the salvage and then send out the playfield to have it restored. Then swap out the two playfields. I wanted to know if you guys think this is a good idea or not. I figured it’s worth the extra parts as well. Keep in mind I wouldn’t be the one swapping out most of the playfield because I am green to this whole thing and it’s a zipper flipper so it has more to it than the basic machine. Or should I just keep what I have and restore it when the time is right?

    Thanks

    #2 5 years ago
    Quoted from Murphdom:

    So I picked up a machine and it is mechanically good. The backglass is a 10, body an 8, and playfield a 6 or 7. My plan is to eventually restore it completely. I have the opportunity to buy the lower half of another salvaged machine with a somewhat populated playfield. My thought process was to buy the salvage and then send out the playfield to have it restored. Then swap out the two playfields. I wanted to know if you guys think this is a good idea or not. I figured it’s worth the extra parts as well. Keep in mind I wouldn’t be the one swapping out most of the playfield because I am green to this whole thing and it’s a zipper flipper so it has more to it than the basic machine. Or should I just keep what I have and restore it when the time is right?
    Thanks

    Are you saying 2 of the same game? Your wording makes it seems as if these are 2 different games and you’re wondering if you can swap playfields between them.
    If that’s the case, no. You cannot simply swap playfields between different games. The score motors and relays are all wired differently for their specific game.

    However if this is 2 identical games, say 2 Jacks Open Gottliebs, then yes, you can take a nicer playfield from one game and put it into another. This is common, but it’s tedious.

    However if you have say a Bally Fireball you cannot put that playfield into the Jacks Open. Even a different Gottlieb like Drop a Card would not fit Jacks Open, each playfield is specific for that title. The exception would be the occasional conversation kids that were made

    #3 5 years ago

    I'd only do this if it's a '72 Fireball. I can't think of another zipper flipper machine that would have enough value to put this type of time and effort into...

    #4 5 years ago

    How much will you be into it for after all is said and done? That would be how I would determine if it was worth the hassle.

    #5 5 years ago

    If you intend to keep the pin, then yes go for it, if not, I would not as you would be lucky to recoup a quarter of what you'll put into it I'd think.

    #6 5 years ago
    Quoted from RWH:

    you would be lucky to recoup a quarter of what you'll put into it

    Right on. Unless it is a very special title and I mean very, very special title, it will make no sence financially to do. Shop it out, make the best game you can, and play it would be my suggestion.

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