$3500 tops maybe? Basing that on Thing motor issues and other minor problems seen and unseen.

I was thinking $3500 to $4000. Prices are indeed all over on this game but a very very nice one usually goes between $5000-$5500 fully shopped and fully working. This one seems to have a lot of minor issues that need to be taken care of, and the DMD and Thing assembly are going to be costly.

Too much dammit.

I'd go with $3500 as well. The majority of repairs seem minor (GI, flipper, thing hand). It's cabinet and playfield damage that's most significant. A new DMD is ~$190 these days.

A few things to check (no pun intended):
The thing hand issue is likely due to wiring/cracked solder joints on the control board below the playfield (mine was). Run the thing hand test and try to locate the board (I don't have a picture handy, but you can trace the wires from the hand to the board). If you can get it to run, even just a little, make sure the motor gearing isn't wasted ... the thing motor is pricey. I don't think I've ever seen one destroyed, but it's worth checking.

GI out usually means the GI connector (I think it's J120) in the back box has toasted. New header and connector and you're good as gold. Not always, but quite common.

A new DMD is a given. A single line out usually means someone fat-fingered the display and knocked a connector pin. A careful soldering job might fix it. Smaller gauge wire to bridge the connectors helps. I've repaired 3 this way.

Look below the playfield for magnet burn. It may not show on top, but if they burned the bottom will certainly show it. Magnet burn is the kiss of death when you try to sell a TAF.

Fester hole damage is common. If it hasn't extended too far into the art you'll be fine with the cliffy. Even if it was perfect you'd be putting a cliffy on it anyway so it really wouldn't matter either way - other than having bragging rights.

Not a big fan of overlays. If you are going to use it make sure the inserts are level. An overlay over raised inserts will look crappy.

That's it ... good luck, and good choice of pins. TAF is a keeper. Only sold mine to look for a minty one.

Regards,

Brian

I would go less like 2800-3000 you may end up dropping $1000 into the machine. (DMD, Thing, possible,cpu/mpu repair etc..) and with a worn mansion, a overlay never looks right unless it professionally done

for 43-4500 you can buy a fully working machine with minimal wear

^^^^That ^^^^

That's a lot to fix up but all is do-able.

If you're going to go all-out, consider a new clear ramp.

One note - proper installation of the mansion overlay is not for the faint-hearted.

I would consider stripping the entire top side of the playfield and having it done by a pro, and there's not much I won't try to do myself.

http://www.flippers.be/addams_mansiondecal.html

Just something to honestly consider.

RM

If this is a guy you know pretty well, I would offer him $3250 or $3500 and see what happens. The worst he can say is no. I would explain all the work that you're going to have to put into it, etc. In this case there is a lot of work to be done but as others have said it's all doable.

Derek

2500-3k

Yeah I'd rather be $3k or less on a game that's basically pretty darn broken. $2500 would be a sweet spot for me, couldn't say no.

dmd - $200
thing flipper - $5
cliffies ~ $50
Thing motor $100 - whole gear box+ motor $300

so about $300 - $500 just to get it functional

In Cali, even with many of those problems it would probably go for over $3500 easy, your location may change the price of this more than anything else. I'd vote to shoot for low 3000's though if possible.

is he your "buddy" or just an acquaintance?

edit: and where are you?

28-3200

Spot on price range. On Thing, the motor is likely bad (assuming Thing is hooked up and fuse is good) and those aren't cheap but at that price you would be good. $3500 is the absolute most you should spend!

Thing motor assembly is available but expensive. The brass gear is another issue. Very hard to find if at all.

I got one about two weeks ago that was posted on Craigslist near Cleveland for $4k. It was working 100% except for a DMD column out. Inserts were worn, but it was otherwise everything was in pretty good shape, and it was actually pretty clean inside and out. I'm very happy with the price I got.

The $500 you mentioned seems realistic, so $3,500 sounds like the high end of what you should go for.

You guys are making me feel bad with your price predictions. I bought a non working for $3??? and wouldnt trade it for any other title out there.

Price predictions? I don't think I understand. Anyone on Pinside who suggests they can make a legitimate value based solely on pics, without seeing or playing the game in person is either insane, or has more money that they could ever spend. If you are buying from a trusted seller, then shipping and trusting pics would be much more acceptable by most looking for a specific game. I would gladly pay you 3K for your non working TAF if you can't get it working. In the last 10 years, I have seen games worth 1,000's given away for free, Whitewaters for $500, Safecrackers traded for TAF, HUO High speeds, Banazai Run's and TZ's for less than 2K, AFM and MM for 2400...

You can't call any of what ridiculousness is posted on Pinside affect what you are willing to pay (or did pay) for a game. If it affects you that badly, your are in the wrong hobby. When people stop shopping on the internet or in the phonebook for pins, they will begin to find better deals.

The true problem is that with American culture, everyone wants instant gratification. This site, pre-ordering pins, pinball as a hobby, are all no exceptions to this golden rule. Those things keep sketchy people in business and the revolving door rotates on into the pinball future.

One bigger problem is that people in the pinball hobby seem to have this unsaid fear that unless they "own a game right now", they may never actually get another chance to play (or buy) that game again (or at least on their terms).

Once you have been playing for a long time, seeing 90% of the SAME EXACT GAMES EVERY TIME you go to any show, tournament, or someone's house, you will no longer have this "fear", (probably not the right word) and you will be a lot more satisfied about what pins you own and play.

Man, I miss those days. I actually did buy a Whitewater for $500 fully working but dirty with a worn playfield. My first playfield swap later, I sold it. The buyer still has the game 10 years later.

That comment was directed to dantebean, not at you. My apologies if you took it that way. I fixed the post to include his quote.

I was just being sarcastic. Sorry, it didn't translate to text. I feel I paid fair price for it and would do it again. Other than a new playfield and a new translite, it could be a GREAT condition game. My only fear in collecting is some killer deal will slip through my fingers due to me not having the funds. I just want 6-8 games then I am done. Not all A-list but games I enjoy. I know that will take half a decade or more but I will get there.

i just spit my chocolate milk everywhere.
ok fine, i'm lactose intolerant and dont drink milk

you paid 3 plus for a non working taf?

I did but put $0 in it to get it working. Took a chance and won. Now I have my grail and couldn't be happier. I didn't think I would have one for YEARS.

I hope it was nice cosmetically. Mine is never leaving collection.

He was upset when he thought he missed his chance at $3900. I told him it was no big loss at that price and people on here told me I was a cheapskate. Glad to see I I'm not the only out of touch guy on here. $3k was fine, dantebean.

If he's your buddy, he should give you a price or at least tell you what he's into it for to give you an idea. Just my opinion.