Quoted from CrazyLevi:This begs the question...is it really an original?
I can't think of much that's actually original in any $10,000 + "high end restore" of a 90s game. Maybe a board or two? A couple wire harnesses?
I always think about how little people seem to understand about the process when I read stuff like this.
I wish it were that simple or cut and dry but the truth is the conditions and customer request vary so much you can look through these three pages of MM restorations and find everything from use of original cabinets and playfield with repaints including a prototype to versions with new playfields (some NOS,some Mirco,some IPB),and new cabinets.
The originality or lack there of is not dictated strictly by the fact that it is a HEP it is dictated by many other factors like starting condition,customer request ,parts availability and most importantly what is going to build the nicest game possible overall.
http://christopherhutchins.com/gallery/Examples-of-the-restoration-process?page=14
http://christopherhutchins.com/gallery/Examples-of-the-restoration-process?page=15
http://christopherhutchins.com/gallery/Examples-of-the-restoration-process?page=16
I have done more than my share of MMs and don't need to ever do another but the original game clearly appeals to a different type of collector or player than the MMr .