So I have been tossing this around for a while now and I just can't make up my mind:

I have an extremely nice original TZ, it was my first pin and I have had it for 12 years. The playfield is near perfect... The only visible wear is extremely minor under the ball drop on the left inlane. You really wouldn't notice it unless you were really looking, it is now protected with a cliffy. The cabinet is pretty good, no fade, slight wrinkling around a couple of the legs that is covered by the legs and a few minor nicks here and there, overall it looks great!

So I have been kicking around the idea or restoring to some degree, I am just not sure what I want to do. I would like the mylar removed and playfield clearcoated, I would send this out and have it done by HEP or another proficient restorer. With new decals widely available I have been thinking about that too but I am reluctant because the original artwork is in such good shape.

So what does this forum think I should do?

I am definitely going to keep the original playfield, I have no worries about it wearing out to the point where it needs to be replaced. I have put thousands of plays on the machine... I always keep the playfield spotlessly clean and well waxed. In the 12 years that I have had the machine, there has been no noticeable wear. I think it is a testament to how well preserved a game can be when properly cared for. Keep up on it and hopefully you will never need your replacement playfield. Believe me, I considered getting one when I saw the repros available but I have chosen to pass. If I ever see and wear starting to show, my original playfield will be immediately pulled and sent to HEP!

I honestly have never taken pictures of it. The next time that I have it pulled out I will take some and post them. Hopefully it will be in a couple of weeks when; with any luck I will return from the Ohio show with a couple games that are on my wishlist

The only reason that I am strongly considering this is because I love the appearance of my TAF playfield. It has a nice thick clearcoat and it looks amazing.... almost like the playfield is under glass! You would have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. I purchased it from coasterguy and I am sure there are several other pinsiders who have seen that playfield, feel free to chime in guys!

I go back and forth on this all the time, almost that exact same logic has passed through my mind several times. Maybe I am a bit of a perfectionist Admitting it is the first step, right?

I like it!