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(Topic ID: 34974)

ToM was in a fire.. $500 UPDATED WITH PICS

By joey316g

11 years ago


Topic Heartbeat

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  • 103 posts
  • 58 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 7 years ago by joey316g
  • Topic is favorited by 1 Pinsider

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There are 103 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 3.
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#1 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

So I found a Theatre of Magic that was in a fire at a local vending company. The damage is mainly from heat, not water. Machine is complete. I can get it for $500.

The Good:

Playfield is very nice and surprisingly clean
No broken plastics all in good shape
All toys are in place and look great
Wire harness looks great
Under playfield looks perfect
Cabinet is not chipped up or drilled
Back box not chipped up
All LEDs on circuit boards light up
Makes a tone when switched on
No oxidation on coils or anything under the playfield or in the cabinet

The Bad:

Tranlight is wavy...just the trans light
Panel around the DMD and speakers is trashed.. Prob speakers too
Sooty as hell on outside
Nothing will light up on playfield or back box
Nothing is functioning
Needs a full resto

What do you guys think. I don't have pics but I'm telling you, if you squint your eyes a little and turn your head will hold your hand over one eye, it doesn't look that bad. I don't think I can ever lose money on it.

Thoughts?

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#2 11 years ago
 
LTG

LTG

Pinside member

US Hopkins, MN

12y 191K 56,936 24 7

$500, I'd be all over that.

LTG : )

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#3 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

:DLol.. I'm picking it up tomorrow, Lloyd!

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#4 11 years ago
 
WAB

wbarcume

Inactive member

US Oneida, NY

12y 23,900 93 3

I would buy it in a heartbeat. The boards are worth that alone. I bought a stern playboy that was in a fire and fixed it up.

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#5 11 years ago
 
DJP

Chitownpinball

Pinside member

US Aurora, IL

11y 102K 7,312 5

Ya, $500 is redic. Could recoup that in parts easily.

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#6 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Right? Even if I had to buy all boards in back box, new trans light and speaker panel, new DMD, decals, and restore it, I'd still only be about $2500 into it right?

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#7 11 years ago
 
CAD

Crispin

Pinside+ Frequent

12y 133K 3,426 1

500!!!! What a find! Take lots of pics of how bad it is before you even move it. It's gonna make your finished pics all the sweeter. Congrats!!

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#8 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Will do.. I'll start a thread

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#9 11 years ago
 
LTG

LTG

Pinside member

US Hopkins, MN

12y 191K 56,936 24 7

OP
Quoted from joey316g:

Right? Even if I had to buy all boards in back box, new trans light and speaker panel, new DMD, decals, and restore it, I'd still only be about $2500 into it right?

You don't know that you'll need all that.

And you must have seen Ebay by now. Crap brown paint for pin cabinets is standard.

LTG : )

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#10 11 years ago
 
RML

tpn2011

Pinside member

US Gulf Shores, AL

12y 55,900 1,418 1

Lots and lots of pics !!!

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#11 11 years ago
 
JRK

jrivelli

TrueColor Protectors

US Milwaukie, OR

11y 89,650 4,625 10 20

Of course! I would've bought that yesterday!

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#12 11 years ago
 
CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

US Saddle River, NJ

12y 147K 24,659 4 9

Git yo butt over there and git it! Fast!

flash9.gifflash9.gif

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#13 11 years ago
 
JIM

ebjimmyg

Blocked

12y 1,072

good luck with that

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#14 11 years ago
 
GMT

NJGecko

Pinside member

US River Edge, NJ

11y 93,400 8,004 5 13

Good luck...what would worry me is that everything looks OK, but it's not booting.
My suggestion to you is to take a long hard look at it and set an internal budget for yourself. It's like fixing cars that were totaled. It can be an easy fix or it can wind up being a money pit. So set a number in your mind not to exceed. If you dump more than a few hundred bucks or whatever, and it's not working, figure out what you want to do.

The $100 here or there adds up quickly!

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#15 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Quoted from NJGecko:

Good luck...what would worry me is that everything looks OK, but it's not booting.
My suggestion to you is to take a long hard look at it and set an internal budget for yourself. It's like fixing cars that were totaled. It can be an easy fix or it can wind up being a money pit. So set a number in your mind not to exceed. If you dump more than a few hundred bucks or whatever, and it's not working, figure out what you want to do.
The $100 here or there adds up quickly!

Well seeing as how they go for about 4500 to 5500 in good shape, I don't think I will get near putting 4000 into it to get it going again.. I'm willing to make it whole again not only because its a machine I've always wanted but I'd be saving it from a part out.

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#16 11 years ago
 
GMT

NJGecko

Pinside member

US River Edge, NJ

11y 93,400 8,004 5 13

OK...just my own advice to you. If the boards are shot you can quickly tickle a grand there....

I agree you probably will make out OK, but it is worth keeping in mind.

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#17 11 years ago
 
JIM

ebjimmyg

Blocked

12y 1,072

gecko is correct, boards could be a quick grand. if the cabinet needs new decals and you dont do that yourself, another grand.... best of luck though, we expect pictures

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#18 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Ok thanks for the input.. I'll keep it in mind

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#19 11 years ago
 
PWT

michiganpinball

Michigan Pinball

US Chelsea, MI

12y 58,150 958 2

It is a no brainer for me....I would buy it right away.

I am actually working on a TZ that has similar damage. The boards are all now working and it is cleaning up nice. Will need a new translite and side decals but that is the worst of it.

Parker

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#20 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Quoted from michiganpinball:

It is a no brainer for me....I would buy it right away.
I am actually working on a TZ that has similar damage. The boards are all now working and it is cleaning up nice. Will need a new translite and side decals but that is the worst of it.
Parker

This is in similar shape.. If I tore, it down, cleaned everything, put new decals, new translate, powder coated some parts (i powder coat at home), and a few trims this thing would look great... Working is another story.. Lol.. But I do love a challenge and this is gonna be one to say the least

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#21 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

She's in my possession... Pics to follow soon!

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#22 11 years ago
 
DIK

davewtf

Pinside member

US Madison, WI

12y 84,400 9,740 1 114

OP
Quoted from joey316g:

She's in my possession... Pics to follow soon!

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#23 11 years ago
 
JWJ

johnwartjr

That Pinball Place

US Columbus, IN

12y 77,400 6,479 14

It's worth 500 bucks in parts alone.

I've tried to clean up some soot damaged boards and had very poor luck. Somehow, the stuff seems to bond to the PCB itself and won't wash/rinse off using any sort of cleaner.

But, everything else seems to clean up just fine; so even if you had to replace all the boards, you're money ahead.

Granted, it's a lot of work - but that's half the fun

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#24 11 years ago
 
WGW

twinturb089

Pinside member

US Walnutport, PA

11y 53,650 503 14 11 1

IS THIS IT?

Tommy_burning_pinball_machines.jpgTommy_burning_pinball_machines.jpg

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#25 11 years ago
 
???

KenLayton

In Memoriam

US Olympia, WA

12y 83,400 5,965

Quoted from johnwartjr:

It's worth 500 bucks in parts alone.
I've tried to clean up some soot damaged boards and had very poor luck. Somehow, the stuff seems to bond to the PCB itself and won't wash/rinse off using any sort of cleaner.
But, everything else seems to clean up just fine; so even if you had to replace all the boards, you're money ahead.
Granted, it's a lot of work - but that's half the fun

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the soot off. Sometimes I use solder flux remover spray.

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#26 11 years ago
 
MAT

The_Director

Carolina Pinball Repair

11y 94,450 3,769 9 2

Nice score!! Even if it is a ton of work, it'll just make that machine that much more special to you once its finished. Anxiously awaiting the pics!

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#27 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Just a couple teasers as I am gonna start a new thread.

image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg

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#28 11 years ago
 
JWJ

johnwartjr

That Pinball Place

US Columbus, IN

12y 77,400 6,479 14

Quoted from KenLayton:

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the soot off. Sometimes I use solder flux remover spray.

Even with those, I find the PCBs and components are still stained and won't clean up to look new.

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#29 11 years ago
 
RYE

Pimp77

Pinside member

20y 92,650 6,275 78

Doesn't look too bad at all cosmetically...other than a bunch of soot.

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#30 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

The playfield is immaculate ....after a few swipes with a damp paper towel

image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg

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#31 11 years ago
 
BSL

BradLinden

Pinside member

US Detroit, MI

11y 57,800 247 6

Yeah, wow, you got a good deal. It really doesn't look that bad.

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#32 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

And just a couple more

image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg image.jpgimage.jpg

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#33 11 years ago
 
RPT

Prmailers

Inactive member

US High Bridge, NJ

11y 24,150 1,558 19

Awesome!

Nice grab.

I'll wager it won't be all that difficult to get going.

Cant tell from the pics, does anything look melted?

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#34 11 years ago
 
DJP

Chitownpinball

Pinside member

US Aurora, IL

11y 102K 7,312 5

SWEET!

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#35 11 years ago
OP
 
JRG

joey316g

Inactive member

US Monroe Township, NJ

14y 33,650 420 7 8

Only thing melted is the translite and the speaker panel.. First thing I wanna do is pull the boards, clean them and have them tested... Any suggestions on a good board place?

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#36 11 years ago
 
SKY

Skypilot

Pirates Life Pinball Co

11y 155K 6,672 32

Talk about an AWESOME!!!! score

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#37 11 years ago
 
GMB

bigdaddy07

Pinside+ Frequent

US O'fallon, MO

13y 106K 4,718 5 28

For 500, you did great!

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#38 11 years ago
 
JB

IntoPinball

Inactive member

US Denville, NJ

11y 43,400 918 11

Nice! Have fun. Cosmetics look pretty damn good I must say...

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#39 11 years ago
 
DAJ

Pafasa

Inactive member

US Oakland, NE

12y 58,900 3,955 1

I'd send the boards to Rob Anthony. http://www.lockwhenlit.com/

I've dealt with him before on boards and parts. Very highly recommended by me. FWIW

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#40 11 years ago
 
RND

RawleyD

Pinside member

US Roanoke, VA

14y 67,650 3,243 36

awesome find man! congrats

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#41 11 years ago
 
WJE

gorgar007

Pinhead Mods

US Saginaw, MI

11y 64,800 456 4 12

OP
Quoted from joey316g:

Any suggestions on a good board place?

Clive at coin-op cauldron.

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#42 11 years ago
 
JIM

ebjimmyg

Blocked

12y 1,072

i still would have taken the chance at 500. with the speaker panel cooked like that, my guess is the dmd will be shot, boards maybe shot. cant wait to see how it turns out for you.

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#43 11 years ago
 
MAB

pinballlooking

Inactive member

12y 54,650 1,400 5

Good find.
I would bet the boards are fine.

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#44 11 years ago
 
TPV

gearheaddropping

Pinside member

US Macomb, MI

12y 67,300 2,042 16 20

I think its a great deal. Curious on how much it smells?

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#45 11 years ago
 
MAT

The_Director

Carolina Pinball Repair

11y 94,450 3,769 9 2

Under p/f actually looks really nice too! The boards don't look too bad, all things considered. From the pics, it doesn't look like fire actually got to them, just smoke, soot and heat. That being said, I would imagine most traces are in still in tact and I see you said the LEDs light up which is a good sign. If anything you've likely just got cleaning and sporadic component replacements on your hands.

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#46 11 years ago
 
ROO

shardian

Inactive member

US Scott Depot, WV

11y 8,650 104 2

You can get all new ribbon cables at www.greatplainselectronics.com for cheap. That'd be the first thing I'd replace considering the heat that head got exposed to.

I'd hose/scrub the boards down with Bleche White. Sounds insane for sure, but I've done it to tons of monitors/chassis and boards, as have other folks. Never had any problems and they come out looking minty fresh.

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#47 11 years ago
 
TRN

fattrain

Pinside member

15y 118K 5,140

Lookin good! Bring that puppy back to life! PF looks great under the crud!

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#48 11 years ago
 
TL

Tlamb

Pinside member

US Stevensville, MI

12y 57,800 895

Nice score! Should clean up nicely.

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#49 11 years ago
 
CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

US Saddle River, NJ

12y 147K 24,659 4 9

Nice! Can't wait to follow this process!

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#50 11 years ago
 
JTJ

LesManley

Pinside member

US Woodbury, MN

12y 127K 5,825 9 46

OP
Quoted from joey316g:

Only thing melted is the translite and the speaker panel.. First thing I wanna do is pull the boards, clean them and have them tested... Any suggestions on a good board place?

Rob Anthony at lockwhenlit.com. Never done me wrong and is a great guy to boot.

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