Hi

Check pbresource. Scroll down on this page. Steve has a reinforced target to solve for this very issue.

http://www.pbresource.com/pfswitch.htm

There is a reinforced target available, but if yours is bent back, there is a good chance the welds on the scoop are broken also. You can replace the scoop assembly with a replacement one that has a built in reinforcement for the target, or if your welds and scoop are still ok, just replace the target with the reinforced one. The stock setup always fails. The origional target bends back, exposing the side of the scoop, and the ball hitting the side of the scoop breaks the welds.

That target has always been a PITA for my machine as well. I have seen a fix on pinside but did not add it to my favorite's .

I also posted this in the TZ owners thread, but I installed the sling shot hinge bracket fix from http://www.marvin3m.com/tzmod/ about 10 years ago and the target has not bent backwards since.

Think I posted on the TZ owners thread....got the Mantis scoop w/ built in brace for that target:

http://www.mantisamusements.com/tzscoop.htm

best $65.00 I ever spent...fixed once and for all.........mark

I am looking at the Mantis scoop. My new TZ has the scoop welds broken and the target is bashed back. I was told by someone that the mantis scoop reenforcement bracket has gotten bashed back a little along with the target. I wonder if you can do the mantis scoop with the reenforced target?

I put the mantis scoop in mine and it's great. Not sure if the reinforced switch will fit or not, but you could notch the brace for the target if needed to make it fit.

can't imagine that brace getting bashed back, but I guess anything is possible...it's horizontal steel tacked onto the scoop....entire assembly pretty solid...if your scoop welds are broken, this is definitely the right way to go, imho...mark

I would just add a reinforcement to it , its very easy and cost very little . The new supposed to better target is so sturdy that u will get alot of airballs and possibly break some things. I used a metal pop bumper yolk bc thats what I had at the time but its worked so well with no airballs I have decided to keep it inst4 of changing to the more common sling shot hinge

I am inept . I could not figure out how to place an order for the TZ target off of PBresorce web sit.

I bought one of those re-inforced ones (from Marco), and it bent backwards within the first few hundred games. So, even with that, you'll want some thing else for support. (Haven't fixed mine yet, but liking the suggestions in this thread)

This is an easy fix. I also used this same fix for the swamp targets in TAF. Go find some 12 gauge electrician wire, cut around 6 inches or so. Put a shooter rubber cap on each end of it, and wedge it behind the targets in an L shape. Have not had any problems since.

Capper, do you have a picture for this fix ?

What do people think of the steel rod being sold on ebay?
Look like it reenforces all three targets. But it just a piece of rod? Just search twilight zone pinball and youll see the auction for the piece of steel bend rod.

Slingshot bracket or pop bumper metal yolk like I said above works great ant tskes no time

Various ways of fixing the problem:
http://www.marvin3m.com/tzmod/

I went with option 2c and the solution was flawless for 10+ years now.

I bought a reinforced target about 5 or 6 years ago. It worked great.

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/A-18530-6R

you dont, you call or email him. He sends you the order and an invoice. you send him a check.

I put in the PBR reinforced switch with the Mantis scoop several years ago. They went together without any modification and have worked great. I also used the reinforced switch for the clock millions target as well, since mine was bashed back somewhat. That has been fine since I switched it as well.

Yeah this is another area of concern for me. Mine is ok, but you can tell the original green traget has been replaced. I can see it moving when I hit it sometimes. Just looks fimsy and gets some hard hits there.

Can't find it. Link?

ebay.com link: TZ TWILIGHT ZONE PINBALL MACHINE SLOT TARGET BENDING FIX

Looks like they all sold.
Here's the pictures.

wire2.jpg

wire1.jpg

I want one. Don't have the means to make one myself.

Easy to learn. Hammer, vice, hunk of wire, pliers.

LTG : )™

I would imagine if you just get on eBay and message the guy he most likely has more.
Magicchiz

That's almost exactly what I did, although I used a tilt bob stick thing and just bent it to suit my needs. Been fine.

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/12-6231

Its basically this. Go get some 12 gauge wire (it will have a white/black and copper in the sleeve) and bend it like the pictures above. I put a rubber cap on the end so no wire ends were exposed. I'll try to take a picture later if needed but its exactly like the ones i quoted.