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[/td]I have a line on getting a TZ and it is a long drive about 12 hours one way.  The seller disclosed that he has installed a new Rottendog board for the clock but it doesnt seem to work.  I am not an expert in the slightest on pins or electronics so I wonder if this is a huge issue?  I also wonder for those of you who are lucky enough to have or have had a TZ what other things should i ask before heading on a road trip and what should I look for in the pictures as well as in person (if I go)?  I want this pin badly and I cant seem to find anything locally.

More pics look at the 4th page.

Dude, that's really far. Are you crossing the US border?

These games go up for sale every 3-6 months, but I know the feeling.

Check to see if there is any wear around the piano or the slot machine holes.  Any damage to the inlanes from the return of the ball from the ramp shots.  If you do get some pics and need close ups for comparison, LMK.  

There are so many areas for a TZ to be damaged. On top of what sensfreak said, looks for playfield wear in the pop bumpers area and on the mini playfield. Look at the slot machine scoop, it'll probably have a broken weld.

Broken clocks can be tough to fix. If it has a new board and still isn't work, that would make me worried. Who knows what the problem could be.

Yes also check the ball drop from the left ramp.  Slot machine wear and welds.  Gum ball machine area wear. I would also get a picture of the magnets for mushrooming and wear.  Make sure there is a power ball those are 35 bucks each.

Just off the top of my head.

Lance

It is in the US to ship it to Toronto is $150 plus all the fees etc and Taxes at customs.  If you are buying a used game privately what value do they tax you on?  I just got the OK from my wife to buy one of my 3 dream games, either a Williams IJ, TZ or TAF.  I was about to buy Wbradleys BK for $1200 but only have room now ( and approval) for one so I might as well go big.

I have heard that when a new Rottendog MPU board is installed, for some reason the clock does not work on TZ

If it is just the Rottendog clock board that was replaced and it still doesnt work, the issue is elsewhere; the gears, the Geneva wheel, the connectors, the MPU, who knows?

To repeat what I have heard from others over and over again, it better be a damn good price to drive that far AND risk buying a POS if you have no experience with this stuff. If I bought in the US  from a hobbiest I would look for references from other hobbiests in his area who would no doubt know this individual and their dealings.

My .02

PS- I sold BK for $1,100.00  a good deal!

Quoted from wbradley

I have heard that when a new Rottendog MPU board is installed, for some reason the clock does not work on TZ

If it is just the Rottendog clock board that was replaced and it still doesnt work, the issue is elsewhere; the gears, the Geneva wheel, the connectors, the MPU, who knows?

To repeat what I have heard from others over and over again, it better be a damn good price to drive that far AND risk buying a POS if you have no experience with this stuff. If I bought in the US  from a hobbiest I would look for references from other hobbiests in his area who would no doubt know this individual and their dealings.

My .02

PS- I sold BK for $1,100.00  a good deal!

Yes I also heard id you replace the CPU board that the time is off for the clock to work.  

I installed the RottenDog Clock board in my TZ without any issues.  You have to make sure the plugs are secured onto the board since they can slip off easy when reinstalling the clock.  I do have my old clock housing and board too if that is a option.


Lance

Quoted from Dipstick Jimmy

It is in the US to ship it to Toronto is $150 plus all the fees etc and Taxes at customs.  

Are you saying that for $150 you can get it shipped, but you are going on a 24 hours of driving to get it instead?? Not to mention Hotels etc. There is No Way I would make that trip to save that little Cash! If you decide to buy it, Ship it!!

Dave

Quoted from wbradley

I have heard that when a new Rottendog MPU board is installed, for some reason the clock does not work on TZ

If it is just the Rottendog clock board that was replaced and it still doesnt work, the issue is elsewhere; the gears, the Geneva wheel, the connectors, the MPU, who knows?

To repeat what I have heard from others over and over again, it better be a damn good price to drive that far AND risk buying a POS if you have no experience with this stuff. If I bought in the US  from a hobbiest I would look for references from other hobbiests in his area who would no doubt know this individual and their dealings.

My .02

PS- I sold BK for $1,100.00  a good deal!

A good deal for sure!  I have never played a BK but felt that it might satisfy my addiction for a while.  I almost bought it Without permission haha.  You even e mailed me you # and then my wife gave me the go ahead to buy what ever I want.  I think there will be a shopping trip to NY or Mtl in her future.  What would you call a good enough price?  he is asking $3500 but will negotiate.  I wonder if I buy a private deal and drive it back do I need to declare it?

Quoted from pins only

Are you saying that for $150 you can get it shipped, but you are going on a 24 hours of driving to get it instead?? Not to mention Hotels etc. There is No Way I would make that trip to save that little Cash! If you decide to buy it, Ship it!!

Dave

The big problem is buying it unseen.  Driving to get it saves the $150 shipping + $60 for terminal fees and there is 13% tax ( approx $450based on full price)  If I can skip the taxes or declare a lesser purchase price ($100?) I save about $660 but then you have gas and a motel and a lost weekend.  Its not really the money but seeing it before buying it.  I could pay a great price and he could ship me a box of rocks.

I would offer to pay someone here a few $$$ (or a case of beer) to be your "broker" if you are truly new to pinball machines.   TZ is one of the most complicated games, and there's a few on here that know them like the back of their hand.    

I've owned a TZ, but don't know them well enough to help, but when you go to resell it most likely the person buying it will be very picky with regards to cosmetics (playfield wear, broken plastics, clean cabinet, good legs, new leg levellers, original boards, non-hacked boards, good connectors, perfect translite, no graphitti on cabinet, no drill holes, ...., ....).  

What I have learned in, is that if a desirable game is for sale, there is likely a reason.  That is, the collector's friends, and friends-of-friends have passed on the deal due to some reason....

Quoted from jonny_eh

Dude, that's really far. Are you crossing the US border?

These games go up for sale every 3-6 months, but I know the feeling.

Really? I haven't seen a TZ for sale other than Tuborg's in some time.

I suggest getting a ton of pics. You could then post them and those of us with a TZ could check them over.

Duane

I just bought Azatotht's TZ a few weeks ago. It is in excellent shape.

The issue with finding a TZ is that collectors that have a nice one like to hold on to them, sometimes indefinitely.

Quoted from TwilightZone

Really? I haven't seen a TZ for sale other than Tuborg's in some time.

I suggest getting a ton of pics. You could then post them and those of us with a TZ could check them over.

Duane

I will post pics later tonight.  Gotta go to my daughters piano recital right now!

Quoted from wbradley

I just bought Azatotht's TZ a few weeks ago. It is in excellent shape.

The issue with finding a TZ is that collectors that have a nice one like to hold on to them, sometimes indefinitely.

Well there you go. I sit corrected. That would make 2 in the last year, so it could happen that another will come available in the next 6 months.

Duane

I will never sell mine.

Here are some pics.  I had to re-size them

more pics

I'm looking forward to what the experts on the boards have to say about yout pics, but if it were me I'd be so very excited right about now.

Quoted from Urban Cannibal

I'm looking forward to what the experts on the boards have to say about yout pics, but if it were me I'd be so very excited right about now.

Very excited indeed!   I am no expert( hence the thread) but it looks good to me.  I also have a good gut feeling about the guy I am dealing with.  After some e mails back and forth his answers ot little things and details he provided have checked out.  Seems like a real guy selling a game for a legit reason.

First reactions
There is cabinet fade on the left hand side. The owner has installed 3 mods: robby the robot, the red piano, and gumballs in the gumball machine.  

Comments
I would try to get some closer pics of the piano hole, slot machine hole, gumball hole, inlanes to see if there is wear from the ball return from the ramps. He also doesn't show the pin on so it might be good so u have an idea if the dmd is still strong. He has replaced the coin door and since it does not has have slots for the coins, I doubt that there are coin mechanisms inside either.  

- bad Shooter rod (and probably internal spring)
- Cabinet fade + scratches + missing piece in front
- Slot target bent, need fix
- what a SAD SAD thing to put on the coin door!
- nice playfield... no wear at the usual spots
- needs shopping obviously and outlane post more conservative!

pictures of the boards would be nice.

a fun game! ... only beaten by funhouse!  

No matter what the condition is, it is always relative to one thing.


PRICE.


If you are getting that machine at 2500$, I would say that it's a steal. Get it for 4500$, and I would say you got ripped off.

He has offfered more pics and video so I will get him to do close ups of the areas that you mentioned Sensfreak.

Mrhide you mentioned a missing piece on the front.  Do you mean the metal trim usually at the top?  I think he took the glass off for the pictures or is it something else?  I have him at $3200 US, no lower  ,  but he is giving me a tool kit with spare bulbs and novus cleaner??? pin wax etc.  This is his last machine of a once proud collection that he is selling to pay for school ( getting an MBA ) which I have confirmed.  He stilll had the original clock board (if I want to refurbish) and the manual.  Is this too much money?  What have others paid on recent purchases of TZ or is it impolite to ask?

Quoted from Sparky

No matter what the condition is, it is always relative to one thing.


PRICE.


If you are getting that machine at 2500$, I would say that it's a steal. Get it for 4500$, and I would say you got ripped off.

If it s a steal at $2500 then is it FAIR VALUE to pay $3200?  It seems like a decent deal to me especially considering the Cnd Dollar is close to par and the lack of available machines.

3200$ is decent.... it's the price. go get it tiger!  

I mean the missing wood piece on the cabinet below the "E" of twilight zonE

it's something "collectors" will look at when you want to resell it

Thats about average price except when you consider the exchange (5%?).  Also when you cross the border customs might go online to evaluate the machine so there is no guarantee you can say you paid a lot less or just get waved on. The customs fee is 13%. Therefore, it could be $3800 + gas/mileage/expenses.  You could hold off and buy a machine somewhat closer eventually for about the same with less travel less gamble and a factory original shooter rod vs. an early 80's rod.

Cost wise it sounds not unreasonable, except for the travel part and the unknown factor. It's your call. Are you into adventure?

And, I would change that shooter rod. Far too valuable a game to do that to IMHO.

Quoted from wbradley

Thats about average price except when you consider the exchange (5%?).  Also when you cross the border customs might go online to evaluate the machine so there is no guarantee you can say you paid a lot less or just get waved on. The customs fee is 13%. Therefore, it could be $3800 + gas/mileage/expenses.  You could hold off and buy a machine somewhat closer eventually for about the same with less travel less gamble and a factory original shooter rod vs. an early 80's rod.

Cost wise it sounds not unreasonable, except for the travel part and the unknown factor. It's your call. Are you into adventure?

And, I would change that shooter rod. Far too valuable a game to do that to IMHO.

So if I understand correctly for $3800 I can have your TZ since you don't have room for it and you are too focused on that new GnR right?  Haha I wish.  I just saw a lighted flashing "Powerball" shooter rod on youtube.  Looked like a cool mod  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IK8-dEifkc Anyone ever seen this before?  The websiite has it listed for $58.00

Quoted from Mrhide

a fun game! ... only beaten by funhouse!  

  I miss them both  

Quoted from TwilightZone

Well there you go. I sit corrected. That would make 2 in the last year, so it could happen that another will come available in the next 6 months.

Duane

What about Claude's? That was for sale a couple months ago.

Quoted Text

I just saw a lighted flashing "Powerball" shooter rod on youtube.  Looked like a cool mod  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IK8-dEifkc Anyone ever seen this before?  The websiite has it listed for $58.00

Due to hearing about Tuborg's sellers remorse, and not wanting to experience same I will not be moving my machine out just a few weeks after going out to Mtl to pick it up.  

Why not open up your options a bit? For Example WMS IJ is a great game and there are a few others as well tha I think are definitely worth considering. Or, get someting you will  be able to sell later when a TZ comes along.

Have you played TZ much? It really doesnt appeal much to the less experienced pinball players, I find, It is a strategy game, not just a flipping around game. Much more for home use than arcades for the most part. Mind you, it is my 3 year olds favourite.  

Quoted from wbradley

Due to hearing about Tuborg's sellers remorse, and not wanting to experience same I will not be moving my machine out just a few weeks after going out to Mtl to pick it up.  

Why not open up your options a bit? For Example WMS IJ is a great game and there are a few others as well tha I think are definitely worth considering. Or, get someting you will  be able to sell later when a TZ comes along.

Have you played TZ much? It really doesnt appeal much to the less experienced pinball players, I find, It is a strategy game, not just a flipping around game. Much more for home use than arcades for the most part. Mind you, it is my 3 year olds favourite.  

I posted in the Games Wanted to Buy my top 3 which are Twilight Zone, Addams Family and Williams Indiana Jones.  I played a lot in my late teens & early twenties.  I wiorked at a pizza joint that was on a route and played these a lot.  Other memorable games thru were Rocky & Bullwinkle, T2,World Cup 1994 (not my cup of tea)  I actually have a hard time getting into a game without the strategy and the interactive quality the top 3 have.  I was at the T.O. pinball show with my 8 year old son and it ignited my desire to get a game from the past that I loved in a BIG way.  I played some of the newer games and a few older ones that I hadn't played and none of them grabbed me.  I had never played STTNG before and it was OK ( a little more time to figure it out would have helped ) I played the SM but it had a problem with the ball sticking above the top flipper on the right side and the rail that came from top right to the lower left was messed up too ( the ball would jump off) so that spoiled the experience for me on that one.  They had one in the Tourney but I could only go Sat and I was only there 6-8:30.  The Iron Man was OK but the flow of the play was ...off?  I didn't like the way the ball launched up and came rolling down the right side of the playfield. The game didn't grab me much.  I tried Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune and Nascar, Shrek and a few older games can't recall every one right now but they didn't do it for me.  

I agree with your idea about getting a game to hold me over until I find a TZ more local that's what almost had me buying your BK.  However I cant seem to find a TZ, IJ or TAF.  I was gonna buy the TAF in Leamington that sold a short while ago but the TZ is #1 with TAF & Wms IJ a coin flip for 2 & 3.  Besides I think I am a little Blahhhh right now and could use the adventure.

Quoted Text

Besides I think I am a little Blahhhh right now and could use the adventure.

That's the only reason I could see for that trek!

Glad you made it out to the Pinball Show, Jimmy    Where are you located?  There's a T2 for sale in Milton right now..

Quoted from machine.slave

Glad you made it out to the Pinball Show, Jimmy    Where are you located?  There's a T2 for sale in Milton right now..

I am just south of Barrie in Thornton.  What is the T2 going for?  I am 90% that I am gonna go for the TZ (It may be the only pin I am ever allowed to buy)but it never hurts to ask.

Quoted Text

I was gonna buy the TAF in Leamington that sold a short while ago

I got that, and love the hell out of it.

I know your felling buddy, I just got into buying these recently myself, and now have plans for at least 6.  I've taken the plunge, contrary to the advise of those on this forum (please don’t ostracize me for it), and bought a TZ from MPamusements.

When you want something, you want it.

Aaron

Quoted from Dipstick Jimmy

I am just south of Barrie in Thornton.  What is the T2 going for?  I am 90% that I am gonna go for the TZ (It may be the only pin I am ever allowed to buy)but it never hurts to ask.

It's easier to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.  

Quoted from Monkeybug

It's easier to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.  

Are you married?!

Quoted from Atomicboy

I got that, and love the hell out of it.

I know your felling buddy, I just got into buying these recently myself, and now have plans for at least 6.  I've taken the plunge, contrary to the advise of those on this forum (please don’t ostracize me for it), and bought a TZ from MPamusements.

When you want something, you want it.

Aaron

Did the TAF need much work?  It sounds like it was a good deal.  I haven't heard about MP Amusements what is the story with them and more importantly how much did your TZ run you?  PM me if you don't want to broadcast it.  I just want to know where this game stands coming in at $3200.

Bah...  from what I have come to understand, every game needs work.  It had some little things wrong with it, which through help on here and via pinrepair.com, I was able to figure out.

If you are getting into this, you HAVE to be prepared to learn how to fix them, or be rich enough to pay good money to have someone else do it, but where’s the fun in that?  If you can’t screw something up so bad you feel like crying, and then have the satisfaction of fixing that, where’s the fun.  That’s how I’ve learned how to do everything.

I only have two, and for a while, I was spending close to have my time cleaning/repairing/researching issues versus playing.

I was prepared for that, and plan on broadening my horizons with respect to the electronics aspect of it.  As I said, I can empathize with your position, “I want it now”.  I was looking into travelling as well, however the deal I’m getting, all things considered is very good, given the fact there are none in Canada available for at least a few months, and even if one was to come up, there would be competition.  

They have an IJ, I can send you some photos.  I was going to wait before reporting on the quality of their work, and the overall experience, as I believe if this is a good solid venture in the end, it may open up the door for larger orders for people that can’t simply find what they want around here, where shipping may not be a factor if there are multiple orders, as in the end, their prices aren’t that far off from the games I have seen sold here.

All I can say is start coming up with your excuses now to convince your wife to get more pins, as this is the only path after getting one – *and I couldn’t be more serious*.

I had to agree to a little s**t of a puppy that bites EVERYTHING.  PM  me and we can discuss prices.

Quoted from Atomicboy

I had to agree to a little s**t of a puppy that bites EVERYTHING.  PM  me and we can discuss prices.

Bwahahahaha!!..................Now that's funny right there My wife jokes about getting a new cat everytime I mention a new pin. We should have about eleven cats by now!!

I say go for your TZ Dipstick Jimmy! I'm going to be making a 9 hour trip, one way, to get a Funhouse soon. Heck I want one in great shape, and I found one, so there ya go. I'll bring the wife, and make a little vacation out of it all  

Pete

After looking at the pics, I'm going to say exercise caution and ask for extra pics. The lower playfield shots are really fuzzy while the picture up top is not. That's a red flag to me.

Looking at this pic:

http://s107351202.onlinehome.us/blahdocs/uploads/tz5_6210.jpg

I noticed there appears to be insert wear starting on The Camera and Power Payoff inserts. Not a big deal, but it could mean there is wear on the lower playfield that is not being shown in those fuzzy pictures.

I'd ask for some better pictures before you make the jump.

If it was me, I'd wait and pay the premium to get a TZ with an unfaded cabinet. I think the game is fairly priced at $3,200 assuming the playfield is nice, but for an extra $300 you should be able to find one without cabinet fade or with much less fade.


edit...

Take a look at
http://s107351202.onlinehome.us/blahdocs/uploads/tz6_323.jpg

Appears there could be a crack on 4 Million insert. Could buff out. Could be a hair. Regardless, worth asking for better pics.

Duane

Try posting in your wanted ad, or a new ad "Have $4000 or even $4500 +/- to spend on a Twilight Zone, anybody interested in selling?". This is what you are going to be spending anyway and you never know who will reply. (Not me). But it shows you are serious and willing to pay the money.

Just a thought before you drive for 3 days and still have no idea what you are getting.

Try that post on RGP as well..

Dave

Quoted Text

Try posting in your wanted ad, or a new ad "Have $4000 or even $4500 +/- to spend on a Twilight Zone, anybody interested in selling?". This is what you are going to be spending anyway and you never know who will reply. (Not me). But it shows you are serious and willing to pay the money.

Good idea, I would have likely gone that route first...

More pics ot the guts.  I really need your eyes on these as I have no idea if its good bad or ugly?????  Looks OK to me though  

Even More Pics

Couple More!  I also recieved a MOV file video but cant get it to open.  He said it was about a minute of gameplay. 40 MB Please let me know if you see anything to worry about. I appreciate all of the input so far.

Just got the video of the game in action as well.  Only about a minute and only 1 ball but looked good.