if you had $800...

GameyMcGame

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or so...what would you get or expect to get for that (in terfms of conditionetc)? i am looking to get a pin but honestly, after never spending more than #400 on a vid, i just cant fathom spending $1500 on a pin (i'm sure that will change!)

so for 800 or so, what should i expect to get? i would want a relatively new (85 or newer) that works...

oh also, how hard is it to get the head of a pin completely disconnect? i know with em's its easy but the newer games look virtually impossible to disconnect? it would be the only way to get it into my suv...

thanks for the input!
 
Depends on how patient you are.

I picked up a 1990 Whirlwind for $700...

I also picked up a 1988 (I think it is) Data East Secret Service for $250... but it WAS a project (99% working but the cab was in beat-down shape).
 
or so...what would you get or expect to get for that (in terfms of conditionetc)? i am looking to get a pin but honestly, after never spending more than #400 on a vid, i just cant fathom spending $1500 on a pin (i'm sure that will change!)

It really depends on how much work you want to do to the game. "Project" machines are typically WAY cheaper than "shopped out" working machines. For that price I would suggest a Williams system 11 machine or a low end DMD machine like Gottlieb System 3.

so for 800 or so, what should i expect to get? i would want a relatively new (85 or newer) that works...

Newer does not always equal better. That said... newer pins do typically have more bells and whistles than older pins. I suggest you try some games in visual pinball to get a feel for the different eras and manufacturers.

If you're willing to do some cleaning and basic repair work on the playfield you should be able top find a decent game in "unshopped but working" condition for $800.

oh also, how hard is it to get the head of a pin completely disconnect? i know with em's its easy but the newer games look virtually impossible to disconnect? it would be the only way to get it into my suv...

Totally depends on the game. Older games are much easier than newer games. With newer games like System 11 I would do everything in my power to not have to remove the head when I moved the game. You'll save yourself a lot of pain. I've seen pinballs moved in all kinds of small vehicles. You might be able to fit it in your SUV with the head down. Again... it will depend on the game. It could go from very easy to complete nightmare.
 
All modern pins' heads fold down. They fit easily in my SUV (Ford Escape Hybrid).

You can get a sweet pin for $800...just gotta hope you stumble across the right deal! My old BTTF was $300, I found a Jurassic Park for $800, the Dr. Dude I'm working on now was $400. Granted, they all needed ample work...cleaning, repairs, etc....but still...if you don't mind putting a bit of elbow grease into a pin, good prices can be had!
 
good info guys. thanks.

my car is a crossover...only 27 inches height clearence...the pin i went to seee this weekend was 29 high with the head folded down.

i assume they are at least 27 inches wide....and if not, i'm guessing transporting them sideways is not a good idea...
 
You will have to disconnect all the cables that run from the head to the base.
Take some tags with you and mark each connector with the board position and connector number or take a load of pictures zoomed up to each connector before you remove them.
Its not too bad but you get more connectors on newer games...less on Gottlieb system 80's !!!!
 
Caveat Emptor

Now Pinball is my biggest passion and for $800 you can get alot of B and C titles. Volcano, Sinbad, bonebusters, blackhole, Scorpion, trizone, silverslugger, a ton. If you are thinking of biting the bullet on a pinball, go to ipdb.org and research, also by the mrpinball price book so you do not make the mistake of over paying.

Now I warn you, pinball is like arcade games. I had a ton of arcade games, thought oh okay one pinball would be a nice addition.......now I have 10 pinball machines.

Buyer beware.

Greg
 
Not the biggest fan of the spyhunter pin at all. I'd steer clear of it. The left outlanes are retarded. The music is classic spyhunter though. Buy yourself an early 80's to mid 80's pin to start. Something affordable and easy to work on.

Or even better save more money and get something that will last and keep your attention for a long time :)
 
I wasn't going to piss on the for sale thread, but $700 for a Spy Hunter is ridiculous IMHO... unless it's absolutely pristine and even then I wouldn't want it for that price. I got mine for $300, though it did have a little playfield damage. The problem as stated above is that there are 2 left outlanes and they are brutal. After you learn the game, they're not terrible, but for any newb they'd easily piss you off enough to possibly turn you off from pinball.

Spy Hunter is about a 5.5/10 game for me... and that's only because I know the ruleset and how to manipulate the inside left outlane gate... for a newb, maybe 3/10 IMHO. Now that I have a Spy Hunter vid, it would be cool to have the Spy Hunter pin back, but I wouldn't pay more than $300 for a nice one.
 
I wasn't going to piss on the for sale thread, but $700 for a Spy Hunter is ridiculous IMHO... unless it's absolutely pristine and even then I wouldn't want it for that price. I got mine for $300, though it did have a little playfield damage. The problem as stated above is that there are 2 left outlanes and they are brutal. After you learn the game, they're not terrible, but for any newb they'd easily piss you off enough to possibly turn you off from pinball.

Spy Hunter is about a 5.5/10 game for me... and that's only because I know the ruleset and how to manipulate the inside left outlane gate... for a newb, maybe 3/10 IMHO. Now that I have a Spy Hunter vid, it would be cool to have the Spy Hunter pin back, but I wouldn't pay more than $300 for a nice one.


I am selling my spy hunter for 700 as well, I think that's a pretty fair price. I guess location determines price, but I think 700 for a "shopped" spy hunter is worth it...

Great first pin maybe?
 
ok, so, for 800-1000...

Do I go with a beat up Simpsons pin (working but needs some TLC and has some playfield wear near the flippers)...Or a very nice condition 'Time machine'...

oh yeah, transporting on their side...big no-no?
 
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Transporting on their side is fine, so long as the machine is set up and operating at the previously agreed upon condition before they leave.

Time Machine is an oddity with the banana flippers. I wouldn't suggest it as a first pin. The Simpsons (I am assuming the Data East version) is much more "normal" with a cool theme, but it can get repetitive. Also, the condition does affect resell, collectors rarely will accept a machine with noticeable playfield wear.


I'd wait for something else if I were you.
 
Any 'shopped' pin is worth a premium price to the right buyer. I see no problem with selling a shopped Spy Hunter for $700. I also see no problem with him getting his asking price, or very close to it.
Sorry friz, but you aren't the target audience. You did right by keeping your opinions out of his thread.

As for the OP, $800 is a great entry budget to pins! You are pretty much wide open, with the exception of A titles and most post 1994 titles.
My recommendation to you is to take your time and pick a title you really like. It is up to you if you want to get a game that needs work, or one that is ready to rock. You'll of course get more 'game for the buck' if you elect to do at least some work.
Good luck!
 
Spy Hunter is not a good entry pin IMHO as for the reasons stated above. The bottom left turns off new players... it's a drain-o-matic unless you learn how to nudge and how to control the the inside gate.

My first Spy Hunter i found for $300... sold for $500... shopped. That said, i'd have to give my playfield a 7/10 at best (due to some paint damage)...the guy I sold it to offered it back to me at the $500... I told him I wasn't interested. I'd likely consider it at $300 again for the sole purpose of sticking it next to my recently acquired SH vid...

But yea... i'd never shit on a guys for sale thread. Ask $2,500 if you want to... it's pretty douchetastic to piss all over a FS thread.
 
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I'm not pissing on anybody's thread or anything and I'm not bashing Bryten's fs post. I would say you can get 700 for SH. To me though means no playfield wear, bg good and complete shopjob....That saying I would agree with Frizz as first pin SH would not be it. Horrible playfield design and an absolute drain fest but if you're a Sh fan that's a different story....
 
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