Restoration of Midway 280 ZZZAP

It looks like both the steering and accelerator use 25k pots: https://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Arcade_Bally_Midway/280_ZZZap_Wiring_Diagram_(12_1_1976).pdf

Search for Allen-Bradley hot molded EJ (E=long life, J=panel mount) series potentiometers with a linear taper at 25k, if you can find them. I don't think you need EJC (C=slip clutch) if the game has mechanical stops at both ends (verify this, I never owned a 280). EJC is incredibly hard to find but EJ and even J are much more common. See pages 124-127: https://www.steampoweredradio.com/p...y electronic component catalog circa 1980.pdf

Atari used these EJC pots in many of their games and at the time they had the longest life of anything else available. Rated at a million turns, that is still pretty good by today's standards. Check eBay, you'll find many NOS pots. It's going to be a matter of ensuring things like the shaft length, shape and other dimensions will work with your game. It's a tedious process at times especially if the original is not readily available. You can also find a modern replacement but be wary of most parts the come directly from China. You'll be replacing them quicker than you think.
 
@ArcadeJason
On your games what is the highest speed the car goes? Does it ever hit 200? At the moment mine tops out at 120. I think I need to adjust the potentiometer for the pedal. It was loose and I had to adjust is a couple times already to get to 120. It looks like the when it was loose the teeth on the gears slipped. Probably have to move it another tooth or two.
i spoke with you on FB but just so it is recorded some where my 280zzzap goes to 195mph . this could be the max speed or it cold be the max my potentiometer will allow
 
@ArcadeJason Thanks for the confirmation! That helps a lot. Now I know I need to do a couple other adjustments to get full throttle. It will also help any others that may have the same question.
 
For the 2N3055, Digikey is a good source for them. I have nearly a lifetime supply I bought from another member - I can send you one for $10 including postage. DM me if you want one.
 
I've seen the pictures of your car and can totally appreciate it! Those were always cool machines! Reminds me of high school days when I helped stuff a small block 400 Chevrolet engine into a TR-7. Really wasn't too bad. Or, the time I swapped one resistor on a friend's Ranger (only came with 4 or 6 cylinder) so the factory tach would work with the V8 he had stuffed in there. Fun times! Those are fun to work on. Not like the Sunday evening on a holiday calls that can come in from a daughter (the same one that touched up my game) that a radiator blew on the minivan she was driving 2 hours away. Those are NOT fun projects. That happened over Labor Day weekend (which sucked) but fortunately it ended up having a happy ending later in the week.

I can totally see why you NEED at least one 280 ZZZAP in your collection.
 
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