Value of a scrap playfield with machinery?

[ggroce]

I don't own any pinball machines, (yet), but I'm wanting to construct a custom one and use an arduino to drive the logic.  I'm currently searching for a used playfield that has the machinery and complete assemblies attached.  They don't have to be from specific games as it's all scrap, (and I'd hate to ruin a good or classic playfield), but I'm wondering, how much should I be paying for something like this?  All the playfield plastics being attached or isn't a big deal, mostly need the machinery and assemblies. 

I want one from at least '85 and up.  I've seen these in earlier posts selling for as little as $50, (with free pickup), but don't see any selling on ebay cheaper than $100 with $70 shipping, and the craigslist community here, (in Houston), is extremely lean. 

[ggroce]

Well, I figured with a slightly more modern field it might not be quite as worn and would be more likely to have a good variety of hardware on it? Is this wrong?

[ChadTower]

Well, I figured with a slightly more modern field it might not be quite as worn and would be more likely to have a good variety of hardware on it? Is this wrong?

You're definitely thinking about it from the wrong angle.  Games from the last 25 years will have more wear on them because the game is so much faster.  So many more balls in play, more toys, stronger flippers.  A game from maybe '83 and older is a much slower game.  Those games don't have 4 ball multiballs and 50 volt flippers.  Those playfields tend to be in much better shape on average if we're talking about games that were on location rather than in somebody's basement.