Need help buying my first pinball

[mchay]

Hi,

I've been offered a Williams No Fear: Dangerous Sports http://www.ipdb.org/search.pl?any=no+fear&search=Search+Database&searchtype=quick#2852 for 1100$

Before I go and see the machine, and try it out - I would like if some of you pinball experts could tell me what to look for and what to try/test when I am by the machine - to ensure that I'm not buying a machine that I should have passed on, have I known what some of you know. Are there any test modes to show faulty components? Any places in particular, where this machine has any weak spots?

I appreciate the help :-)

[Visitor Q]

Well I am no expert but I can tell you what to look for from experience of buying 3 myself.

Do not trust anyone's opinions about the machine. See if for yourself in person because one person's idea of something being in really good shape my not be the same as yours. I don't care if it is someone who owns 100 pins or even someone who restores them for a living, see it for yourself... Bottom Line.

Check for playfield wear because the pf is one of the hardest things to replace. Also look for sloppy touch ups on the pf. Check to see how the game was treated, is there a lot of built up dirt on the pf or has it been shopped lately. If it needs shopped, think about if you are up to the task of doing so.

Check for DMD out gassing or dot credits. You can do this by running a test in the service mode of the machine.

Check for switch errors. Play the machine a few times and then turn it off and back on, watch for switch errors.

Look at every side of the cabinet, inside and out including under the pf.

Here is a link to the service manual: http://www.ipdb.org/files/2852/Williams_1995_No_Fear_Dangerous_Sports_English_Manual.pdf

Download it and look it over before you go to see the machine so you know a little but out the test modes.

Good Luck!

[Q*Bert_OP]

Look for melting on the back of the main ramp. There are 3 magnets back there that are used to accelerate the ball to the top of the jump...these can lock on and melt the ramp...

Also, check for cracks in the ramps. Cliffy makes some protectors that will cover breaks in the ramps, however, the ramps are replaceable.

Check the plastic mountain for breaks...this item is not easily found.

Also, check the cabinet for fade...it should be dark orange, not all yellow or white.

[mchay]

I will look in to all of those things - and read the manual for education in activating the different test modes.

I know from the pictures I saw, that there is in fact fading in the sideart. One side worse than the other.

[Visitor Q]

I will look in to all of those things - and read the manual for education in activating the different test modes.

I know from the pictures I saw, that there is in fact fading in the sideart. One side worse than the other.

If you are just buying the game to play it, a lot of these things are not so important. It really boils down to if you are looking for a pin to play or collect, maybe both.

Decals on pins is a major pain in the ass to replace, keep that in mind if it bothers you. It can be done, but it's a lot of work and involves removing the pf from the machine.

[mchay]

I know a lot of people don't like the gameplay of this pinball machine, but I'll give it a try - to see if I have a different opinion. It's fairly priced I think, and pretty close to where I live.

[Visitor Q]

Did anyone bother making sideart for No Fear?  I'd be shocked if they did.

Ya know, he's right. I guess I did not even really consider that since they are available for all the games I own.

Still... http://www.treasure-cove.net/NoFear.htm

I bet you could get them to make you a set since they offer stuff like that.

[Visitor Q]

Bingo!

http://www.pinballheaven.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=1681

[nudgefree]

I will look in to all of those things - and read the manual for education in activating the different test modes.

I know from the pictures I saw, that there is in fact fading in the sideart. One side worse than the other.

If you are just buying the game to play it, a lot of these things are not so important. It really boils down to if you are looking for a pin to play or collect, maybe both.

Decals on pins is a major pain in the ass to replace, keep that in mind if it bothers you. It can be done, but it's a lot of work and involves removing the pf from the machine.

...not to mention the cost of artwork is typically 250-300.  On a game that is not highly regarded you'll find it hard to get even this cost back (excluding the labor effort, which is not insignificant).