Time 2000... what do I do...

[Sparky]

Well, I officially have 2 pinballs left. A gottlieb Arena which I will be retheming, and... an Atari Time 2000. Here's the lowdown on this thing:

1- it is DEAD. Main board is shot. Power supply is shot. Display was tested in another machine, and it is also shot.
2- I have TWO nice playfields for it. Both populated. One has the original goofy-ass rotary flipper mechs. Other has late-70's Bally flipper units.
3- Backglass has flaking in the reds. Not too bad.
4- Cabinet is super solid, very nice.

So... I am debating between options on what to do with it. Junking it is not an option, and selling it isn't either, as it is pretty much worthless. BUT... that means I can do ANYTHING to it and not feel bad!!! So... I ask you all for your opinion:

1- Restore it. I could send the boards to John's Jukes and have them gone over, but then what. It is quite boring. Very nice Atari art, but dead boring.

2- Install Bally hardware in it. I checked Bally machines that have comparative lights and hardware. One machine also has 2 bonus counters, 2 saucer holes, and similar targets. NITRO GROUNDSHAKER. The only difference is that NGS has a 4-drop target bank, while T2000 has 2 individual drop targets. Nothing that can't be modified with a router and some creativity. I have power supplies and boards... it could be done. A lot of work, but feasible.

3- Convert it into a virtual pinball. I have converted a Time 2000 before. Super easy cabs to work with. I can fit a 42" TV in it, no problem. Would be a cool addition, since I am limited in space for games. I also have a space where I have duct work for my central HVAC system, and the ceiling is 68 inches high in that 3'x3' spot. Can't fit a pin in there... but a virtual pin with a lowered backbox would fit.

So... let me know what you all think. I am curious.

[Azatotht]

Of all the options, virtual pinball is the most appealing, but it is also the most expensive if you want a good experience. Can't use a cheap pc.

#4- Install a boardset compatible with Dick Hamill's Retro Pin Upgrade and create a new ruleset
He has an example for a generic machine: https://github.com/RetroPinUpgrade/ExampleMachine

[pixote]

I would try for #2. Atari machines are stunning but awful, you can change that and make something worth playing. If you're open to adding target assemblies could get interesting

[pixote]

#4- Install a boardset compatible with Dick Hamill's Retro Pin Upgrade and create a new ruleset
He has an example for a generic machine: https://github.com/RetroPinUpgrade/ExampleMachine

I wasn't aware there was generic code. Pretty cool

[Sparky]

Of all the options, virtual pinball is the most appealing, but it is also the most expensive if you want a good experience. Can't use a cheap pc.

#4- Install a boardset compatible with Dick Hamill's Retro Pin Upgrade and create a new ruleset
He has an example for a generic machine: https://github.com/RetroPinUpgrade/ExampleMachine

Do I look like a programmer to you? LOL

I can repair a cabinet, touch up art and clearcoat a playfield, rebuild boards, and diagnose pretty much anything. But I don't do programming. At all. That's what has kept me from building a custom pin.

[Azatotht]

Do I look like a programmer to you? LOL.