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From Bally Pinball:
Party Zone |
- Price:
$2,795.00 - SOLD -
- Manufacturer: Bally
- Date Produced: August, 1991
- Units Produced: 3,850
- Designer: Dennis Nordman
- Art: Greg Freres
- Dot Matrix Animation: Scott Slomiany
- Mechanics: Win Schilling, Zofia Bill
- Sound/Music: Dan Forden
- Software: Jim Strompolis
TRIVIA: Party Zone is unoffically considered to be the last of a quartet of "party" themed games made by Bally, preceded in earlier years by other titles such as Party Animal, Elvira and the Party Monsters, and Dr. Dude. Characters from all 3 of these earlier games are featured in Party Zone.
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Page Contents:
- Game Description
- Game Condition Details
- Game Images
- Game Sales Information
 Game Description:
The Party Animals, Party Monsters, and Party Dudes meet in the Party Zone at the Cosmic Cottage for Happy Hour. Come on in, join the party, and HAVE FUN!
This colorful, humorous, and action-packed game brings some old familliar characters from previous Bally pinball games into the Party Zone, hosted by "Captain B. Zarr"- your M.C. for partying pinball fun! There's no shortage of fun or things to do in this game! Get everyone to the Cosmic Cottage for Happy Hour to start the party by shooting 3 balls there, and starting wild Multiball play! Targets fill the Rock-It Meter with Rock-It Fuel- shoot the Rocket ramp to collect the Rock-It Meter value. When the Rock-It Meter is full, "Big Bang" is lit for Super Jackpot- collected by shooting 2 balls up the Rocket Ramp- no easy task!
Watch as the animated "Captain B. Zarr" in the middle of the playfield moves his head from side to side and follows the ball around the playfield, narrating your play as you go. Shoot the center targets and saucer in front of Captain B. Zarr to request a tune of your choice and collect Party Saver Bonus points.
Three wild bumpers above Captain B. Zarr keep the action going. Hit the targets to the right of the bumpers to light the animated Super Sonic Robotic Comic for some binary standup comedy and to collect Extra Ball!
Watch balls from the Rocket ramp and Cosmic Cottage get shot back down the playfield by way of two wild looping ramps that return balls back to the left and right flipper lanes.
With all the fun, energy, action, colorful "comic book" style artwork, and sounds/music, this game is sure to entertain all ages and types of players- from novices to experts alike. There's something for everyone in the Party Zone!
Game Condition:
Overall:
Over 45 hours have been invested in the full reconditioning of this game. It easily meets our criteria for an "Excellent Condition" rating, which is near our top rating for a used, reconditioned, restored game.
This game is a domestic (U.S.) model and is not a re-import from overseas. This game originally came to us from a rural operator who operated the game commercially for most of it's life and rarely moved it from location to location, so it has seen below-average handling and below-average play for a game of this age and popularity. Consequently, it has had it's original condition preserved very well over it's lifetime and still retains a very fresh and "like new" appearance, inside and out.
Cabinet and Backbox: All exterior surfaces on this game are in great shape, showing very few signs of previous use or handling. All colors and artwork on the game have been preserved very well and are still bright and vibrant with no signs of any significant or noticeable UV color-fading, as can be common to find on most used pinball games.
Very few signs of previous use or handling were present on this game when we received it- only a few small nicks, chips, and scratches here and there- the majority being confined to edges/corners around the backbox sides- not negatively affecting any of the actual detailed artwork on the cabinet. Most all of these signs of previous use were touched-up during the restoration of the cabinet, to make them less apparent and to help restore the original look and finish to the game as much as possible. As with any used/reconditioned game, some signs of previous use will naturally still be visible on parts of the game upon close inspection, but we have done our best to restore the original look and finish of this previously-used game as much as practically possible.
Front "bezel" or "frame" around the backglass and speaker panel has been repainted with matching semi-gloss black enamel paint to restore a clean original look. Inside walls of main cabinet have also been cleaned and repainted with matching semi-gloss black paint for a "day one" fresh new look.
All circuit boards inside the backbox have been inspected and have no burned, scorched, or overheated wiring connectors, as is often common in many used games that have been run hard for many years. This game's original components still appear remarkably fresh and healthy due to the better-than-average care it has received over the years. We have replaced the general illumination light wiring connectors at the transformer as they showed some signs of aging and heat build-up, and the new connectors and pins will provide "good as new" connections and provide reliable operation for many years to come, if not indefinitely. A previous owner of this game had replaced the main lamp power connector on the power/driver board in the backbox and added some custom wiring/connectors to increase the reliability of this connection, which is a common problem point in most games. With both of these "weak points" addressed, the game should continue to provide good reliable operation for many years to come.
The original coin door on this game has been completely restored, including a full tear-down of all parts- inside and out- with full cleaning and reconditioning of all parts, and full repainting of all metal parts with original semi-gloss black enamel paint to restore that "day one" fresh new look. No cheap "mask-off" job here- our coin door overhaul process involves disassembling the door into every conceivable nut and screw, with each individual part being reconditioned and reassembled- the way they did it at the factory.
The rest of the front of the game is in excellent condition and with no unsightly marks or damage present. An aftermarket security bar was installed on this game at some point during it's lifetime and was removed before we received the game. Some small bolt holes used for the bar were filled with black carriage bolts to restore a clean "factory" look to the game.
The exterior bottom panel of the main cabinet has been restored as well- cleaning and sanding of the wood edges and bottom panel to restore the original appearance. New white nylon cabinet gliders have been installed on the back of the main cabinet to restore original condition.
Some small signs of wear and rubbing from the legs were present underneath the legs on each of the corners of the main cabinet, where the legs mount directly to the cabinet. These are common to find on any used game and are the result of use and vibrations from operating the game over time. Brand new leg protector pads were installed to help cover these areas and prevent any future damage (scratches, scuffs) and help preserve the finish.
Backglass on this game (mylar translite behind clear tempered glass) is in mint condition with no signs of damage, handling or any other blemishes- it looks "day one" new in every respect- very well preserved. Black plastic trim on the backglass edges is all present, clean, and in great shape. Dot matrix score display was replaced with a brand new unit to restore bright, clear, crisp picture to the display and to provide many more years of reliability and operation.
Playfield on this game is in overall excellent condition from top to bottom. It features the factory original "Diamondplate" clearcoat finish which helps preserve and protect the artwork and it's surface. There are none of the obvious tell-tale "wear" spots currently present in the artwork that many popular used games often have from years of hard play and neglect- this game has honestly been preserved extremely well over the years- a very "low mileage" example. Some small signs of wear were starting to develop around the edges of the two kick-out saucers on the playfield- one in front of Captain B. Zarr in the center of the playfield, and the one at the Cosmic Cottage, and these were cleaned up along with some light touching-up to restore a clean reasonable appearance to them. But no damage is present to any of the actual artwork or lettering on the light inserts or "lenses" on the playfield themselves- something that is very common to find on most average or heavily-used Party Zone games. This game's playfield has been preserved very well in relation to most average Party Zone games still in circulation. Original factory Mylar covering is still present in the pop bumpers area is in great shape.
Playfield plastics are all present and in good condition, including the piece around Captain B. Zarr in the center of the playfield. This piece is commonly broken or missing altogether on most Party Zone games, but this piece is still present and in good shape. A partial crack is present on the left front corner of this plastic but does not make a full break all the way through the plastic, and we have reinforced the plastic using some mylar on the back (under) side to help preserve it. All plastics have been cleaned- top and bottom sides- and installed and secured with brand new nylock nuts, just like originally designed.
All mechanisms on the playfield (including kickers, bumpers, flippers, ball popper units, and more) have all been painstakingly overhauled and reconditioned/restored to new condition for good looks and proper reliable operation.
Here is a detailed list of work that has been done on this game, followed by more details on condition:
- We have invested just over 45 hours in the restoration of this game.
- Playfield top and bottom surfaces stripped of parts and assemblies for proper cleaning- right down to the bare wood and paint. Playfield surface hand cleaned and polished.
- All playfield parts have been removed and hand cleaned, or replaced with brand new parts where necessary. This includes light bulbs, posts, ramps, pop bumpers, wireform ball guides, flipper assembiles, under-playfield ramps, target banks, bumper assemblies, lamp PC boards, ball trough and associated parts, and any other parts that are installed on the playfield.
- All metal parts removed from playfield have been hand cleaned and polished for original bright shiny finish.
- Metal posts polished/shined including hex posts and standoff posts used throughout playfield.
- All playfield plastic posts cleaned by hand with detergent and brush to remove any wax, dirt, grime, or leftover cleaner.
- All playfield metal posts cleaned and polished for like-new look.
- New ramp entrance flap screws installed on main ramp entrance.
- Both flipper assemblies have been removed, torn down, cleaned, and rebuilt with brand new rebuild kit to restore new operation and performance. New parts installed where necessary include new coil stops, coil plungers, nylon plunger sleeves, plunger links and roll pins, springs, and cranks. Flippers tuned and adjusted for optimum performance. They once again work like new!
- Brand new nuts/screws installed throughout playfield for plastics, rails, assemblies, etc. to restore new appearance.
- Full rubber ring kit installed on playfield, including all regular round rings, flipper rings, and post bumpers.
- All light bulbs on top and bottom of playfield, and elsewhere in game, removed, cleaned, and replaced. Brand new light bulbs used as replacements for old worn, discolored, or burned out bulbs and flasher bulbs.
- All light bulb inserts (or "lenses") in playfield surface cleaned and polished for maximum shine and light penetration.
- Brand new chrome steel pinballs installed in game (game uses three total).
- Playfield flat plastics (screened artwork) all removed, cleaned, and replaced. Cracked or chipped plastics repaired/refinished as required.
- Fender washers installed under top and bottom edges of slingshot bumper plastics to protect them from cracking/breaking from airborne balls.
- New standup targets installed for the two targets in front of Captain B. Zarr in center of playfield, as well as the target to the right of the Rocket ramp. Original target assemblies are discontinued, so these targets were replaced using later-model standard Bally/Williams targets.
- Score and instruction cards have both been reproduced for clean clear looks, and hard-laminated for durability, and to prevent against damage in the future- these look great!
- Both slingshot bumper assemblies have had their detector switches removed and hand-cleaned with tarnish remover for nice bright brass shine!
- New coil sleeves installed in coil devices (flippers, kickers, bumpers, etc.) to restore like-new operation and add reliability.
- Solder joints on light bulb, motor-control and driver PC boards under playfield all reflowed and reinforced with fresh solder to prevent cracks and intermittent operation in the future.
- Inside and outside of main cabinet and backbox completely stripped of parts, cleaned, parts individually hand cleaned, and reassembled.
- Coin door fully overhauled, all parts cleaned/replaced. Metal parts repainted in original semi-gloss enamel paint. It once again looks new!
- New coin door lock & keys installed on coin door.
- Playfield glass lockdown bar cleaned and refinished to restore original look.
- New lockdown bar foam strip installed on lock bar to keep out debris, dust, etc.
- New "Install 3 Balls" decal for lockdown bar latch.
- Legs removed, cleaned, and reinstalled.
- Brand new heavy-duty leg levelers installed for all 4 legs.
- Brand new leg protector pad set installed for all 4 legs.
- Brand new leg bolts installed for all 4 legs.
- Cabinet nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches patched up, touched up, and repainted, where necessary.
- New white nylon gliders installed on cabinet back.
- All electronics (PC boards) in backbox cleaned, checked, and tested for proper operation and good looks (no burned connectors, etc.) Fuses all removed, checked, and proper values verified- replaced where necessary.
- New grounded line cord end installed.
- New remote-mount battery holder with quick-disconnect installed for MPU board in backbox. This prevents damage to the valuable MPU board from accidental battery discharge or leakage, which can destroy the board. Batteries are now mounted off-board and risk of damage is eliminated. Brand new fresh batteries installed.
- Backglass translite (artwork) removed and glass cleaned/polished (both sides). Translite cleaned/polished (both sides). Molding pieces cleaned and reassembled.
- General illumination connector pins replaced at transformer in main cabinet to improve connections and reduce heat buildup. DeoxIT anti-oxidant compound added to connector pins to deter oxidation and extend connector life and reliability.
- New dot-matrix score display installed.
List of New Parts on This Game:
A lot of large and small parts are typically replaced anytime a game is fully restored like this one, and this list may not reflect all of the actual parts used in the process, so should be considered an incomplete or "partial" list. Shipping/freight costs for obtaining many of the parts listed below may also not be included, so would be considered additional costs invested.
NOTE: ("NOS" means "New Old Stock", and indicates a part that is of original manufacture, new (never used), and authentic (not a reproduction, look-alike, or "aftermarket" part). Most "NOS" parts are discontinued and no longer available from the manufacturer, and can consequently be very hard to find, or expensive if they can be found.)
New Parts Total Value: $408.28
Custom Modifications & Upgrades for Added Performance and Reliability:
- Protective fender washers added under slingshot plastics to protect against damage.
- This machine has had it's software upgraded to the latest game ROM revision L-3.
- Remote-mount battery holder for MPU board added in backbox. Includes quick-disconnect for easy MPU board removal from the game, if ever needed.
- Solder reflowed/added to connector pins on lamp and motor PC boards under playfield for added reliability.
- New reproduction hard-laminated score and instruction cards installed.
Game Images:
Playfield:
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Playfield overall view. |
 | Playfield during restoration. Playfield removed, completely stripped of all parts- top and bottom sides- cleaned, polished, restored, and ready to be put back in the game and reassembled. Many more days of work to go from here! |
 | Detail- lower playfield area. Note the excellent condition of the original playfield finish in this game. This game has been very well preserved over it's lifetime and obviously never subjected to harsh conditions or excessive play- a very "low mileage" game.
Note the original black "serrated top" flippers still present on this game, and in great shape! Flippers of this style were used on a few games of this era in various colors and can be very hard or impossible to find anymore.
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 | Another view of the lower playfield looking across to the left.
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 | Detail- right side of playfield. Entrance to the "Way Out of Control Payoff Lane" seen here. Note the original multi-colored standup targets in front of the Payoff Lane. |
 | Detail- left side of playfield. Entrance to the Rocket Ramp seen here, as well as Captain B. Zarr and the center targets and kickout saucer. Captain B. Zarr narrates your play during the game- his jaw moves as he speaks. And watch as his head turns to follow the ball all around the playfield! |
 | Detail- upper right playfield area. Entrance to the Cosmic Cottage and the right ramp crossing the playfield are seen here. Ah, and our friend Captain B. Zarr again! |
 | Detail- upper left corner of playfield. Entrance and exit of the Rocket ramp seen here, as well as the top rollover lanes, pop bumpers area, and even "Crash" the animated crash-test dummy.
"Crash" is another assembly on this game that is commonly broken or missing altogether on most average Party Zone games. But he is present, fully working, and in great condition on this game- no broken or missing parts. |
 | Detail- upper right corner of playfield. Cosmic Cottage, it's up-kicker, pop bupmers, and the Super Sonic Robotic Comic are seen here.
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 | Detail- top center area of playfield. |
 | Playfield underside- bottom/flippers area.
Note the cleanliness of the components and entire underside of the wood playfield. Everything you see here has been removed from the game, reconditioned, rebuilt, and reinstalled- just like they did at the factory when the game was new. Super-clean and gorgeous. |
 | Playfield underside- upper section. |
Cabinet/Backbox:
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Game overall view.
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 | Main cabinet- right side.
A few minor nicks, chips, and scratches have been touched up on this, and other exterior surfaces of this used reconditioned game- most of which have been along the edges of the cabinet surfaces and all very minor (superficial scuffs and abrasions from below-average use/handling over the years).
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 | Main cabinet- left side. Great shape here as well. A few small minor superficial blemishes were touched up in some areas here as well. Wear marks under the legs- from normal use over the years- are minimal on this previously-used game and not visible when the legs are mounted on the game. The brand new leg protector pads also help to cover these areas and protect against any future wear from the legs. |
 | Main cabinet front, coin door. Great shape here all-around.
Note fully restored coin door. Coin door has been fully removed, disassembled into every conceivable part, nut, and screw. Metal parts have been cleaned and repainted with original style semi-gloss black enamel. And all parts reassembled like new again. |
 | Backbox- right side. Overall great condition. A few very tiny nicks and scuffs were touched up here as well- all confined to small chips on the edges of the backbox. |
 | Backbox front and left sides. Also in great overall condition, with a few tiny minor touch-ups done. Note that the entire front "surround" of the backbox has been repainted with matching black semi-gloss enamel for a "day one" fresh new look. |
 | Backbox front. Translite (backglass artwork) is in mint condition- front and back sides- with no signs of previous use or handling, and no scratches or chips- really very well preserved.
Note brand new dot-matrix score display. Original display in this game was in good shape and working when we received this game, but we replaced it with a new unit for added reliability, longer-life, and a better, brighter, crisp picture. |
 | Main cabinet interior. Entire cabinet interior was stripped of parts for complete cleaning. All parts were removed, including transformer, wiring harnesses, hardware, and more. All parts fully cleaned, reconditioned, and reinstalled. Interior side walls of cabinet have been repainted with a fresh coat of matching black semi-gloss enamel paint, for a "day one" new look. |
 | Main cabinet interior- front left corner. Note original red plastic coin box, still present with this game- rather unique (most were black). |
 | Main cabinet interior- front right corner. |
Like all pinballs we sell, this machine also comes complete with fully functional coin door & mechanisms with all parts present and working, and full game manual and schematics (wiring diagrams) for this game.
For our local customers, game sale includes delivery, setup, and a full warranty on parts and labor, at no additional charge.
For out-of-town customers, we offer Game Packing and Shipping services (at additional cost), and our Limited Warranty at no extra cost.
For more details on our work on this particular game, see our restoration information page.
For game sales, shipping info, and more, see our Game Sales Info page.
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