Rod, i know u are always a positive supporter of me.not .lol. but thats ok.
I use the term redecalled meaning that u would purchase say decals from Mark or IPB in the states and redecal a machine with faded or damaged cabinets.
I dont know of any person who would buy a pinball machine that has bad cabinet damage all over it, and bad fade, that wouldnt pay to have it redone, or purchase a machine that is not damaged and pay more for it. If it was originally a screened cabinet job, what r u going to do, rescreen it and go n buy a printing press or get decals done. Its not about decals or screenprinting. its about presenting the machine as close as to new as u can using new parts, balls,leg protectors, a new dmd screen etc. I am talking about shopped machines, not projects to be left untouched for the sake of "keeping it original". Different buyer. Different market i feel.
After all, we want to show our machines in the best condition we can have them.
Are u saying u have never replaced a part or upgraded something on your machines to make them look better. Would you honestly leave broken slingshot plastics on a pin to keep it original etc. thats ok, if u wouldnt. Thats your personal choice and i will never argue with that.
I was trying to keep things positive about the future of this great hobby.
regarding the USA, every pinball they send here will never go back, that i will bet money on. we have been insulated from the world financial market alot more than other countries. I know people who are buying pinball machines because they feel they are a good investment. As one real estate agent said to me the other day, and he dont even play pinball. He said " I shld have bought these machines 3 years ago when i had the chance, but i just bought them this year, and they cost me double".