Mezel Mods

Mezel Mods for Customizing Pinball Machines

A modern pinball machine consists of more than just mechanical assemblies and electronic components. The playfield tells its own story through artwork, characters, buildings, lighting, and mechanical toys. Nevertheless, there are often areas between ramps, posts, and assemblies that can be integrated even more seamlessly into the machine’s theme with the right modifications.

This is exactly where Mezel Mods’ products come in. Many mods do not replace any technically necessary assemblies but rather enhance the pinball machine with additional visual details. Other products illuminate existing elements, conceal visible mechanics, or improve the transition between artwork and three-dimensional playfield objects.

Depending on the product, a modification can, for example:

• visually cover a previously exposed mechanical area,
• extend a playfield motif into three dimensions,
• add additional lighting to ramps, targets, or scoops,
• add a thematically appropriate building,
• add more detail to an existing figure,
• conceal cables or technical components,
• protect plastic parts from ball impacts,
• or enable the connection of multiple electrical mods.

The goal is not to fundamentally alter the character of the pinball machine. Rather, good modifications blend harmoniously into the existing design and, ideally, appear to be an integral part of the original setup.

What products does Mezel Mods manufacture?

The range of Mezel Mods’ own products is very extensive and is continuously expanded to include new pinball models and accessory solutions. The exact product selection varies from game to game.

The most important product groups include:

Playfield mods and three-dimensional decorations

Many Mezel Mods products were specifically developed to enhance empty or sparsely decorated areas of a playfield. These include buildings, signs, figures, containers, machines, thematically designed covers, and other three-dimensional objects.

Examples from the lineup include, among others:

• building models for Godzilla and Avengers: Infinity Quest,
• a Barbasol container and a Raptor enclosure for Jurassic Park,
• an illuminated cemetery scene for Metallica,
• a radioactive container for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,
• themed signs for Jaws,
• as well as supplementary playfield objects for Attack from Mars, The Wizard of Oz, and other titles.

The specific products are tailored to the design language and artwork of each pinball machine. Depending on the model, they may be made of plastic, acrylic, wood, printed components, metal, or a combination of various materials.

Illuminated Pinball Mods

Illuminated modifications are among the most eye-catching ways to customize a pinball machine. They can highlight dark areas of the playfield, emphasize existing elements, or create additional visual effects.

This product group includes, for example:

• illuminated buildings,
• ramp lights,
• target lights,
• flasher covers,
• illuminated signs,
• light diffusers,
• and LED upgrades for specific areas of the playfield.

With illuminated mods, special attention must be paid to ensuring the correct power supply. Depending on the pinball platform and product, different voltages, connectors, or power distributors may be required.

Mod Covers and Mechanical Cowlings

Numerous screws, brackets, switches, coils, and mechanical assemblies are visible on a pinball playfield. Some Mezel Mods products have been specifically designed to visually integrate such technical areas into the game’s theme.

A thematically designed cover can, for example:

• cover a scoop or ball ejection mechanism,
• hide a visible bracket,
• integrate a mechanical assembly into a building,
• or close off an open area between plastics and ramps.

However, the ball’s or the mechanism’s freedom of movement must never be restricted. A suitable modification therefore takes into account both the appearance and the required clearances.

Plastic Protectors

Plastic parts on the playfield can be damaged by direct ball impacts, vibrations, or improperly adjusted mechanisms. Mezel Mods offers Plastic Protectors specifically tailored for various pinball machines.

These transparent protective parts are mounted under or on the existing playfield plastics. They can stabilize particularly vulnerable edges and reduce the stress caused by ball impacts.

Plastic Protectors are especially useful for:

• thin plastic parts,
• protruding corners,
• rare or hard-to-find plastics,
• older pinball machines,
• and areas subject to frequent direct ball impacts.

However, even a protector cannot compensate for improperly adjusted mechanics. Therefore, ball paths, metal guides, and moving assemblies should be checked before installation.

Power Splitters and Connection Accessories

If you’re installing multiple illuminated mods in a pinball machine, you’ll often need additional connection points. Mezel Mods offers various power splitters, Y-cables, connectors, and platform-specific power supply solutions for this purpose.

A power splitter allows you to split an existing connection among multiple devices. However, you must take voltage, polarity, connector type, and total current draw into account.

A typical matrix or power splitter may be required, for example, if:

• another mod is already in use at the intended connection point,
• multiple illuminated components are to be powered together,
• or the original wiring harness is not to be modified.

Power splitters should not be selected based solely on the connector shape. A mechanically compatible connection may have a different voltage or pin configuration.

Mods for Numerous Pinball Models and Manufacturers

Mezel Mods offers products for a very large number of classic and modern pinball machines. The official product line is organized by individual game titles and includes products for machines from Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, Williams, Bally, Data East, Sega, Chicago Gaming Company, American Pinball, Spooky Pinball, and other manufacturers.

Particularly extensive product groups are available for, among others:

• Godzilla,
• Jurassic Park,
• Jaws,
• Star Wars,
• The Mandalorian,
• Iron Maiden,
• Deadpool,
• Foo Fighters,
• Rush,
• James Bond 007,
• Metallica,
• Ghostbusters,
• The Walking Dead,
• Stranger Things,
• Avengers: Infinity Quest,
• Guns N’ Roses,
• The Godfather,
• Pirates of the Caribbean,
• Willy Wonka,
• The Wizard of Oz,
• as well as many classic Williams and Bally titles.

However, the wide selection does not mean that every product is compatible with every version of the respective pinball machine. Especially with modern machines, Pro, Premium, and Limited Editions can differ significantly from one another.

Differences Between Pro, Premium, and Limited Editions

For many Stern pinball machines, there are multiple editions of the same game title. These can differ considerably in terms of ramps, toys, playfield mechanics, lighting, and mounting points.

A mod designed for a Premium or Limited Edition therefore does not automatically fit into the Pro version. Conversely, products intended for the Pro version may interfere with a Premium model that features additional mechanics.

Before purchasing, you should check the following information:

1. the full name of the pinball machine,
2. manufacturer,
3. edition,
4. year of manufacture or technical generation,
5. installation position,
6. existing mods,
7. and the compatibility information in the product description.

For some products, a single variant is offered for multiple editions. Other mods are explicitly intended only for the Pro version or only for the Premium and Limited Editions.

Mods for Stern Pinball Machines

A large portion of Mezel Mods’ products has been developed for modern Stern pinball machines. For numerous SPIKE, SPIKE-2, and older Stern titles, there are theme-specific playfield decorations, lighting solutions, and accessories.

Many Stern-compatible mods come with the components needed for standard installation. However, if a power connection is already occupied by another accessory, an additional power splitter may be required.

The following points should be observed, especially with illuminated mods:

• correct voltage,
• correct polarity,
• appropriate connection point,
• safe cable routing,
• distance from coils and moving mechanisms,
• and sufficient power supply capacity.

Cables should never be left loose on the playfield or near moving parts.

Mezel Mods for Jersey Jack Pinball

Mezel Mods also offers model-specific accessories for various Jersey Jack Pinball machines. These include, for example, mods for:

• The Wizard of Oz,
• The Hobbit,
• Pirates of the Caribbean,
• Dialed In!,
• Guns N’ Roses,
• The Godfather,
• Toy Story 4,
• Willy Wonka,
• Elton John,
• and other JJP titles.

Since Jersey Jack pinball machines often feature particularly complex playfields with numerous cables, circuit boards, RGB LEDs, and mechanical toys, the installation situation must be carefully assessed.

For electrical upgrades, platform-specific power kits or adapters may be required in some cases. Use only the connection solutions intended for the respective system.

Mezel Mods for Classic Williams and Bally Pinball Machines

In addition to modern pinball machines, numerous older Williams and Bally machines are also supported through appropriate modifications. For classic pinball machines, mods can further highlight existing playfield themes or protect decorative elements that are difficult to obtain.

Examples of supported classics include:

• Attack from Mars,
• Medieval Madness,
• Monster Bash,
• Twilight Zone,
• The Addams Family,
• Indiana Jones,
• Star Trek: The Next Generation,
• Tales of the Arabian Nights,
• White Water,
• Fish Tales,
• The Getaway,
• as well as various other System 11 and WPC titles.

With older machines, it’s important to note that previous owners may have already made modifications. Before installation, you should therefore compare the mounting dimensions, fasteners, and wiring with the product description.

Plug-and-play or complex installation?

The installation effort varies considerably from product to product. A small decorative element can be installed in just a few minutes, while an illuminated mod requires multiple mounting points and an electrical connection.

Typical installation methods include:

• Mounting to existing screws,
• Replacing an existing plastic part or sign,
• Installation using an additional bracket,
• Plugging or sliding onto an existing assembly,
• Connecting to an existing power plug,
• Using a Y-cable or power splitter,
• and combining multiple components.

Mezel Mods provides installation information and instructions for numerous products. Before purchasing, you should verify that the required work is within your technical capabilities.

What should be considered before installation?

Before performing any work, the pinball machine must be completely turned off and disconnected from the power supply. Even with small mods, cables, circuit boards, or sensitive components can be accidentally touched.

Careful preparation prevents installation errors:

1. Check the product and contents of the package.
2. Read the installation instructions in full.
3. Compare the installation position with the product images.
4. Take photos of the original condition.
5. Sort and set aside screws and small parts.
6. Document the cable routing.
7. Protect adjacent plastic parts and ramps.
8. Align the mod initially without tightening it fully.
9. Check that the ball and mechanism move freely.
10. Test the lighting under light load.

Screws must not be overtightened. Acrylic parts, 3D-printed components, and thin plastic parts in particular can be damaged by excessive tension.

Connect electrical mods safely

Illuminated mods require a safe and properly rated power supply. Before connecting, check the voltage, polarity, and pin configuration.

Depending on the pinball machine, power can be supplied, for example, via:

• an existing lighting connector,
• a GI connector,
• a 5-volt or 12-volt output,
• a model-specific power tap,
• or a separate power kit.

The exact connection method depends on the product. The instructions in the respective installation manual are binding.

An improper connection can:

• damage the mod,
• trigger fuses,
• cause lighting malfunctions,
• overload circuit boards,
• or, in the worst case, cause a short circuit.

If the intended connection is already in use, do not use any random power distributor without first verifying its compatibility.

Operating Multiple Mods Simultaneously

Over time, many pinball machine owners install multiple illuminated or interactive mods. This not only increases the number of connections required but also the total load on the power supply.

If you have multiple mods, you should check:

• what voltage each product requires,
• which circuit it is connected to,
• how much current it draws,
• whether connections can be split in parallel,
• whether a power splitter is provided,
• and whether the cables can be routed safely.

Connecting multiple Y-cables in series is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The system’s electrical load capacity must be taken into account.

Do mods affect gameplay?

A properly installed decorative modification should not interfere with normal gameplay. However, a mod is often located in close proximity to ball paths, ramps, targets, or moving mechanisms.

After installation, the following points should therefore be checked:

• Can the ball pass freely through all intended paths?
• Are switches or targets fully activated?
• Can ramps and toys operate unimpeded?
• Do any cables touch moving parts?
• Do any screws protrude into a ball path?
• Are plastic parts and brackets installed without tension?

A mod that deflects the ball or blocks a mechanism must be realigned.

Modifications and Warranty

Depending on the pinball manufacturer and the nature of the modification, installing accessories and modifications may affect warranty claims. Changes to wiring, power supply, circuit boards, and mechanical assemblies are particularly relevant.

Often, a dirty or worn coil sleeve is the cause of stiff movement. In this case, the assembly should be cleaned and the affected wear part replaced.

Lubricants should only be applied to locations explicitly designated by the manufacturer. Ordinary oil or grease is generally not a suitable solution for plungers or coil sleeves.

Caution Regarding Modifications and Accessories

Due to their detailed design, JJP pinball machines are often equipped with additional mods, lighting elements, or decorative components. Such enhancements can customize the machine’s appearance but must not interfere with the mechanics, cables, sensors, or power supply.

Before installation, check the following:

• whether the accessories are compatible with the model and edition,
• whether existing mounting points are used,
• whether additional power-consuming components are connected,
• whether cables are adequately protected,
• and whether moving components can operate freely.

Jersey Jack notes that modifications may affect the manufacturer’s warranty.

Original parts should be kept whenever possible after a modification. This allows the pinball machine to be restored to its original condition later on.

Replacement Parts for Older JJP Pinball Machines

With *The Wizard of Oz*, Jersey Jack Pinball launched its first major pinball project. Since then, numerous other models with different technical generations and playfield designs have been released.

For older machines, individual model-specific components may only be available to a limited extent. Jersey Jack notes that not all replacement parts for older models are permanently available.

For components that are no longer available, various solutions may be considered depending on the part:

• repairing the existing assembly,
• using a compatible replacement part,
• a professional replica,
• replacing individual wear-and-tear components,
• or overhauling a circuit board or mechanical assembly.

Before proceeding with a repair, you should verify whether the entire component is actually defective. Often, individual switches, connectors, bearings, motors, or electronic components can be replaced separately.

Use Manuals and Support Information

The manual is one of the most important sources of information when repairing a Jersey Jack pinball machine. It may contain details on assembly, diagnostics, settings, switches, lamps, fuses, and technical assemblies.

In the official Support Center, you can select machines by title and edition. Depending on the model, the following documents are available there:

• Game Manual,
• Software Updates,
• Complete Installation Files,
• Changelogs,
• Rulesheets,
• Flowcharts,
• Support Videos,
• and the machine’s registration.

Selecting the correct model and edition is particularly important because manuals and software versions can vary within a single game title.

Jersey Jack Pinball Replacement Parts and Accessories at PU parts

Whether for routine maintenance, technical repairs, or custom upgrades: With the right replacement parts, a Jersey Jack pinball machine can be kept running reliably for the long term.

At PU parts, you’ll find selected replacement parts, wear parts, accessories, and upgrades for various Jersey Jack Pinball machines. When making your selection, always note the full model name, the exact edition, the installation location, and, if possible, the original part number.

Careful selection of replacement parts prevents incorrect orders and ensures that the mechanics, electronics, and playfield continue to work together reliably. Technical specifications and revisions should be checked carefully, especially for circuit boards, displays, sensors, motors, and model-specific assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mezel Mods