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Aussie Pinball Forums => Member Services => Sales and Services => Hot Rodded Pins => Topic started by: el_timbo86 on June 25, 2015, 10:03:13 PM

Title: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: el_timbo86 on June 25, 2015, 10:03:13 PM
Hi guys,

The HRP shop recently completed a Bally Who Dunnit, and I thought a few resto guys might like to see what went into it, given there are limited game specific parts available for this title.

The following is a visual diary of the build.

Game arrived, and setup ready to document...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331214708-2c18d827.jpg)

Overall a neat, original game. Still needs a heap of work but it is complete...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331214712-916379d7.jpg)
Playfield documented underside...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331214723-2cf57540.jpg)

Bally slot machine assembly pulled out as i will rebuild this seperately at home...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331214732-0fae7231.jpg)

Teardown and documentation begins...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331214704-9e057d4a.jpg)

Most of the underside is removed, p-clips are noted and ready to remove playfield...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215056-660874b0.jpg)

Mechs ready to break down...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215103-a56f54ef.jpg)

Playfield ready to move to the first restoration stages...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215107-f0016b0b.jpg)

Major assembly brackets will be nickel plated to brighten them up...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215125-e6149ee5.jpg)

New coil sleeves are cut and set aside until required...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215128-958650b3.jpg)

With the mechs broken down, all other components are tumble polished for a while...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215132-7fb5aa19.jpg)

All stainless is re-grained and finished with scotchbrite...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215306-e8f58e76.jpg)

All of the playfield components are thoroughly cleaned, and polished etc...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215159-99f2ec5e.jpg)

With the playfield components underway, its back to the cabinet teardown...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215143-023b179c.jpg)

Replacement art isnt currently available so we completed a full restoration and repair on the original cabinet and artwork...

Backbox underway...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215322-433dc7c2.jpg)

Repairs to backbox...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215326-e322199c.jpg)

Removing siderails carefully on the lower cabinet...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215334-92b69a85.jpg)

Seams and joins eliminated on upper...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215338-a0d843e2.jpg)

Detailling the underside of the lower cabinet...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215341-50ece48a.jpg)

Repairs and timber areas in primer stage...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215437-356cb7cf.jpg)

Again...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215449-60c06460.jpg)

Cured and ready to prep for topcoat...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215512-94ca6aa8.jpg)

Topcoat applied on backbox...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215544-94efc5b1.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215555-be41b774.jpg)

Again, there is probably another entire thread on this process, but similar to the playfield work we do - we are masking and painting back in the colour that has faded, along with the black areas as well...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215605-e730342e.jpg)

Black applied here...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215630-b4587e49.jpg)

Unmasked and ready for the next stage...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215636-7a034a3f.jpg)

Cleared. We chose a gloss level on par with an original cabinet finish. Straight gloss is just a bit too much in my opinion...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215704-3a9a3db5.jpg)

Backbox art repaired and cleared...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215039-303f0cec.jpg)

Cabinet is finished and can now begin its rebuild. During this process, parts have been ordered and most processes that need to be out-sourced to other contractors are finshed and back in house...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624161553-9cced0a5.jpg)

Majority of the cabinet is now built and just needs the wiring neatened up...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624161909-840b9a3f.jpg)

Details...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624161915-1221b973.jpg)

Backbox rebuilt and wiring run neatly. New decals were created and installed throughout the cabinet...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624161905-17ac7764.jpg)

Next major restore component of the project is the playfield. I wont go into crazy detail as it was in quite good condition overall. The main stages of repair were as follows...

As started...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/03/31/20150331215214-767a96a7.jpg)

Prepped as per our usual process and in the booth to be cleared...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624161624-512e94fe.jpg)

Timber tone refinished lightly...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162726-882479ff.jpg)

Lower inserts showed early signs of splitting artwork, so this was all refinished...

Folder fades...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162750-0bcc4782.jpg)

Entire blue/purple fade was masked and refinished...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162957-36d72dba.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163007-2c25b85b.jpg)

Unmasked...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163011-2db2d597.jpg)

Overview...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162801-ba4bc9db.jpg)

Ready to clear...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162811-f96f6120.jpg)

Cleared...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162826-57d3cce9.jpg)

With the playfield complete, nickel assemblies can be rebuilt ready for installation...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162851-c4526b12.jpg)

Pretty much everything rebuilt now, new micro switches on the mechs and wiring harnesses...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624162934-42b55bb2.jpg)

Playfield ready for the rebuild, final stage of cleaning out the cutouts and can be populated...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163033-89ee70f8.jpg)

Oh and detailling the insert lenses. A MUST DO on every restoration job...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163100-cdd2b803.jpg)

Playfield on the bench, all through playfield parts are installed first...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163124-7002ea81.jpg)

P-Clips back on the playfield...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163130-373a3008.jpg)

Topside bolt through components are fixed down...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163137-be4724b9.jpg)

Playfield flipped back over and the assemblies are fixed to the playfield...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163148-c04ce02f.jpg)

First harness installed...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163203-48a97379.jpg)

Switch and coil harness are fitted as well, then everything neatened up ready to drop in the cabinet...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163431-0e856144.jpg)

Which we prepared earlier...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163440-d0192b3e.jpg)

Back in place...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163444-3bf0fc09.jpg)

One last component to rebuild is the Slot Reel assembly - really cool mech...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163515-00f985b3.jpg)

This unit received three new stepper motors, and upgraded bushes thanks to Swinks. Thanks again mate!
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163519-5af298f5.jpg)

Nearly there...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163532-c7ac5efb.jpg)

I re-wired the harness so it looked a little neater and easier to service down the track...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163536-f5a20f93.jpg)

Fitted into the playfield...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163539-f19af955.jpg)

Powered up for testing...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163547-3334090f.jpg)

Fitting the ramps now. These were all the originals as we couldnt source replacements. They were all rebuilt at the ball drops/exits - they were sanded and flame polished where possible...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163617-433c005c.jpg)

Nearly there now, left ramp installed along with the center ramp. It really takes up alot of real estate on the playfield...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163644-87bd361c.jpg)

A few finishing touches and will be ready to test etc...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163648-45f020ab.jpg)

Powered up and factory burn-in will run the game through its paces for a while...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163657-f654af2b.jpg)

We also fitted black mirror blades to complete the look...
(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624163733-0076f258.jpg)

The following photos are just glamour shots. I would also like to thank Daniel (ddstoys) for his continued support and tech wizardry down at the shop. He is a legend and is a true credit to the pinball scene, thanks brother.

Thanks everyone for following the projects we do and for the support of HRP. It is greatly appreciated.

Tim and Co.
Hot Rodded Pins

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170755-3e38b906.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170759-915c12bc.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170808-a88241ac.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170813-c7a04a53.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170817-121d078e.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170820-76625e4d.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170822-9c891959.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170825-8f3c1317.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170828-ec6fd613.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170832-40e8f756.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170835-144b9513.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170838-39ddcb31.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170855-c7d36e2f.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170859-eb23f474.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170908-0fd4221b.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170911-4882a3db.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170919-a68758e2.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170924-fbce745d.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170928-9fce892e.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170931-e715c6d8.jpg)

(http://pinsbytim.com.au/photos/upload/2015/06/24/20150624170935-bf1ab09c.jpg)

And a gameplay video - Dont mind the missing line in the DMD, a new DMD had been ordered and will be installed upon delivery.
I really am the WORST pinball player ever... im sure Pinnies4me will second that if he is reading ;)

Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Strangeways on June 25, 2015, 10:20:44 PM
That is simply gorgeous - A complete transformation without over "blinging". I really like the work done to refresh the cabinet. it is a big risk when no artwork is available. You really must hold your nerve and trust your skillset.

Amazing - as always !
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: pinsanity on June 25, 2015, 10:29:00 PM
 $%$

Enough said.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Crashramp on June 25, 2015, 10:34:31 PM
Absolutely gob smacking! The work on the cabinet art is incredible as is the rest of the work on the machine for that matter! Really fantastic stuff, I love seeing these resto's come together. One very lucky owner.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Hashman on June 25, 2015, 10:39:07 PM
Wow. I just bought a who dunnit? Wish it looked like this!
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Cursed on June 25, 2015, 11:24:47 PM
Thanks for posting. I can never get enough of your resto threads.

Absolutely amazing work.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: turbo27 on June 26, 2015, 08:14:42 AM
Thanks for posting. I can never get enough of your resto threads.

Absolutely amazing work.

I second that...fantastic work
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Freiherr on June 26, 2015, 08:23:59 AM
Your visual diaries are as good and thorough as your end result. I love your threads and beautifully restored pinballs.
I noticed the boys from KISS high up on your first shot kerping an eye on things.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: DSB on June 26, 2015, 08:32:46 AM
Awesome work again Tim.  ^^^
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: pinnies4me on June 26, 2015, 10:44:14 AM
Beautiful as always mate, thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: coon82 on June 26, 2015, 03:18:08 PM
Amazing work, looks better than new. Black works really well on the side rails, legs and lockdown bar.

The new owner must be stoked.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: pinball god on June 26, 2015, 08:46:34 PM
Thanks for posting
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: ddstoys on June 26, 2015, 11:02:52 PM
The cabinet looks amazing I thought it had been decalled until told otherwise.    Playfield looks amazing aswell.

     I've only seen a couple of who dunnits and they looked boring with this game everything jumps out and punches you in the face. 
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: oldskool1969 on June 26, 2015, 11:23:32 PM
I love the black side rails and lock down bar!
Such a cool game and really enjoyable to play, owner will be stoked off his head.
In wiring harnesses, what is your preference in fixing back to the components? i.e.; switches, lamps, HV etc.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: andypinboy on June 27, 2015, 12:55:23 AM
Fantastic work again Tim - great to see how you've been able to resurrect the cab art. Have to say that the beautifully restored & cleared playfield is always the money shot. Hope you & your guys can keep up these incredibly high standards.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: el_timbo86 on June 27, 2015, 12:53:32 PM
I love the black side rails and lock down bar!
Such a cool game and really enjoyable to play, owner will be stoked off his head.
In wiring harnesses, what is your preference in fixing back to the components? i.e.; switches, lamps, HV etc.

We really appreciate all the kind words guys - its great being able to share the projects here.
Just in regard to the above question, i think i understood it correctly - for me the solenoid/flasher harness is the simplest to re-install.
If you were asking about the order in which we fix them down again - i usually go lamps, switches then coils.

 ^^^
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: oldskool1969 on June 27, 2015, 03:23:01 PM
Yep , thats what I wanted, thank you kindly good sir.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: swinks on June 27, 2015, 04:27:08 PM
beautiful work once again timbo  ^^^
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: ktm450 on June 27, 2015, 06:21:01 PM
Awesome work as usual mate!   ^^^
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: MartyJ on June 27, 2015, 06:49:02 PM
Great work Tim & Stu.

Nice some photos there to bud!   &&
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: tonyt on June 27, 2015, 11:00:45 PM
Great work Tim. Great to see as well something different getting the full treatment.
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Hashman on July 02, 2015, 08:33:12 PM
So if I may ask... Did you replace all the ramps? If so where did you get them from?
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: el_timbo86 on July 05, 2015, 06:07:30 PM
So if I may ask... Did you replace all the ramps? If so where did you get them from?

No we reworked all the originals as we couldnt source suitable replacements. Hopefully they will be made available one day - for now these will be fine though  ^^^
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: Alexanr1 on May 14, 2018, 02:42:28 PM
How did you get the clear ramps so clean and clear!  Please share,  these are impossible to find NOS.


Thanks.
-Rich
Title: Re: HRP Who Dunnit... PICTURE HEAVY
Post by: ktm450 on May 16, 2018, 12:31:03 PM
How did you get the clear ramps so clean and clear!  Please share,  these are impossible to find NOS.


They would have been flame polished, like this:

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=1568.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=1568.0)