The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on September 28, 2013, 09:48:49 PM
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This is an interesting restoration that I've been working on recently, but I have had not enough time to post a thread on. I'm quite a way down the track, but the story about the machine needs to be told first.
Background
The machine was part of a container I imported a while ago, with a view to start a full restoration. The cabinet was faded and scratched, and definitely needed a full decal replacement. A friend of mine had a really nice Funhouse "restored" locally, but he was unimpressed with the redecal job. It was horrendous. He wanted the cabinet redone completely. So I struck a deal and swapped cabinets, as the redecal job was of a poor standard, but BETTER than the crappy cabinet I had imported. So when he had his cabinet redecalled professionally, I swapped out the hardware and thus inherited the poorly redecalled cabinet for future use. After all, it was better than a used and scratched cabinet ! So the machine has been sitting in storage until an AP member requested a Restored Funhouse. The cabinet pictures would have looked ok, but there was so much "wrong" that in the end, I could not put my name on this restoration. We already scoped out a repro playfield, plastics etc, but the cabinet was the weakest link. So we decided to redecal the cabinet CORRECTLY and with "Next Gen" authorized cab art. This had become a "High End Restoration".
Objective
From a reasonably "High End Restoration" to a "Nearly in Box" restoration. New cab decals and playfield is part of the restoration.
Condition
Playfield - 5/10. Typical container playfield. Worn, planking and faded.
Cabinet - Original 4/10. "Professionally restored" cabinet 5/10
Electronics - 9/10. Really nice boardset for its age
Before Pictures
I didn't take pictures before dismantling. The playfield was fully populated and the cabinet was swapped over.
The Cabinet
This is the replacement cabinet that was "professionally restored". The decals are not Next Gen or Screenprinted from Phoenixarcade. The decals were supposed to be the supplied Phoenixarcade, but they clearly were not ! There is NO preparation work. There is no repainting other than really poor hand brushing in some areas - and even that is incorrect - wrong color and finish. Inside of the cabinet was not even vacuumed. This is easily the worst redecal job I've ever seen.
The left side of the cabinet is an example of where this type of work should be left to people who know what they are doing ! The decal is peeling off the section need the front leg holes. There's considerable creasing from around the leg area, and the most alarming parts was the separation of the decal from the cabinet under the siderail. It follows the siderail halfway down !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20452.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20453.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20454.JPG)
The headbox was a mess. Again, the sticker peals off with ease, and the lack of ability to repaint the cabinet is alarming !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20356.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20358.JPG)
Back to the front of the cabinet. Pictures speak for themselves.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20387.JPG)
Took around 30 minutes to remove the stickers. Really poor quality !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20391.JPG)
I spent a few hours repairing the really poor "repairs" to the cabinet. It looks like the cabinet was a "trial and error" for different products. Eventually, I sanded the cabinet and straightened it up.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20419.JPG)
Primer / filler is applied.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20446.JPG)
First coat of base is painted correctly. Color was matched from my HUO Funhouse I had years ago.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20449.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20458.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20459.JPG)
Cabinet is put aside for the moment until the Authorised Next Gen Decals arrive !
Playfield
This is the original playfield which will be replaced.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20014.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20016.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20022.JPG)
Stripped !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20368.JPG)
Filthy parts ! Some will be replaced. These are to be cleaned, polished and then checked to see if they are originals sizes etc. In many cases, the wrong parts are used such as springs or other mechanical parts.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20252.JPG)
The perfect example. This does not look right !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20259.JPG)
That is a completely worn part.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20260.JPG)
New playfield
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20374.JPG)
Reassembly commences after cleanings, polishing, tumbling and ordering new parts to replace those that are incorrect, worn or broken.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20379.JPG)
End of part 1 !
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Watching this resto very closely. One day when I work up the courage id like to fully restore my funhouse. I learn so much from your resto's thanks for posting
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Great work and attention to detail. Proper way is the only way. Whoever restored that cabinet did a real bodgy job.
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Some gr8 info on your restores SW... for Pinball noobs such as myself.
Cheers
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Nice to see a FH restoration, one of the true classics.
Was the 'professional' decal job one of the Melbourne dealers?
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Nice to see a FH restoration, one of the true classics.
Was the 'professional' decal job one of the Melbourne dealers?
Apparently so..
The most annoying part is the lack of preparation. The decals were knock offs, but would have passed as originals. I've had a professional with years of printing experience determine it was not screenprinted, and a fellow restorer who has done several Funhouse re decal jobs agree. The short cuts are astounding. This was their "High End Restoration" standard. Even the top of the headbox was not even cleaned - I cleaned that several times - it was filthy !
Having said that, the playfield swapover of this machine (with the redecalled cab) was very good !
Moving on..
The playfield components both above and below the playfield are checked, cleaned and tumbled. I hand polish screws etc on the buffer. After this step, I check all the parts that have been broken or compromised. In this case, there were many. Unless a thorough inspection is done, it can be hard to find broken parts that are hidden from normal view, and effect the gameplay. Here's an example ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20229.JPG)
Trapdoor assembly is removed and looks fine - just filthy !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20237.JPG)
But look at the lubrication that has effectively seized the assembly. I also verify each plunger to see if they are the correct ones for the assembly. This game had Bally SS plunger and links on the slingshot assemblies.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20251.JPG)
Here's one container of filthy parts. They are degreased, washed in water and then metho. From there, I put them in the plunger for a day.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20253.JPG)
Then I sort them out prior to assembly ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20370.JPG)
Major assemblies are rebuilt. New coil sleeves, correct coils and also springs if they are needed.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20381.JPG)
Here's the rebuilt trapdoor assembly. Works 100%
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20382.JPG)
Next will be more playfield assembly and the Next Gen cab decals which have arrived ! I've also kept Greg busy with parts from RTBB and the PinballInc Ramps have arrived. So it is all coming together ^^^
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Looks nice Nino. How many hours work do you reckon you would put into a resto job like this?
By the way, could you bring your gardening gear with you on the weekend please? Between the dogs digging holes and Alpacas destroying the roses, my garden needs a resto as well thanks......I like the look of yours.
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Looks nice Nino. How many hours work do you reckon you would put into a resto job like this?
By the way, could you bring your gardening gear with you on the weekend please? Between the dogs digging holes and Alpacas destroying the roses, my garden needs a resto as well thanks......I like the look of yours.
It is a difficult question to answer. I'd say 75+ hours, but I don't usually count the hours as I enjoy the time I spend on the process. I approach the project differently than a company that works to make money. One day I'll log the hours..
Regarding the garden - That's my Wife's creation. I don't even mow the lawn - true story !
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Looks nice Nino. How many hours work do you reckon you would put into a resto job like this?
By the way, could you bring your gardening gear with you on the weekend please? Between the dogs digging holes and Alpacas destroying the roses, my garden needs a resto as well thanks......I like the look of yours.
It is a difficult question to answer. I'd say 75+ hours, but I don't usually count the hours as I enjoy the time I spend on the process. I approach the project differently than a company that works to make money. One day I'll log the hours..
Regarding the garden - That's my Wife's creation. I don't even mow the lawn - true story !
Bummer. Pinball, beers and talking trash it is then ;o)
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The Cabinet Decals have been installed along with some of the hardware. All the edges are trimmed rather than than the short cut of cutting along the edges which is very untidy. The black bolts are repainted and cleared. The door has already been painted (I'll cover that later), but I've installed the frame for these pictures.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20479.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20480.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20482.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20483.JPG)
Side rails and other hardware will be installed and then the half populated playfield soon after.
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can't believe thats my old cab
you did a sweet job on that Nino
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nice work Nino ^^^
Rudy is Evil
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Looking great Nino! Huge difference between old work vs yours
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Looking great Nino! Huge difference between old work vs yours
Thanks for your help the other day Marty ^^^
Huge difference in the quality of decal. You can "feel" the texture of the Next Gen decals. The old ones were inkjet knock offs that were so poor and thin that you could lift the blue ink with a damp cloth.
I'm really pleased with the progress, but i have a deadline to meet so there will be a few late nights.
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Cab looks awesome ^^^
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Looks fantastic mate!!
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Unfortunately, I lost a few photos I took of the playfield re assembly, so I'll post photos of the finished game.
The door was scratched and required a repaint
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20465.JPG)
Rudy needed a bath, and needed to be rebuilt completely. Considering I never powered on this game, I had to test everything before re assembly. There was no list of "faults", just worn parts throughout the game.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20331.JPG)
Here is the new PinballInc / RTBBRamps populated and ready to be installed. These are THE best ramps. Everything lines up and they look fantastic !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20575.JPG)
All the boards are rebuilt and tested. Always a good sign to see machines that have J120 and J121 without burnt connectors or burnt tracks. I've printed and laminated new cards for the headbox to finish it off.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20531.JPG)
Obviously everything is rebuilt under the playfield. The wiring will be completely tidied up once I've sorted out any small issues.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20537.JPG)
Here's the refinished front door.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20516.JPG)
Playfield shots
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20518.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20519.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20520.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20523.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20541.JPG)
Finished game cabinet shots. The new playfield glass was removed for these shots.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20505.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20530.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Funhouse%202/Funhouse%202%20552.JPG)
I'll post some shots of the game in action as the ones I took last night are crap. But the game is 100% working are will be picked up tomorrow !
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^^^ Nice, just screams "play me" !
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Absolutely gorgeous Nino, new owner will be over the moon I suspect!!
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Stunning work Nino. @@*
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Awesome work! Looks like a fun game too.
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You just can't beat a nice neat looking game can you. I know whenever I have done a bit of resto on a game I'm eagle to get that first game but then finally get lead in just looking at the work done and drifting into a nice place just enjoying looking at the game. Nice work there Nino.
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Stunning work, from start to finish results are amazing,
Rudy is !*!
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like new, or better.. amazing attention to detail...
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Very nice work mate ^^^
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That's pinni resto at it best congratulations nino,
would love to have a funhouse !@)
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I was lucky enough to buy this game this week. Picked it up yesterday and it still looks stunning and despite an 11hr drive home it plays perfectly too. A real credit to you Nino, I feel very fortunate to have this game in my collection.
I do have a bit of work to do chasing down to 70 odd million high score though. %.%
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/12ad5e71c9b4df1191a069135d414d04.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/95bcf4b87d2dbbcc78e63f1c6e273e1f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/2f8126d5dd7500c2c9f428176303aefb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/e978bbe5c9245ba4c3b5c1463640729f.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Gorgeous still, great pick up. I still consider this the best Lawler game, the best toy, and a must for any collection, well done!!
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Nice pickup Adam!
You have shuffled the games around, such a great collection.
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The Funhouse has been well looked after. Glad it slots right into your amazing collection, Adam !
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Gorgeous still, great pick up. I still consider this the best Lawler game, the best toy, and a must for any collection, well done!!
Thanks and agreed, it’s definitely my favourite Lawler game. The kids are enjoying Rudy’s antics to which is pretty cool.
Nice pickup Adam!
You have shuffled the games around, such a great collection.
Thanks Michael and yes good eyes, another little shuffle. I have a bigger one planned mid year with a bit of an extension to enlarge my workshop and fit more games in. You’ll have to drop by again once it’s done.
The Funhouse has been well looked after. Glad it slots right into your amazing collection, Adam !
Very well looked after Nino. The guy I brought it from wasn’t the original owner since your restoration but took very good care of it too. I’ve put a heap of games on it today and it hasn’t missed a beat.
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I was lucky enough to buy this game this week. Picked it up yesterday and it still looks stunning and despite an 11hr drive home it plays perfectly too. A real credit to you Nino, I feel very fortunate to have this game in my collection.
I do have a bit of work to do chasing down to 70 odd million high score though. %.%
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/12ad5e71c9b4df1191a069135d414d04.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/95bcf4b87d2dbbcc78e63f1c6e273e1f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/2f8126d5dd7500c2c9f428176303aefb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/e978bbe5c9245ba4c3b5c1463640729f.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
congrats mate. I think the 70mil hs must have been with the glass off Mr Nino as I've got 30m in an epic game that went for ever. Lol. Great grame and great pickup Adam. I am very envious of your collection.
Am just in the process of doing a cab resto on mine...... Finally. Up to primer stage as we speak
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I was lucky enough to buy this game this week. Picked it up yesterday and it still looks stunning and despite an 11hr drive home it plays perfectly too. A real credit to you Nino, I feel very fortunate to have this game in my collection.
I do have a bit of work to do chasing down to 70 odd million high score though. %.%
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/12ad5e71c9b4df1191a069135d414d04.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/95bcf4b87d2dbbcc78e63f1c6e273e1f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/2f8126d5dd7500c2c9f428176303aefb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190216/e978bbe5c9245ba4c3b5c1463640729f.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
congrats mate. I think the 70mil hs must have been with the glass off Mr Nino as I've got 30m in an epic game that went for ever. Lol. Great grame and great pickup Adam. I am very envious of your collection.
Am just in the process of doing a cab resto on mine...... Finally. Up to primer stage as we speak
Nah mate, I'm hopeless at Funhouse !
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I reckon I might have been the first owner after Nino's fine work.
Im in Adelaide, She went to Canberra after me, well travelled and fortunately well looked after !!
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I reckon I might have been the first owner after Nino's fine work.
Im in Adelaide, She went to Canberra after me, well travelled and fortunately well looked after !!
Ah cool, I must be the 4th owner post restoration. The guy I brought it from said he brought it from someone in Canberra. ^^^