The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on September 28, 2008, 06:29:04 PM
-
Background
I won this game off eBay around 3 years ago. No one was bidding on it as it was out in Terang in Western Victoria. I guess the fact that it was painted white might have put a lot of bidders off.. Anyohow, I won it cheap and then looked up Terang... Hmmm - 3 Hour Drive. But that's half the fun of buying pins... %.%
I drove out there and met the seller, who had it stored in a shed for 15 years. Thankfully, it was removed and left on the Veranda out the back. It could BARELY stand.. and in typical eBay fashion, it was FAR worse than I expected. The body was falling apart, and it STUNK of moisture and that smell of a game that has not been played for 15 years... I removed the legs, well only three of them as the other one "fell" off...(check the pictures) %.% %.% I packed it in car and drove home with it...
I didn't bother assembling it.. I think the stench of the game kept it together... However, the backglass was great, the playfield even better - so I had a real project ahead on me !
Condition
Body - 1/10 Totally rooted. It will be used for parts
Playfield - 8/10 Nice. Mylared and no wear marks except for where the ball is launched - in between the flippers
Backglass - 8/10 Nice. Only slight fading
Electrics - 7/10 Not bad. Some corrosion - will eed a fair bit of work.
Here are some pictures of the game the day I brought it home... Just look at those "scuff marks" @.@
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010076.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010077.JPG)
Believe it or not - I kept the base and the rear section of this cabinet, and a small section for color matching (later)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010078.JPG)
I love the "bar" .... It fell off later on %.%
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010079.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010082.JPG)
Playfield
Not bad at all... The redeeming feature of the game was the playfield and backglass... Here's some shots of the playfield..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010080.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20000.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20001.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20002.JPG)
First impression - Can the body and "scratch Build" a new one. I "toyed" with this idea and even sent an email to Gottlieb LLC for permission and to obtain a copy of the plans for a wedgehead. No plans, but I could build a cabinet for personal use...
While I was considering this "scratch Build" as an option.... A "Far Out" cabinet appears on eBay ! Exactly the same dimensions and at a cheap price... Ironically, I bought it at the last minute to find it was MarkC's Tech - Andy - Who was the seller.. So I brought it home, and stripped it !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20032.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20031.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20041.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20042.JPG)
Now I have a complete machine to work on. I "gave away" the playfield to a fellow collector in NSW, after he kindly donated a spare Genie Playfield for one of my games...
This restore is current - there quite a bit of work done already. I'm at the point where I can spray the cabinet. I didn't do it last year as I had too many other projects going and the weather turned bad #@#
Updates to THIS point will trickle through !
-
Update - &&
The original cabinet has been stripped of all its parts - including the siderails and door. I kept three sections of wood
1 - behind the door plate as it has been covered since production and it will provide a good color match
2 - The rear section of the cabinet. It is better than the Far Out cabinet and will be reused
3 - The base
The rest of the Original Cabinet (Wood) was thrown out.
So I'm left with the Far Out cabinet.
Stripping the Far Out cabinet
After removing all parts off the cabinet, I had to strip the paintwork. This is a lot easier to do than people think.. Here's a brief description;
Materials needed
- Citrus Strip - Available from Bunnings in a green can
- Two scrapers or metal spatulas
- Some rags
- old paintbrushes
- Two buckets of water
- Goggles for eye protection
- air mask
- Gloves
- A sunny Day !
Stripping a cabinet takes around half a day to do properly. Here's a condensed procedure;
Gloves, air mask and eye protection on..
Cabinet set up in a well ventilated area
Pour the Citrus Strip into a container and start smearing it on one side of the cabinet with a paint brush. Generously apply. The more stripper and time exposed to the paint, the easier it comes off.
Wait 30 minutes
Use a large scraper or spatula and test a section of the cabinet. If the paint does not move - wait longer.
Use the larger spatula to scrape the paint WITH THE GRAIN. ie. Fron the front to the back, or the back to the front.
As the paint scrapes off, flick it in the first bucket of water, and use the other scraper to remove the excess from the first scraper
Continue until done
Wipe the cabinet with a wet rag and rinse in the other "clean water" bucket...
Do this to all sides of the cabinet
Leave the cabinet in the sun to dry for a few hours
Then put the stripped cabinet away for a week before sanding
You can do sides of the head at the same time as the cabinet
Washup is EASY - Citrus Strip cleans up with water...
Just a note on Citrus Strip - It does not stink like normal paint strippers, and wearing a face mask is a bit "over the top", but I'm asthmatic, so I take all precautions.
It should look like this !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010008.jpg) (http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010025.jpg)
Cabinet Repair
Notice the back of the cabinet has been removed. The base is also removed. I used the rear panel and the base from the Original Cabinet. This is a HUGE job, and a real pain to get right. The bottom panel was sanded clean and installed to ensure it fits. Easy..
Problem # 1 - The guides that hold the bottom base were completely broken and falling off. This is where I needed to be a little creative. This is hard to explain, but I installed the bottom base temporarily in position with the edges affected noted. I slipped tracing paper in between the bottom base and the very bottom "guide" of the cabinet that was missing. I clamped a "Straight edge" along the side of the cabinet. This would allow me to use Bondo to "fill" the areas missing wood. I did this for the side and the front. I let the Bondo dry and sanded back to at least get some coverage. When it dried, I simply slid the bottom base out and removed the tracing paper. A little more sanding and I was done !
Here a picture of the side that needed repairs prior to the procedure above...
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010006.jpg)
Here's the exact procedure on the front of the cabinet - after the removal of the base and sanding ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010023.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010022.JPG)
So now the base will slide into position. I will paint it a woodgrain color later...
Problem #2 - The Back Panel
Now that the base is in position, the back Panel has to be installed. I can't recall if I used wood glue or liquid nails here ! The cabinet HAS to be square when bracing the cabinet - and it is a job that should be done with a helper. Lots of clamps used here, but after a couple of hours, it was all done and square... A couple of nails here and there and it is done. I let it sit for two days before going on to the next step.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010025_2.JPG)
I bought some edging from bunnings and cut them into brackets..I added them to the sides to hold the baseboard in. I made two new corners at the rear where the leg mounts will be installed... But here is a picture of the finished cabinet.. More to come later - when I find them <.>
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010024.jpg)
:D
-
More Body Repairs !
The Head was in poor condition, and it had suffered some water damage. The front and the top of the head needed work - in fact, I ended up replacing both. I kept the "good side" of the original body, in case I needed to repair anything. The front head facade would be easy to make and all I needed was a sheet of ply from Bunnings..
I knocked this up in the afternoon with my electric saw, jigsaw, planer and router.. It was all a bit of fun with angles and involved some maths and a six pack ! &&
Here is the original Head - with a chip out of the top of the facade. The facade was falling apart.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/P1010004.JPG)
After removing the facade, here is what the rest of the head looked like. I had to carefully remove the top section... Which fell apart anyway !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20203.JPG)
Here's where you have to remember what they taught us in Maths class.. There are a few holes that need to be cut, and some beveled edges. Basically, I made the top of the head by using an piece of the original side of the discarded cabinet ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20201.JPG)
The reverse side was a lot more involved. This is where the router came in handy. Lots of measurements taken, and passed on to the new piece of timber.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20202.JPG)
Now here is the tricky bit for anyone that goes down this path... The sides of the head are cut square, so the bevel where the top section is fitted must be beveled perfectly. LOTS of trial and error here - and I'm no craftsman !
Finally, after a few changes, it fits nicely. Get this part wrong, and the the new facade is not going to look good. I also reglued the entire structure so that I was working with a stable platform..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20204%202.jpg)
Facade was a lot easier than I thought. I used the old one for the markings, and cut the new facade out slowly. To cut the inside out of the sheet of ply, I drilled four holes in the corners, and then slid the jigsaw along a straight edge. I then sanded the corners and trimmed where necessary to have a perfect fit...
End result ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20207.JPG)
Final step was to have the facade aligned and glue it to the rest of the head.. Finally, some tack nails and I'm done. Check for square and I'm done...
:D
-
#*# #*# #*#
love your work! and cabinet 101. you really should look at doing a book some day. *%*
-
Great stuff! Man i've seen some machines in bad condition, including some of my own but WOW!! Cant wait to see the end result... Keep up the great work ^^^
-
For some reason, I like the challenge of a really poor machine. As long as the playfield and backglass are in good condition, I'll have a go.
Also - the good thing about pinballs - there are so many aspects to the repair and restoration, so you get to use all the tools (and new ones &&) in the shed..
More updates coming..
I might have a really nice HVLP gun coming my way !
-
Nice work Nino! ^^^
Would be very satisfying to restore such a damaged pin to its former glory
-
Great work. Good to see lots of love put back into an old machine instead of scrapping it.
-
Like I said previously, the updates will trickle through on this restore.
Cabinet
The baseboard is installed and I've re enforced the cabinet with some edging from Bunnings cut into lengths and glued with PVC Wood glue and nails.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/Picture%20245.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/Picture%20247.jpg)
The rear corner re enforcement was fun - as that's where the leg bolts are attached. So after the glue sets, I had to drill the holes. I've bought the leg plates to be fixed to the corners. I had to use a larger piece of edging - again, from bunnings !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/Picture%20246.jpg)
Playfield
How funny is this picture ? The Spinner is from a "Buccanneer" - it is the wrong spinner. I have a spare "Pro Football" spinner somewhere.. But - 3 years after buying the PF, I buy a Buccanneer - With no spinner !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%202%20027.JPG)
I started stripping the playfield parts and notice the mylar (contact) is in great shape. But underneath the contact is a REALLY nics playfield.. It is just going to take me a few hours to find it !!
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20010.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20011.JPG)
The playfield is stripped and the mylar is removed - along with the adhesive residue. First pass with Novus 2, and here is what I'm presented with - and I'm REALLY pleased with the results..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20024.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball3%20026.JPG)
I've ordered everything I will need for the playfield restoration, I just need to rebuild everything underneath and prep the cabinet for a respray !
-
Nice work!!
Considering i just bought one of these, i will watch this restore with even greater interest. Well Done!!!
-
Playfield has come up very nice. Can't wait to see this fully done up.
-
Given its the holidays, I'm sure you'll have it finished by the end of the week <.> !
I'm amazed as always. I can't wait to see it back together. I am sure it will look as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line...
-
Nice work!!
Considering i just bought one of these, i will watch this restore with even greater interest. Well Done!!!
It is a long project hat I intend on taking my time on - and I need Stensils (Gavin - Retropin), and good weather to paint the cab. Dad just had a knee replacement operation and he paints the cabs for me - so it might get done this summer...
%$%
-
Given its the holidays, I'm sure you'll have it finished by the end of the week <.> !
I'm amazed as always. I can't wait to see it back together. I am sure it will look as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line...
I'll have the buccaneer started before this gets finished Marty - Most likely my Time Warp as well !!
-
Sounds like a line from a famous Australian movie:
"Dad: Steve, could you move the Camira, I need to get the Torana out so I can get to the commodore. Steve: I'll have to get the keys to the Cortina if I'm gonna move that Camira Dad: Yeah, watch the boat mate Steve: Yeah "
-
Nice work again Nino, man you have patience in bucket loads *%*
I just went and borrowed some sash clamps myself, as I have two cabinets to repair both are coming apart at the front join and are only held together becouse the leg is bolted on, so hope to get to these in the next week or so.
Amazing how good the playfield was under the mylar. Are you going to replace all the posts, post screws and ball rails?
Keep it up
Cheers
Dean #*#
-
Hey Nino I noticed the tiles in one of the shots. When are you going to do those, before or after the resto (or maybe never!!) LOL heaps.
I also found it a bit funny seeing the "NO REFUNDS" sign on the apron, bet ya the seller was gonna stick to that by the looks of the condition the machine was in.
But I'm sure if he sees it upon completion, he'll spew at what he could have had, had he looked after it in the first place.
Nice work so far and look forward to seeing the updates
-
Nice work again Nino, man you have patience in bucket loads *%*
I just went and borrowed some sash clamps myself, as I have two cabinets to repair both are coming apart at the front join and are only held together becouse the leg is bolted on, so hope to get to these in the next week or so.
Amazing how good the playfield was under the mylar. Are you going to replace all the posts, post screws and ball rails?
Keep it up
Cheers
Dean #*#
Everything that I can replace, I will. Posts, rubbers etc.... The plastics are ok - I'm not sure if repros are available.
-
Hey Nino I noticed the tiles in one of the shots. When are you going to do those, before or after the resto (or maybe never!!) LOL heaps.
I also found it a bit funny seeing the "NO REFUNDS" sign on the apron, bet ya the seller was gonna stick to that by the looks of the condition the machine was in.
But I'm sure if he sees it upon completion, he'll spew at what he could have had, had he looked after it in the first place.
Nice work so far and look forward to seeing the updates
Strikes and Spares, Meteor and Skateball are well gone. The Flight 2000, KISS and Spirit of 76 will get done in time.. I'm in no rush, and I don't consider it to be "work"..
You should see my garage now... #@#
-
I cant believe the condition of the cabinet cant believe it could hold itself upright lol But again great to see an old wreck borught back to life
-
Almost 3 years to the day.. @.@
Finally, I re commenced work on the Pro Football that I started back in 2008. I'm VERY happy that I'm back on to this restore. A month ago, I took the ONLY part of the old cabinet (you might have to start from the beginning of this restore to find out why..), because it has the EXACT original colors that were hidden behind the coin door scratch plate. To my dismay, the original base coat was NOT WHITE. Not even "off white". The Gottlieb ORIGINAL base coat for this game is more of the high gloss cream. I had the color matched by a professional, and it is a perfect match for the original base. So my previous effort on the Jacks Open was not faithful to the original.
Here is the EXACT color on the only piece of the cabinet I saved. Look on the routed section where the red and blue is - not the topcoat which was house paint ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20042.JPG)
This morning, the weather was perfect. I had prepared the cabinet by filling and sanding with 180 Grit. Not the cheap crap from bunnings, but the automotive sandpaper. I found that this sandpaper was so good I only needed a small amount. Here is the cabinet, ready for the primer undercoat.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20031.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20032.JPG)
One light coat, and then two heavier coats
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20033.JPG)
Here's a picture of the oldest Pinball Restorer in Australia ! My Dad ! - 89 this year, and we worked together on the repaint. He is passing on all his knowledge "old school" to me on these repaints. We are sanding the cabinet with 800 grit after the third primer coat was finished in preparation for the basecoat.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20034.JPG)
There's a run on the front panel, and he was not happy *!@
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20035.JPG)
No problem. It was sanded out *%*
The basecoat was an automotive acrylic lacquer. The first coat was a thin mist coat, and then two heavier coats applied. It dries VERY quickly. You can touch it after 3-4 minutes. Heres some pictures after I've returned the game home.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20036.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20037.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20040.JPG)
(Shadow is from the sun)
All this was done within 3 hours. Most of the time was spent cleaning up !
The game will remain in the garage for a week until the stencils are finished (Hi Gav <.>). I'm REALLY pleased with the outcome, and hopefully it won't be another 3 years before the next update (((
-
I think we ALL need a Dad like yours , good stuff ^^^ Bet you he loves it too !
-
Great Read Nino ^^^ , awesome that your old man is helping, look forward to more updates.
-
I think we ALL need a Dad like yours , good stuff ^^^ Bet you he loves it too !
He is still very active, so passing time with me doing useful things keeps him happy. ^^^
Great Read Nino ^^^ , awesome that your old man is helping, look forward to more updates.
I'll move on to the playfield this week. I'm hoping it comes together quickly now.
-
Well done Nino on having a great relationship with your Dad. It must feel great to be doing the work your dad has taught you. He must feel payed back for his teachings when he sees the resto work you do.
Its good to see the master checking on the other masters work. The cabinet looks terriffic, well done.
-
Good to see your back onto this project Nino and how special to be able to work on it with your Dad. ^^^
-
Three years ........ now that's a serious rest break Nino. Surely you didn't lose this pin and wondered where it went during those years. More importantly, I hope you didn't keep your father waiting 3 years - maybe it was him that got this resto thread going again?
Looking like a very healthy cab again, looking forward to the updates (this year, right?).
-
Nice Job on the cabinet. Lots of hours but worth it when you see the results. Looking forward to seeing the next update ^^^
-
Webbing is not an easy thing to do. You cna buy the thicker Krylon "Webbing in a Can", but I don't like the results that much. Pro Football had less webbing and more splatter. Thankfully, it was a little easier than full webbing. I bought a SCA touch up gun for $30 (thanks for the tip Gav ^^^), and through trial and error, I got it right.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20054.JPG)
Now I need to re-plate the door hardware. The door skin is too rusted, so I've bought a new one from PBR. The internal mechanisms etc need to be addressed. Out comes the DIY Zinc Plating setup, and after 4 nights of plating, I'm done !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20064.JPG)
Results are fantastic
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20062.JPG)
Just some smaller pieces need to be finished off, then I will buff and polish the re plated parts.
Playfield next !
-
Great results mate!
Have you done a thread on the zinc plating? Interested to see if I can give this a go.
-
Great results mate!
Have you done a thread on the zinc plating? Interested to see if I can give this a go.
It is a process of trial and error. Patience is the key with doing your own plating. It is much cheaper than taking parts to a professional and risking them being lost. I covered some of the process in the Ace High Restoration ;
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=5421.105 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=5421.105)
I could do a full write up if warranted. It is easy to do, you just need time, patience and a system to use and store the equipment.
-
I'd be interested in finding out more about the plating mate, looks great *%*
-
Awesome restore
-
After 7 nights straight of Zinc Plating, I finally assembled the door. It is a new door from Pinball Resource. The eject shafts and the red "start game" buttons are also new. Here's a picture of the front of the door. The hinge was dis assembled and zinc plated ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20067.JPG)
EVERYTHING in the following pictures except the front door skin, eject shafts and red button were Zinc plated using the Jane Kit. Many hours, but well worth it in the end. I would not recommend this be done for all restores. I wanted to see the results of a completely restored front door, and I'm pleased.
Here's the coin lock out coil assembly and some parts I used for another door. Trial and error, but the results are amazing.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20068.JPG)
Everything has been Zinc plated - including the springs and all screws.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20069.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20070.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20072.JPG)
Looks much more brighter than it should due to the flash going off on the camera. I'll take more pics when it is mounted on the machine. It is a lot of work, but well worth it in the end.
-
Small Update
The base board needs to be rebuilt. I usually use the air compressor to remove most of the dirt without removing the stickers etc. I removed all the components, cleaned, gapped and adjusted everything so it should work as soon as I plug it in.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20081.JPG)
New power cord installed. I will need to certify the work via a tag and tester that I'm buying - it is a legal requirement these days.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20082.JPG)
I thought I was done with elector plating.. Then I found more parts that needed work ! Here the coin entrance plate housings off the Pro Football and the donor cabinet. One is a 2 slot, the other a three slot. I'll replate both and see which one comes out better !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20086.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20087.JPG)
All these parts were plated late last week and they look fantastic.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20091.JPG)
New lamp sockets need to be riveted to the freshly plated mounting assembly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20092.JPG)
Time to start the headbox assemblies. ALL assemblies are seized. Completely ! Nothing moving at all. Some burnt out coils, but the main culprit is years of lubrication.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20097.JPG)
Start with the ball count unit.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20103.JPG)
Completely rebuilt and moving freely.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20112.JPG)
When I saw a unit is rebuilt - it is completely stripped, bathed in degreaser, then water and then finally soaked in metho. I used to use alcohol, but now I prefer metho. There are the parts of the credit unit in the metho bath.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20116.JPG)
The partly re assembled Credit unit. Already working perfectly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20118.JPG)
Now I have to finish the score reels and I'm done ! Stencils should arrive in the next week or so and all I have to do is reassemble. But the playfield touch ups need to be done, and that will take time.
I'm always asked if a game is restored for resale. This game will be for sale when it is completed. It is a full restore including the repaint. Not a desirable title, but there are some challenges with this game that I wanted to perfect, so I don't care how much time I'm putting into it. But is will be a really nice game when done. So if you are interested - PM now rather than after it has been snapped up.
-
New power cord installed. I will need to certify the work via a tag and tester that I'm buying - it is a legal requirement these days.
Time to start the headbox assemblies. ALL assemblies are seized. Completely ! Nothing moving at all. Some burnt out coils, but the main culprit is years of lubrication.
The plating work is looking excellent Nino ^^^
When you say tag and test is a legal requirement , I assume that is if you are operating as a retailer, rather than a private seller ?
Have you seen ALL headbox assemblies seized before ??
I haven't come across that yet , just the odd one here and there .. sluggish assemblies are common of course.
Looking forward to pics of the finished game *%*
-
New power cord installed. I will need to certify the work via a tag and tester that I'm buying - it is a legal requirement these days.
Time to start the headbox assemblies. ALL assemblies are seized. Completely ! Nothing moving at all. Some burnt out coils, but the main culprit is years of lubrication.
The plating work is looking excellent Nino ^^^
When you say tag and test is a legal requirement , I assume that is if you are operating as a retailer, rather than a private seller ?
Have you seen ALL headbox assemblies seized before ??
I haven't come across that yet , just the odd one here and there .. sluggish assemblies are common of course.
Looking forward to pics of the finished game *%*
It is a legal requirement for the sale of second hand (powered) goods. since I'm no longer a hobby business, I have to adhere to strict rules and guidelines.
Plating is working really well. Still perfecting the process, but the results are very encouraging.
Headbox had the credit unit and ball unit completely seized. No movement whatsoever - no corrosion - just filth. The two "runs" score reels are locked on. The four normal score reels are gummed up. They do advance, but not advancing from "9 to "0" - thats where the most resistance is.
-
Nice!!!
-
What a fabulous project and undertaken with amazing results!
-
Just read from start to finish fantastic effort as usual Nino.
One day I'll get the balls to take on a EM
-
The weather in Melbourne was too good to pass up. I was in the mood to paint. Not too much work, just some stencil work, as Gavin had sent me the stencils a couple of weeks ago. I decided to paint the BLUE on the headbox, but I ended up doing the stenciling on the lower cabinet as well. I thought I'd document the process, as I've not used this method previously. I used to spend HOURS tracing and cutting acetate sheets, and then spraying the cabinets. A VERY time consuming effort.
So I unroll the stencils and hang them so they are straight when I apply them.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20119.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20120.JPG)
Now I'm applying the vinyl directly on to the base coat by removing the backing and fitting them - much like sideart decals, but we are working with low tack adhesive which has the advantage of being easily repositioned.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20122.JPG)
I then remove the transparent layer to reveal the mask. I do this for all the BLUE areas I want to paint. I then apply mist coats to begin with, and finish off with just enough paint to have consistent color. No need to go overboard.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20124.JPG)
I then remove the mask off the areas I have painted and viola !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20126.JPG)
The area in the top left hand corner is where the mask didn't lift off the transparent layer. I should have checked that before proceeding. It is simply a square, so I'll fix that later.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20127.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20128.JPG)
Moving on to the front of the cabinet. Remove the backing and position the low tack mask. Apply pressure to the masked areas, and then peel back the transparent layer, leaving the mask in position. Peel it back with the run of the lines on the mask.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20129.JPG)
This is how to remove the transparent layer - I turn it 180 degrees and it comes off without removing the mask.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20131.JPG)
Sides are in position
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20132.JPG)
Paint applied at 35 PSI through a touch-up gun
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20137.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20138.JPG)
Peel off the mask
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20139.JPG)
Notice a difference ? That was a factory "mistake" - no two cabinets will be exactly the same..
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20141.JPG)
Problem with the left hand side of the headbox is fixed !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20144.JPG)
Tomorrow - if the day is favorable, I'll be painting the reds.
SPECIAL mention to Gavin - These stencils were perfect and a dream to work with. Note I only use high quality paints, which make the finish look unbelievably good !
-
$50 in the post mate for the favourable plug...
-
$50 in the post mate for the favourable plug...
Carry on - I have not paid for them yet #@#
-
Nice day again, so I thought I'd press on with the reds color. Same deal as the Blue, but the key is always to get the registration right.
Red mask applied
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20147.JPG)
Red Color applied
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20150.JPG)
Finished head looks amazing !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20151.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20153.JPG)
Time to do the body. Mask applied
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20156.JPG)
Red paint applied
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20157.JPG)
Mask off
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20163.JPG)
Front section
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20165.JPG)
Cabinet repaint done !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20167.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20169.JPG)
Reassembly can commence tomorrow ^^^
-
Nice work Nino *%*
+1 to Gavs stencils excellent product easy to use
Getting those second side ones lined up with the first colour can be a pain, definately need two people
-
Looks great, this one will come up a treat.
-
Looks great nino! Nice work....
-
Agreed....Looks very very nice.
-
Now the fun begins ! Re assembling all the rebuilt parts back into the cabinet. Previously, I had rebuilt the Chime unit. New sleeves and rubbers.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20145.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20146.JPG)
Timber rails for the playfield. I remove the metal guides and regrain them. The timber is sanded back and then 4 coats of Carbothane applied. They look so much better !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20180.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20181.JPG)
Targets are replace. Not cheap, but they look much better
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20178.JPG)
Door is mounted. New power switch, and all the parts I nickel plated are now being assembled back into the game. Chimes, credit, tilt and Bell assemblies look great after being replated and polished !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20177.JPG)
Baseboard is installed
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20176.JPG)
All new hardware
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20175.JPG)
Cabinet is basically complete
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20174.JPG)
Now to complete the playfield.
-
Looks great Nino, its going to be an stunner.
-
I really admire your effort and results. I did my chime box but only used a wire brush to clean off the corrosion. Mine looked cleaner than it was originally but yours looks brand new! More money would probably overcome my deficiences but I feel where do you stop when I look at my machine. Wonderful job!
-
Looks bloody great Nino.. top job mate ^^^ ^^^
-
Looking fantastic now!
-
What a job its looking great Howzat
-
Assembly came together very quickly, but I was not happy with my playfield touch up work. I decided rather than attempt to match the small areas that needed the touch up, I ended up repainting the entire section. Less effort for a better result. So the areas below (purple and light blue) have been air brushed, allowed to dry and then clearcoated. Purple is almost impossible to match, and you have to match a lighter color, but it will darken once the clear is applied. I kinda like the idea of repainting entire sections and them clearing. Much better that mylar (as I did on the Skateball). All the posts, rubbers, flipper bats, post caps and target faces are NEW. The flipper bat artwork was completed be either Wotto or Marco's cousin - I cannot recall - but let me know so I can credit %$%
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20182.JPG)
Here's that section lit. Looks much better.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20186.JPG)
The playfield is reassembled
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20183.JPG)
Under the hood - The flipper kits are new, but I noticed a difference of 4 mm with the bakerlite links from hole to hole. That meant slightly more travel (or less travel) for two of the four flippers. I solved this by moving the flipper link rests 4 mm towards the bottom of the playfield. All flippers now have the EXACT travel and the EXACT strength. You can see that they can be adjusted quite easily.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20192.JPG)
At this point, the game is playable. It does have several issues which I repaired - all minor adjustments. The 6 point advance relay was rebuilt, but I didn't adjust it properly, so the 1000's score reel kept advancing after a touch down. The game would not pay high score, high point or match replays. Ended up being a switch on the credit stepper that was slightly out of alignment. Here's a picture of the game after I had it working 100% one (late) night.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20189.JPG)
More pictures under the hood - The cards were all laminated and returned to their original location within the cabinet. All relays and the score assembly was rebuilt (not the actual motor).
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20193.JPG)
More of the inside of the cabinet - Tilt mechanism was nickel plated (my in house setup), new flipper switches and everything cleaned and polished. The original cash box is included with the game as well as the original 20 cent coin acceptors. EVERYTHING works - so this could easily be put on location (but that will never happen).
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20194.JPG)
More inside cabinet pictures
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20196.JPG)
At this point, the game has not missed a beat for a week or so. I'm waiting on Gottlieb original legbolts, and the original flipper buttons (transparent, not opaque). The spinner artwork is almost done (thanks Wotto *%*) and then game will be 100% complete. The legs will be polished as a last step.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20202.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20203.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20204.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20207.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20210.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20211.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20213.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20208.JPG)
The game itself is not a world beater in terms of playability, but I really wanted the original wreck (just look at the first page of this restoration) to improve my restoration skills and see if I could restore it to "Nearly In Box". I think I've achieved that. How many hours ? Got NO IDEA and I don't really care, because I just wanted to enjoy the process.
Thanks to ;
Wotto and Marco's Cousin for the artwork (flipper bats and Spinner) ^^^
Retropin (Gav) for the stencils ^^^
All parts sourced locally from RTBB, or game specific partsfrom Pinball Resource &&
I'm off for a couple of beers to celebrate and play this beauty !
-
Surprised no-one has commented on this yet, but that is one amazing restoration!!
-
Awesome! Utterly stunning work! @@*
-
Agreed..... NIB EM.. museum quality restoration.
So whats the plan now? Keep.... sell.... advertise on Ebay as the Best Pro Football ever?
-
A great example of reward for effort . Well done Nino ^^^
-
Thanks for the kind words.
It will be advertised here first and then I might try eBay. I plan on "play testing" it for a few days while I wait for the spinner art, GTB legbolts and transparent flipper buttons. I can't sell it as "the best Pro Football eva" as the playfield is not a sticker - sorry Gav %.%
-
Congrat Nino this is got to be the best restore ever!
-
Bloody beautiful nino ! Good luck with the sale !
-
WOW that is a great restoration mate, looks fantastic, good luck with the sale ^^^
-
nice job Nino ^^^
-
Machine is completely finished. I've installed the correct flipper buttons (transparent and not opaque) and also Wotto finished the spinner art for me (thanks again Mate ^^^).
The game has been playing perfectly and wiill have a "For Sale" thread on it shortly.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20231.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20232.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ProFootball/profootball%20241.JPG)
Thanks for all the comments Guys ! Time to start another Wedgehead #@#
-
Sh!t that's nice!! Played a PF a few months ago, and really enjoyed it - if I hadn't secure the King Pin from that seller I would have taken the PF, I liked it that much. Didn't look half as nice as this one though - simply amazing, like new!!!!
-
Thats what i expect to see when i hear " restored to new".
Stunning... and you can see just how good these games looked when first on site... NOT the yellowed games we know today!
-
Very nice job!
Every machine should be so lucky as to have a restore of this caliber. It doesn't have to be the top of the line, cookie cutter titles only to justify the work. Someone will love it, and it won't end up in a landfill somewhere. History should, after all, be preserved!
I'm going to read up on your zinc plating process, and determine if that's something I can do in my shop.
-
Very nice job!
Every machine should be so lucky as to have a restore of this caliber. It doesn't have to be the top of the line, cookie cutter titles only to justify the work. Someone will love it, and it won't end up in a landfill somewhere. History should, after all, be preserved!
I'm going to read up on your zinc plating process, and determine if that's something I can do in my shop.
Thats exactly right, John. The game is no El Dorado or King Pin, but I enjoyed every aspect of this restoration. Lots of practice with Zinc Plating, spray painting, air brushing, clearcoating etc etc. Like you mentioned, I don't care what the title is, is could be a "Holy Grail" to someone, and that's where I want it to end up - in someone's collection to be enjoyed.
The "home plating" is fiddly work, and only suitable for smaller parts. But in time, it is a lot cheaper than having these smaller (and sometimes unobtainable) parts lost in a professional plater's shop :D
-
The contrast between page 1 and page 5 is striking...more resurrection than restoration. I reckon it encourages people to give even the most evil looking pile of crap a second look. Great job Nino.
It was great to see your dad involved. How does he feel about the end product?
-
The contrast between page 1 and page 5 is striking...more resurrection than restoration. I reckon it encourages people to give even the most evil looking pile of crap a second look. Great job Nino.
It was great to see your dad involved. How does he feel about the end product?
He played it last weekend and enjoyed the trip down memory lane. As per usual, he wants to be involved in the process of the next few games - which is great for me ^^^
-
Nice job Nino your work always gives me new ideas for restoring my games. I bet this title is enjoyable to play.