The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on October 31, 2009, 11:27:58 PM
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The second machine from the dream container up for a rebuild is Williams PINBOT
Objective
From the initial pictures, you may be fooled into thinking that this game is already "shopped". Could very well be - but not to my standards! The game almost worked on initial power up - but the coil on the LHS flipper was a dead short. Fixed that and we have a working pin. I want to recondition this machine to my standards, and I think that it will be quite a job!
Condition
Playfield - 8/10 - Factory mylar. Wear spots at all three outholes, but the rest of the playfield shows no signs of wear. I'm not removing the mylar on this game, as it is in excellent condition. One plastic is broken.
Cabinet - 8/10 - Scruff marks - normal "wear and tear". It has the two Pinbot stickers on the front panel.
Electronics - 8/10 - Not too bad - wrong fuses on the power supply. One display not working.
Let's Begin
Here are some pictures of the machine afer I put the legs on and started tinkering. It is a good base for a potentially very nice machine.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot002.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot005.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot018.jpg)
Playfield Teardown
Here's the fun part. I took around 100 pictures of the playfield as I was removing parts. It is a good "snapshot" of the playfield and it also highlights some mistakes made by previous techs - shortcuts etc ! One question I was asked a while ago was in reference to how I can remember where parts go. That's where the camera and a caliper come in handy. The caliper I use for this is a cheap $5 job from any electronics store. Simply use the caliper to determine the size of the part - whether it be a post etc.. In this example - it is one of the posts that holds up the ramp ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot075.jpg)
I will refer back to this picture during re assembly. A simple yet effective tip.
More teardown pictures and some wear spots ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot068.jpg)
I'm thinking of decals or touchups in these areas.
Playfield stripped prior to cleaning
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot079.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot080.jpg)
This area is almost always worn - but this playfield is very good !
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Great looking machine Nino.
Wow. If thats all the original dirt under the apron area then this will turn out like new.
What are your plans for the very minor wear? The grey areas look pretty easy..
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Great looking machine Nino.
Wow. If thats all the original dirt under the apron area then this will turn out like new.
What are your plans for the very minor wear? The grey areas look pretty easy..
Wotto is waiting for some more detailed pictures and measurements. I' leaning towards using my airbrush for the first time for the gray in front of the two outholes. The upper left hand outhole has some detailed artwork that may require a decal.
I'm quite happy to hear anyone's opinion on how to tackle these touch ups.
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That's a very nice Pinbot to start with! I've never seen the stickers actually on the game, although I've seen them sold separately a few times.
I'm always impressed when someone can do their own artwork restorations, I lack skills in that area.
Don't forget to fuse the 2 bridges in the backbox, the last Pinbot to come through my shop didn't have the bridges fused, and I had to rewire from the transformer to the bridges because one of them shorted.
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That's a very nice Pinbot to start with! I've never seen the stickers actually on the game, although I've seen them sold separately a few times.
I'm always impressed when someone can do their own artwork restorations, I lack skills in that area.
Don't forget to fuse the 2 bridges in the backbox, the last Pinbot to come through my shop didn't have the bridges fused, and I had to rewire from the transformer to the bridges because one of them shorted.
I'm hopeless as touch up work - but I might give this a try, as it does not look that difficult, and the sections are hidden from view. I will go through the process of checking boards etc and I will fuse the BRs - I always follow this step on all WMS machines.
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Nino - are you planning to leave the mylar on? If so - again my offer is still there for you to borrow the treasure cove kit so see what you think (on mylar)....As long as the playfield is coming out and being stripped.
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Nino - are you planning to leave the mylar on? If so - again my offer is still there for you to borrow the treasure cove kit so see what you think (on mylar)....As long as the playfield is coming out and being stripped.
Mylar is staying on Marty. Maybe we can organize a time to polish the PF ? It is already stripped.
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Nino - are you planning to leave the mylar on? If so - again my offer is still there for you to borrow the treasure cove kit so see what you think (on mylar)....As long as the playfield is coming out and being stripped.
Mylar is staying on Marty. Maybe we can organize a time to polish the PF ? It is already stripped.
I'll bring the kit with me when I pop in next Sat - if thats not too late?
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Nino - are you planning to leave the mylar on? If so - again my offer is still there for you to borrow the treasure cove kit so see what you think (on mylar)....As long as the playfield is coming out and being stripped.
Mylar is staying on Marty. Maybe we can organize a time to polish the PF ? It is already stripped.
I'll bring the kit with me when I pop in next Sat - if thats not too late?
No worries Marty - I'll wait until then !
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Here is a mini guide to my cleaning process for playfield parts. I use this method for all machines. The purpose of going through this process is simply to have all the dirt off the parts you want to put into the tumbler. It is preferable to put CLEAN parts into the polisher -after all - the tumber is a polisher - not a cleaner.
All you need is a couple of old containers, tooth brushes, paint brush, green scotchbrite pads and windex. Don't use the cheap window cleaners - they just don't work. I use recyled water out of the tank.
Here's all the playfield parts with no hardware attacked - straight off the playfield
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot093.jpg)
Windex - I started using windex for cleaning metal parts after I ran out of Nifti one day. Found Windex to do a far better job. Spray the windex into the container - around a dozen squirts !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot092.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot094.jpg)
Here's the playfield hardware. FILTHY.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot095.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot096.jpg)
Same deal for the hardware - a dozen squirts of Windex.
Boil the kettle and pour over both the containers. Just enought to cover all the parts. Put these two containers aside. The bucket on the right has COLD water and a couple of sprays of nifti. Throw the plastics in the bucket and clean them with an old paintbrush. Rinse them in a clean bucket of water and leave on a towel in the sun !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot098.jpg)
You can leave the metal parts overnight - but I removed them after 3 hours. Notice the water is very dirty, but the parts are still a little dirty. It is more the bottom of the parts where the threads are.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot099.jpg)
So we take the hardware up onto the bench. I have a smaller container that will help remove all the dirt. Grab a handful of hardware and drop it into the small container with the blue top. spray windex in the container - two of three sprays. Close the lid and shake for a minute. Take the top off and then scoop a capful of clean water and pour it into the container. Close and shake for another minute.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot100.jpg)
This is where the really bad filth is removed - this is the filth after 2 minutes;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot101.jpg)
Keep going for the rest of the hardware
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot102.jpg)
Still a bit dull - but clean enough to go into the tumber.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot103.jpg)
On to the playfield parts. While they are still in the solution of Windex and filth, use an old toothbrush and green scotchbrite (cut into smaller pieces). Just clean the dirt off - as the boiling water and Windex displaces the dirt, but you have to remove it using the toothbrush or scotchbrite. Regrain the metal lane guides with the scotchbrite pads.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot104.jpg)
When done - the water looks like this !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot105.jpg)
Back to the hardware - Just use a small piece of scotchbrite, and wrap it around the end of the posts, and turn in your hand - like chalking a billiard cue !
Rinse and dry - parts are ready for the tumbler !!
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot106.jpg)
It reads like a long process - but it is quite easy after a few machines.
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My pinbot has some wear near the top left out hole also.
it's not as bad as yours but it sticks out like dogs balls. if it didn't i would have scanned it for you.
i will be giving my pinbot an overhall eventually so i will be watching this thread with interest.
keep up the great work ^^^
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My pinbot has some wear near the top left out hole also.
it's not as bad as yours but it sticks out like dogs balls. if it didn't i would have scanned it for you.
i will be giving my pinbot an overhall eventually so i will be watching this thread with interest.
keep up the great work ^^^
There some good scans on IPDB.org - and I have commissioned a resident artist to assist #@#
I might try airbrushing the two outholes.
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Thanks for documenting your process. Helps me understand it a bit better. Couple questions..
Recycled water from what tank?
And what exactly is Nifti? Some products, like Windex, are available on multiple continents, but I've never heard of Nifti. Wood cleaner? Bathroom cleaner? General purpose cleaner?
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Thanks for documenting your process. Helps me understand it a bit better. Couple questions..
Recycled water from what tank?
And what exactly is Nifti? Some products, like Windex, are available on multiple continents, but I've never heard of Nifti. Wood cleaner? Bathroom cleaner? General purpose cleaner?
no worries John - It is a method I've used a few times and I'm very pleased with the results. I'm keen to see / hear of other methods.
Recycled water is from a water tank I installed a while ago - just rainwater !
Nifti - General purpose cleaner we have here in Australia - used for just about everything - plastics, playfield, posts etc..
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Time for an update !
I have been slowly "chipping" away at this machine, and as usual, I find things that I just CANNOT leave alone. The playfield hardware has been tumbled and the resident AP artist has been commissioned to do a little bit of decal work in a wear area, I've been working on the cabinet.
Cabinet
Standard Nifti job here - just strip the hardware and wash. Since the weather has been REALLY warm, it has been easier to get out into the garage and spend some hours getting dirty..
Little bit out of focus, but you get the idea !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot126.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot127.jpg)
Stripped cabinet ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot132.jpg)
After a good clean - looks like this ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot135.jpg)
Front Door
Inspired by John's CFTBL thread, I decided to have a go at repainting the door. It was in reasonable condition, but it did need some "straightening" as during the machine's lifetime, it must have been broken into. First step was to strip the door, and give it a quick clean and sand ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot139.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot140.jpg)
A quick spray with a can of Flat Black ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot141.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot142.jpg)
I painted the door in a Flat Black, but the bolts were painted in a gloss black. After Reassembling the door - I installed it and I was pleasantly surprised !
I cleaned the legs with Windex and 0000 steelwool. After drying in the sun, I buffed with Brasso. New Leg Protectors and legbolts were installed.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot147.jpg)
The Lockdown Bar was in bad shape - so I used Ranex and green scotchbrite pads - finishing with Windex. The inside of the cabinet is completed ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot149.jpg)
^^^
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Looking good mate. But how long was this container meant to last??? At this rate they will all be in mint condition by early next year ^^^
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Looking good mate. But how long was this container meant to last??? At this rate they will all be in mint condition by early next year ^^^
Nahh mate !
I'm having "a ball" so far %.%
I'm ITCHING to do a few EMs. Never done a Williams System11 - Thats why I picked this game out after the Addams.
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LIVING THE DREAM NINO LIVING THE DREAM ^^^
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LIVING THE DREAM NINO LIVING THE DREAM ^^^
.. only live once..
^^^
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Looks like you're having a great time!
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looking good strangeways
system 11 pins are great to work on.
so many variations from 5 separate displays down to 2 on the later ones. then you find them in wms and bally.
only down fall is they are not backward compatible (can't use a system 11c in a system 11a) but they are foward compatible ( you can use a 11a in 11c).
i remember when pinbot was first released. it was in nearly every pinnie parlor around.
looking foward to the rest of the resto.
keep up the great work ^^^
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Checking over the cabinet, I found that the clip that holds the head was loose and the panel that is nailed to the lover cabinet had separated. So the end result was that the head could be pushed "forward" and the lower cabinet timber frame (or neck) lifted. There was a poor earlier attempt at a repair, and a replacement clip may have been used. Regardless, it needed to be addressed.
Here's what it looks like ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot144.jpg)
Removal of the lower clip bracket highlights the damage ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot145.jpg)
Solution is simple. The "neck" timber section must be glued and then 4 long woodscrews are screwed in and I'm done. I dre drilled the holes through the neck, then used some wood glue in the gap. All four screws are then screwed in and the two braces are affixed to the cabinet. Leave for 24 hours, and the job is done.
The old holes where the clip was installed needed to be filled, so I used Bondo (or equivalent) to fill it in. After it dried, I sanded down the section, and created the "lip" where the clip is mounted. I will paint the rear of the machine tomorrow !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot150.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot151.jpg)
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I've had this problem in the past.
Does the bondo hold well enough? I always wondered if it would just chip out.
I usually remove the BB latches and toss them in the cashbox, and bolt the heads up in my gameroom. I have a narrow, steep flight of stairs all games have to go down to get in my basement, and the BB latch is right at addams apple level and can do a number on you if you aren't careful...
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I've had this problem in the past.
Does the bondo hold well enough? I always wondered if it would just chip out.
I usually remove the BB latches and toss them in the cashbox, and bolt the heads up in my gameroom. I have a narrow, steep flight of stairs all games have to go down to get in my basement, and the BB latch is right at addams apple level and can do a number on you if you aren't careful...
I'm going to find that out, John. I might buy a new latch and see if the holes can bite into wood rather than the enlarged former holes. I find that the latch is a "necessary accessory" because many people don't install the headbolts. They just "latch" the machine and that's it !
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I've had this problem in the past.
Does the bondo hold well enough? I always wondered if it would just chip out.
I usually remove the BB latches and toss them in the cashbox, and bolt the heads up in my gameroom. I have a narrow, steep flight of stairs all games have to go down to get in my basement, and the BB latch is right at addams apple level and can do a number on you if you aren't careful...
I'm going to find that out, John. I might buy a new latch and see if the holes can bite into wood rather than the enlarged former holes. I find that the latch is a "necessary accessory" because many people don't install the headbolts. They just "latch" the machine and that's it !
I am surprised how many people just use the latch to hold the headbox up! After reading the warning on the back of the headbox you would think people would use at least one bolt.
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one person told me thats the only way they hold their back boxes up. i told him didn't you read the big yellow writing on the back of the back box.
i wont go calling this fellow any names as he is on the forum. i just thought i would give him a bit of a stir.
lol
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My first trip to MarkC's involved the purchase of some headbox bolts.
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After some tumbling, most of the hardware was looking really good. I'll buff the heads on the playfield screws etc, but for the most part, the tumbler has done all the work for me !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot153.jpg)
Bit "overboard" - but the plungers are nice a smooth now - and with new coil sleeves, there will be "stuff all" friction. These pop bumpers will "pop"
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot155.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot156.jpg)
I usually sort out all the parts from the tumbler and place them into small containers like these. They are easier to find later on when I do the playfield. The containers were bought from Bunnings - $14 for assorted sizes.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot157.jpg)
Flipper Rebuilds
System11 use a flipper system with Serial coils. FL-23/600 30/2600 50V (or SFL-23/600 30/2600 50V). This machine has two different coils, so I would need one to make them the same. There is a replacement alternative which involves using standard FL-11629 coils - suited to this game. The recommendation from clay's guides is to use this alternative system if you need to replace one or more coils. I'll cover htis a little later on - but here's a picture of the two coils ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot159.jpg)
Flipper Assemblies
Time to strip these assemblies and prepare them according to clay's recommendation in his guide. They were filthy and needed a good clean.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot167.jpg)
I stripped them completely and scrubbed with Nifti and a green scotchbrite. I installed flipper kits and two new FL-11629 coils. Ready to go back into the machine.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot170.jpg)
Drop Target Assembly
The drop target assembly was working fine, but it needed to be rebuilt and I wanted to replace the decals. Here's the "before picture;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot165.jpg)
The old decals - slightly faded. The targets have been cleaned - along with the rest of the assembly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot169.jpg)
New Targets ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot172.jpg)
Re assembled target assembly ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot175.jpg)
Ready for both flipper assemblies and the drop target assembly to be re installed into the machine
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Back to the rear of the cabinet. The clamps are removed the repairs worked very well. Before attempting to refit the old clamp, I just HAD to repaint the back section. It was really rough. I quickly sanded it down a little and taped up the sides and topper and give it a quick repaint.
Probably looks better int his picture than it really is.. But I didn't like it.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot178.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot179.jpg)
I covered up the stickers, the plastic gliders and gave it a quick coat, then a couple of thicker coats. Don't have to be too artist here - This part of the machine is not really seen ! Still a bit wet..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot180.jpg)
Remove the masking and let it dry. Shame they don't make a "semi gloss black" in cans anymore. Gloss looks stupid, so I went with the Flat Black.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot183.jpg)
Playfield Damage touch ups
I know all too well that Decals are the "easy way out". I cannot even color match my shirt with my tie, so I have to rely on decals until either I learn how to do it properly, or I get some glasses ! I contacted our resident "decal man" - Wotto - Just to whip up some decals for me to finish off the playfield. It has wear spots around all the outholes, and there are "divots" in the wood. Here's what I started out with ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot063.jpg)
This section was pretty simple. I filled and levelled the divot. Wotto made me a decal from a photo I sent him - just the Blue color needed to be covered, so I printed out the decal on adhesive white paper, cut it into shape, applied the decal to the playfield and covered it with mylar.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot184.jpg)
I didn't really bother with the Grey to the left of the repair - it was not as bad.
The "Eyeballs" - Were REALLY bad ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot185.jpg)
This time Wotto just supplied me with the writing on a Grey backing - a very close match. I used some tracing paper to cut out the grey areas, and transposed that onto the adhesive grey paper. Then cut that into shape - They look like this ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot186.jpg)
Then I applied to the area affected, and went around the edges with a sharpie - where needed ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot187.jpg)
Apply a sheet of mylar, and I'm done !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot190.jpg)
So thanks to Wotto - The playfield looks a whole lot better ^^^
Next update will be a picture of the playfield AFTER I used Marty's Treasurecove polishing kit ^^^ ^^^
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Shame they don't make a "semi gloss black" in cans anymore.
!@# It's what i painted mine with, both home hardware and mitre 10 had plenty in stock.
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Shame they don't make a "semi gloss black" in cans anymore.
!@# It's what i painted mine with, both home hardware and mitre 10 had plenty in stock.
Damn.. I have 2 Bunnings stores within five minutes of my place - neither have semi gloss black. I'll try Mitre 10 - Thanks for the tip !
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Shame they don't make a "semi gloss black" in cans anymore.
!@# It's what i painted mine with, both home hardware and mitre 10 had plenty in stock.
Damn.. I have 2 Bunnings stores within five minutes of my place - neither have semi gloss black. I'll try Mitre 10 - Thanks for the tip !
I was thinking you would have only gone to Bunnings...
Hopefully your local Mitre 10 carries the semi-gloss!
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Shame they don't make a "semi gloss black" in cans anymore.
!@# It's what i painted mine with, both home hardware and mitre 10 had plenty in stock.
Damn.. I have 2 Bunnings stores within five minutes of my place - neither have semi gloss black. I'll try Mitre 10 - Thanks for the tip !
I was thinking you would have only gone to Bunnings...
Hopefully your local Mitre 10 carries the semi-gloss!
I should be using my air gun for painting. I took the easy way out. Still - It does not too "flat" if that makes sense.
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Today I arrived home from work a little earlier than usual, so I wheeled the Pinbot out into the natural light in the hope that I would capture the polished playfield. Now MartyJ kindly offered the Treasurecove polishing kit as a trial or test on this game. It has factory mylar that is well worn, and milky in sections - like a "haze". I followed the instructions on the website and on the containers themselves and I was totally amazed with the results. No amount of Novus2 and waxing will give you these results.
These are "after" shots - well after I've installed most of the hardware again - and remember - this is MYLAR - Not a clearcoat !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot203.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot204.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot205.jpg)
I could not polish the area around the bumpers with the 4 inch kit - I will need a 2 inch kit for that.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot207.jpg)
More progress pictures ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot208.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot210.jpg)
Not far off from firing it up and starting the boards etc !
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FFS - would you restore an EM #@#
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FFS - would you restore an EM #@#
Yes mate - I hear you.. I will be starting at least three just after Christmas.
First I need to get a Treasurecove polishing kit. It will make some of those EMs really shine - and I want to test it on the EM cabinets && &&
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FFS - would you restore an EM #@#
Yes mate - I hear you.. I will be starting at least three just after Christmas.
First I need to get a Treasurecove polishing kit. It will make some of those EMs really shine - and I want to test it on the EM cabinets && &&
Ive used my electric Car Buff on Em cabinets with great result ^^^
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The TC kit is basically the same thing. A buffer that chucks in a drill. They've just taken a bit of the experimentation out of things for you.
I like mine :) And I get supplies from them direct, even though I can buy them other places for cheaper.
Pinbot looks awesome!
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Looking great Nino ^^^
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Looks great Nino. Awesome stuff
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after seeing those pictures, it is clear that treasure cove's polishing kits are going to be in great demand.
Im going to order one tonight. If thats what u can do with mylar, youve won me over. BEAUTIFUL. ^^^ ^^^ ^^^
P.S- Great job on Pinbot.
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Fantastic result Nino .
I am very tempted to splash out on one of those Kits *%*
Also, like Tony looking foward to your next EM resto *%*
Cheers
Dave
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As many of you as want these TreasureCove kits, perhaps you should do a group buy and try to save some money by buying in quantity!
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Like John said above, these buffer pads are available from other online places, treasure cove just supply their own mix of compound. I have had great success with a kit (of pads only) I got from pinrestore and then made up a bottle of 1/3 novus 3 and 2/3 novus 2 and used that to start, then novus 2 etc. But if you are concerned etc then I guess the treasure cove kit with their own mix is tried and tested.
p.s I have only ever used it on diamondplate fields
Edit: Changed the quantities of Novus, got my mixed bottle out to use and noticed I had posted the incorrect quantities (Also noticed today that pinrestore will no longer send liquids overseas i.e polishing liquid, flitz etc
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I did have a couple of problems along the way that I've left to last. The first issue was the upper RHS guide (the Eye). The bracket had broken off. My options were to re weld or repair some other way. I ended up simply drilling a hole and using a rivet. Simple fix, and the good thing about it that it is not seen, and does not effect the ball travel.
Here's a "before" picture
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot214.jpg)
The "after" pictures
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot217.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot218.jpg)
The next problem was a little more difficult. The plastic bracket / housing for the targets that raise from under the playfield was broken from all the years of being hit so hard ! I had no idea on how to fix this problem until today.
Here's the broken bracket. One side is broken, the other is starting to split
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot212.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot215.jpg)
So I thought I'd make a plastic re enforcement behind the screw holes and instead of using the wood screws, I'll glue the plastic re enforcement and then use metal screws to hold the front plates to the bracket.
Here's the two pieces of perspex that I cut and roughed up !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot216.jpg)
Now, I simply used araldite and clamps to hold it in place until tomorrow. The plan is to drill the hole and use longer screws with nuts. It will be strong enough to keep the mechanism working for years to come !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot219.jpg)
A sneak peak of the finished playfield - less the target assembly that I'm repairing;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot220.jpg)
Nearly Done !
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Had to be a bit inventive there - I take it it is near impossible to get parts for this machine? Or is this one on a tight budget?
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Had to be a bit inventive there - I take it it is near impossible to get parts for this machine? Or is this one on a tight budget?
Andrew - I try to fix things where possible (if it is withing my skillset). I didn't even look for a replacement.
Looks like this part is always damaged, so I will make it stronger.
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looking fantastic nino.what did you use to fill the divots in the playfield before decalling?what paper did you use for the decals,photo/gloss/normal adhesive paper?p.s. if it plays the same as my jackbot it is a great game,my favourite.damien
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The same basic design is used for moving target banks on a lot of games - Who Dunnit, Attack From Mars and Stern Spiderman use similar pieces that work with 3 targets instead of 5. The parts do wear. Interestingly enough, the Stern parts from Spiderman will work in Attack and Who Dunnit, as they are identical.
I think Mousin Around uses something similar, but I've never been under the hood of one.
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Seen this machine in the flesh last thursday and i must say ill be ordering a tc set
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looking fantastic nino.what did you use to fill the divots in the playfield before decalling?what paper did you use for the decals,photo/gloss/normal adhesive paper?p.s. if it plays the same as my jackbot it is a great game,my favourite.damien
Wotto did the art for me (as always).
I tried some plasti bond as the filler - hard as a rock and easy to sand
I used some Adhesive paper - Avery J8167
Mylar on top.
The grey area way just a 1/2 page print with the word printed on top. I cut to shape around the arrows etc..
Simple yet effective - until I learn how to do touch up work the proper way !
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Looking very good Nino. Glad to see the TC kit worked well (and not too messy for you!).
Did you give the scotchbright pad a run yet for graining?
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Looking very good Nino. Glad to see the TC kit worked well (and not too messy for you!).
Did you give the scotchbright pad a run yet for graining?
Not yet Marty - I regrained the parts on the Pinbot before you gave me your samples. Will do on the next machine ^^^
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Looking very good Nino. Glad to see the TC kit worked well (and not too messy for you!).
Did you give the scotchbright pad a run yet for graining?
Not yet Marty - I regrained the parts on the Pinbot before you gave me your samples. Will do on the next machine ^^^
Cool! Sooooo are we going forwards or backwards in years for the next installment?
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Looking very good Nino. Glad to see the TC kit worked well (and not too messy for you!).
Did you give the scotchbright pad a run yet for graining?
Not yet Marty - I regrained the parts on the Pinbot before you gave me your samples. Will do on the next machine ^^^
Cool! Sooooo are we going forwards or backwards in years for the next installment?
Forwards just for kicks - Then back into the time machine to the early sixties, late sixties and mid seventies.
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my moving target guide had a similar problem with the broken plastic. i tryed araldite but it only held for a few games, i repaired mine with a $2 L bracket from bunnings, i only had to redrill one hole in the L bracket.
mine didn't split down the center like that, the tab at the top where you put the screw to hold it to the play field broke off so there wasn't much surface area to glue
looking good
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Tonight I hopefully came up with a fix for this problem. I drilled the old holes to a larger size in the plastic and the brackets. I used four nuts and bolts and it seems to be stable. I drilled two additional holes in the mounting bracket that fixes to the play field. I will test tomorrow !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot222.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot221.jpg)
I'll see how I go tomorrow.
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The same basic design is used for moving target banks on a lot of games - Who Dunnit, Attack From Mars and Stern Spiderman use similar pieces that work with 3 targets instead of 5. The parts do wear. Interestingly enough, the Stern parts from Spiderman will work in Attack and Who Dunnit, as they are identical.
I think Mousin Around uses something similar, but I've never been under the hood of one.
I think the Mousin' Around! design is similar - I have seen under the hood of one and had to fix the target bank so had to pull it apart and put it back together.
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Fired Pinbot up and had a few games. I took some quick pictures of the playfield lit up without a flash ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot224.jpg)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot232.jpg)
I'll take more tomorrow.
It plays VERY well, and has a few minor issues I need to sort out. Player 4 Display was dead - luckily I had a spare, so that was installed. Then it would randomly blow F2 (solenoids and flashers) on the power supply. I narrowed it down to the two outholes (Left and Right) - or so I think. All solenoids tested perfect in the self test. It would blow the fuse only if the ball was kicked out of the outholes. I've done nothing special to repair it, but it played 10 games in a row without an issue. So I might change the fuse clip and the diodes on the outhole coils.
I need to source a flasher board or a couple 5 Ohm 10 Watt resistors. One is missing, so two flashers are not working
Final issue is the top two displays have some weird problems. They miss segments in single digits, or, leave segments on in single digits. Best way to describe it is to post pictures ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot237.jpg)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot243.jpg)
Strange !
Anyone with ideas - feel free to advise as I'm still scratching my head !
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possible fault with the ribbon cable between cpu board and master display, or the headers for the ribon cable need cleaning,or cracked/dry solder joints on ribon cable headers if you have another ribbon cable try swaping it or try moving the plugs on the ribbon cable up and down while it is on and see if it runs properly,
My bk 2000 has the same problem, when i move the plug on the ribbon cable (cpu side) it works properley, try both ends
on another subject i noticed the top of the vortex is broken, if you want to fix the top of the votex here is a link to show you how http://www.stevechannel.com/pinbot.htm (http://www.stevechannel.com/pinbot.htm)
just thought i would share it with you
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possible fault with the ribbon cable between cpu board and master display, or the headers for the ribon cable need cleaning,or cracked/dry solder joints on ribon cable headers if you have another ribbon cable try swaping it or try moving the plugs on the ribbon cable up and down while it is on and see if it runs properly,
My bk 2000 has the same problem, when i move the plug on the ribbon cable (cpu side) it works properley, try both ends
on another subject i noticed the top of the vortex is broken, if you want to fix the top of the votex here is a link to show you how http://www.stevechannel.com/pinbot.htm (http://www.stevechannel.com/pinbot.htm)
just thought i would share it with you
Cheers Beaky !
I'll give it a go tonight - and thanks for the link - interesting repair.
^^^
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Thanks to a process of elimination, the display problem is due to what appear to be an internal short on one of the 7 digit alphanumeric displays. One display works perfectly until I plug the faulty one in, and the when the bottom RHS segment on the far left and centre digit switches on - it also switches on the lower horizontal segment. This also happens one the "good" display.
Bloody williams displays !!
So I will need a replacement display - Part number 5769-10874-00 (7 Digit Alpha display). I will post a request for one on the "parts wanted" section.
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Thanks a bunch for the detailed thread Nino - it really helps to see some of the steps involved. Have often heard of the term 'tumbling' in regards to cleaning playfield parts but have never really seen it done.
Great thread for us 'noobs' to follow.
Steve
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OK - Been busy on other things and the Kohout Alphanumeric display arrived. I installed the plastic protector and tested it in the machine. Obviously it worked very well and it did not "stand out" from the old display (Right hand side). So the problem was the old display (replaced) had a short that affected the other alphanumeric display. So the game is working well at the moment ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot246.jpg)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot247.jpg)
I also repaired the light blue plastic and made my own custom protector. The break was right in front of the ramp flap armature. I also like this photo without the flash and with the glass on !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot255.jpg)
I will take some final shots of the completed machine, and then it will be up for sale %.%
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The machine is completely finished and has been play tested thoroughly by my nieces and nephews ! The only thing I didn't do is replace the spiral ramp, it is chipped at the very top and it does not affect the gameplay. Everything else is working 100%. The modified flippers (serial coils removed and newer parallel installed), are powerful and the rampshots etc are easily made.
The treasurecove kit makes a HUGE difference and I would recommend using it on mylared playfields.
Here are some final pictures ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot260.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot286.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Pinbot/Pinbot263.JPG)
I will be selling this machine to make some room !
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Lovely result right there!
That is one game that is on my wish list!
Great to see such a high quality example. #*#
el_timbo