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Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Handy hints and tips => Topic started by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:30:20 AM

Title: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:30:20 AM

I moved this over here so it doesn't get lost in my Whitewater restoration, as it can be used on any game with a ramp and should help out anyone wanting to clean up their rusty ramp flaps

Here are the two ramp flaps that need work:

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4719;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:31:31 AM

This is the product I used, it is probabally 20 years old, I remember someone giving it to my father when we were rebuilding a slug gun when I was a teenager.
I'm not sure if you can still get it but you will definately be able to obtain something similar

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4721;image)

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4723;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:32:29 AM

Yep, its old you cant even read the labels any more, not good when one of the products is carcinogenic  !@#

I slip a thin piece of plastic under the flap to stop the blue getting on the ramp, and tape up the edges.
The blue does not har plastic, it's just easier to clean up afterward.

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4725;image)

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4727;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:33:11 AM

The first step is to use the cleaning agent on a sponge, this removes oil and dirt from the area.
Next is a blue removing agent applied with steel wool

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4729;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:33:54 AM

Next use 2000 grit emery to clean up flap, run straight up and down in the direction the ball travels over it.

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4731;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:34:51 AM

This is the blue paste and applicator, apply a small amount and run in the same direction again

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4733;image)

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4735;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:35:54 AM

This is left on for 60 seconds then wiped off with a rag, fine steel wool is used to polish the the blue paste is applied again.  Repeat about 6 times for a darker finish.

Finished flaps:
 
(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4737;image)

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4739;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:36:34 AM

This is a ramp protector that is attached to the side of one of the ramps, it needed rebluing also

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4741;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 09:37:10 AM

Thats about it, a anti corrosion film is applied for 24hrs then wiped off, it comes in a sachel in the kit.

This is a photo of the ramp flaps I reblued on my TZ a bit over 6 months ago, still looking good

(http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1404.0;attach=4743;image)

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: Extra Ball on June 12, 2009, 10:24:48 AM

Gun Blu is certainly still available, check your local firearms dealers. Never thought of using it on pins, good thinking!

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: pinnies4me on June 12, 2009, 10:36:17 AM

Thanks for the info Matt.

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: Creech on June 12, 2009, 10:43:48 AM

I've got a hardly used bottle of Gun Blu if anyone wants it. Let me know and I can send it.

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: felixthadog on June 12, 2009, 10:49:14 AM

Quote from: Creech on June 12, 2009, 10:43:48 AM

I've got a hardly used bottle of Gun Blu if anyone wants it. Let me know and I can send it.

I'll take it Tony  *%*

Matthew

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: bwodie on June 12, 2009, 10:57:29 AM

I really appreciate you taking the time to post this
great work

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: ktm450 on June 12, 2009, 10:58:51 AM

Quote from: bwodie on June 12, 2009, 10:57:29 AM

I really appreciate you taking the time to post this
great work

No probs at all mate, hope it helps you out

Title: Re: Re-bluing ramp flaps
Post by: Strangeways on June 15, 2009, 04:06:41 PM

Great Tip, Matt !