The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on July 02, 2012, 12:05:17 PM
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Bally Eight Ball is one of the iconic classic pinballs from Bally's Golden Era. One of the biggest selling games of all time, there's no shortage of these games in collections. Thanks to CPR, this title has all the cosmetic parts reproduced - Backglass, playfield and plastics set. This machine will be a full restoration for a member on AP. This will include a full cabinet restore and repaint. No expense will be spared on this title. The aim is to restore this machine as close to NIB that I can get it (NIB is a term I use - "Nearly In Box").. :lol
Condition Report
It is in a BAD way. Looks like it was stored for many years and quite possibly in a damp area. It does not work, and I'm not even going to try to fire it up at this stage. Cabinet will be repainted, the back panel replaced as it is swollen. The playfield will be swapped over with a CPR playfield and the backglass will be replaced as well. The only problem I see is the missing chime unit. The boards will need to be either repaired or replaced. The game is a perfect candidate for a full restoration.
"Before" Pictures
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20009.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20010.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20011.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20012.JPG)
That's one furry MPU board that has no hope of booting !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20014.JPG)
The Teardown
First, all the boards are removed to be assessed. The MPU is VERY bad and would need hours spent on it to repair. This would be discarded at this point and either a Homepin or altek used as a replacement. The Solenoid Driver will need a rebuild - those Capacitors are over 35 years old and they have an operational life of 10 years. The displays will all be repaired and assessed. The power supply board will either be rebuilt or replaced with the new Homepin Board. Lamp Driver looks fine, but will be tested and repaired if necessary.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20020.JPG)
The playfield is not too bad, but would need work to raise it to the standard of the rest of the game. Since this will be a full restore, the CPR playfield is the best idea.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20023.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20025.JPG)
Missing Chimebox - If anyone has a spare - let me know !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20081.JPG)
The cabinet will be completely stripped and the lower cabinet will hold the key to the exact factory paint colors. You will find this behind the front door trim. I will take the entire lower cabinet to have the orange matched. For now, I will concentrate on the playfield teardown. Everything on top will be new, but I will retian the bulk of the mechanical and electrical parts from under the playfield. Everything has to be documented and labelled.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20091.JPG)
End of first update !
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The PF looks VERY restorable to me... send it up and ill make it like new again. Then youll have a spare for the next 8 Ball
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Looks good Nino. Certainly a very good variety of machines in your collection. The backglass looks excellent. The rest should come up very well with the Nino magic. Thanks for sharing another great resto.
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Cabinet repairs and preparation
The lower cabinet and head need to be stripped of all parts and prepared for repaint. Although the cabinet looks fine in the pictures, there's a lot of separation of the primer from the base. That's assuming primer was used because it was falling off in some sections.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20114.JPG)
The back panel is a complete disaster. It will be removed and replaced. Very common on these old games, and I'm taking steps to have the back panels reproduced on my restores.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20115.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20116.JPG)
The back panel removed. The wooden brackets will re used, or replaced.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20117.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20118.JPG)
Here's the replacement panel I prepared earlier #@#. Not a simple task, but one I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of in the future !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20137.JPG)
The profile it a bit tricky to do without a CNC, but I tweaked it until I was happy.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20138.JPG)
Glued together and I used the same staples as originally used. The Nails are the same length, but a different head. Hard to describe the original nails. Suffice to say they are NLA !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20142.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20140.JPG)
I removed the original paint and started repairs to the rest of the cabinet.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20095.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20096.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20101.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20103.JPG)
The cabinet now waits for a warm day to apply the primer coat. I will have several other cabinets prepared in the same way and hit them all at once. Until then, I'll move on the boards. I spoke to the owner this evening and this will have an Altek and a Homepin Power Supply board for starters.
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Hi Nino
When you stripped the cab did you use paint stripper or just sanding as you have taken it right back
Also the back pannel you will have to drill holes for leg bolts I rember seeing a jig on another post for accurate drilling It would be handy for what you need
Howzat
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Hi Nino
When you stripped the cab did you use paint stripper or just sanding as you have taken it right back
Also the back pannel you will have to drill holes for leg bolts I rember seeing a jig on another post for accurate drilling It would be handy for what you need
Howzat
Bunnings don't stock "Citrus Strip" anymore. I used the "Diggers low odor", which is just as good. I use the stripper to remove the bulk of the paint, then I leave the cabinet in the sun for a day to ensure it is dry. I then use an orbital sander with 180 Grit to remove the paint that is left over. Once that is done, I tidy up any defects and then sand the cabinet again. I'll wait for the weather to improve before painting the primer / filler.
I vaguely remember a jig for doing the holes.
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Hi Nino
When you stripped the cab did you use paint stripper or just sanding as you have taken it right back
Also the back pannel you will have to drill holes for leg bolts I rember seeing a jig on another post for accurate drilling It would be handy for what you need
Howzat
Bunnings don't stock "Citrus Strip" anymore. I used the "Diggers low odor", which is just as good. I use the stripper to remove the bulk of the paint, then I leave the cabinet in the sun for a day to ensure it is dry. I then use an orbital sander with 180 Grit to remove the paint that is left over. Once that is done, I tidy up any defects and then sand the cabinet again. I'll wait for the weather to improve before painting the primer / filler.
I vaguely remember a jig for doing the holes.
I can remember the thread for the hole jig, but cant remember who posted the thread.
Was really well made, and a brilliant idea *%*
And great start so far Nino.
Eight Ball is a game i remember seeing in a pub in Wauchope where i was doing a band gig many years ago, it was turned off so i never got to play it.
And i never got another opportunity to see or play another... probably just as well i didnt or it would've yet another title on my wishlist :lol
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Awesome game this one and always remembered the RHS sling and BG as the girls are very well endowed %$% keep up the great work can't wait to see the finished product.
Peter
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I vaguely remember a jig for doing the holes.
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6264.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6264.0)
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<..>The cab is looking good,are u going to spray paint the cab or roller? ^.^
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<..>The cab is looking good,are u going to spray paint the cab or roller? ^.^
:lol: :lol: :lol: good one
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The only problem I see is the missing chime unit.
Here's one in the USA
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BALLY-1974-EM-BOW-AND-ARROW-PINBALL-MACHINE-CHIMES-CHIME-UNIT-/160851880709?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257384eb05
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<..>The cab is looking good,are u going to spray paint the cab or roller? ^.^
Whats a "roller" !^!
Definitely using my compressor with Gavin's stencils !
The only problem I see is the missing chime unit.
Here's one in the USA
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BALLY-1974-EM-BOW-AND-ARROW-PINBALL-MACHINE-CHIMES-CHIME-UNIT-/160851880709?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257384eb05
Thanks for that - This could be promising !
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Weather is starting to improve, and until I have a booth set up at the new premises, I have to rely on Mother Nature ! Today was a perfect day to paint the base coat. I painted the primer undercoat a couple of weeks ago and sanded it smooth and ready for the white base coat. Here's a few pics after sanding the cabinet.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20143.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20144.JPG)
I think this is the most crucial step of repainting a cabinet. If not done right, then all work done AFTER this step is a waste of time :D The cabinet is sanded with 800 Grit - and the texture should feel as smooth as glass. All imperfections are removed prior to the base coat.
Here is the finished base after three coats. One mist coat and then two consecutive heavier coats. The paint dries in 10 minutes, and it is a beautiful finish. It is a semi gloss, matched by a professional (not me !).
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20146.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20149.JPG)
I left the cabinet in the sun for an hour and then placed it in the garage until the stencils arrive. The finish is excellent. I'm very happy with the results.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20152.JPG)
<.>
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The weather has improved and the stencils have arrived from Gavin ^^^
The first color is orange, which was professionally matched. Again, I'm using automotive acrylics that are a touch less than semi gloss in finish. This is exactly the finish used in the factory. I mask the cabinet and leave only the paint areas exposed. That way, I only have to replace the stencils, and cover up any areas as I need to. This is an important step, as the paint is airbourne, and finds its way into areas you don't want it to go !
Here's the head orange stencil applied.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20168.JPG)
The left side of the cab. The backing was removed from top to bottom. Tricky part is that the front of the cabinet has two horizontal sections that have to match up the sides. This step is CRUCIAL. I've left the transfer tape over the stencil in case I make any mistakes as I go along.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20169.JPG)
The right side - note the lines all match up. The registration "+" marks are there as a reference point for the next color. Gav once told me that some people "complained" that they were unnecessary - I think they should be mandatory !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20170.JPG)
The left side - Blue low tack tape is used to cover up edges etc. Paint WILL find a way into the smallest exposed area. One less thing to worry about !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20171.JPG)
One light mist coat, then two or three fine coats. Nothing too heavy. Stencil removed and the finish is perfect. My only gripe is I like overspray and underspray. But these stencils are absolutely dead accurate and finely cut.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20179.JPG)
Lines meet perfectly
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20180.JPG)
Note registration mark in the top left hand corner. I sprayed the cross as it is not seen anyway, and it is permanent.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20183.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20184.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20186.JPG)
Black stencil will most likely be done on Monday !
Special thanks to Gav for his help on this stencil - Really worked out well in the end *%*
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Good to see that design on a cabinet and not my computer screen!
Looking good mate even if you went against my meticulous instructions and sprayed the crosses in.
The real test of course is when the black goes on... roll on Monday.
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Looks good so far, +1 on Gavs stencils, make life much easier and come up perfect *%*
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Looking good Nino, I love the look and theme of this pin, how can you not love a pin with the Fonz playing pool on it Aaaaeeeyyy. I've played this title before but flippers were only just and the cabinet had seen better days so its awsome to see this restore.
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Great Job @@*
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Looking very good Nino. It's always the tons of time spent preparing, masking, taping, etc, etc. Then of course the actual painting is bugger all time. But of course this will be well worth it .... will be great to see the finished product!
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OK - This is a MASSIVE update to this restoration. I ended up purchasing a new HVLP Gun specifically for doing the stencil work as my touch up gun was not good enough. After some practicing, I was ready to paint the black color. There were some minor issues with the Black stencil, but after a few phone calls to Gav, we got it sorted, and any future cutting of the stencil will be in perfect alignment ^^^
Here's some pictures of the application of the Black stencil. You can see the 1mm tolerance there is with overlap (sections where you can see the orange will be painted over). These must be in perfect alignment. These stencils go on "dry", so you only get one chance. A bit of trimming and re joining addressed the minor issue I had. There's 2 hours work just getting this right - then checking - then checking again..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20204.JPG)
Again - That faint orange line you see along Fonzie's elbow and forearm must be PERFECTLY overlapped, or you get the basecoat inbetween the colors, and it would look crap !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20203.JPG)
The front horizontal line must be perfect..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20207.JPG)
.. or Fonzie's arm won't line up and the cue stick won't be dead straight ..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20206.JPG)
The front horizontal lines govern exactly where the rest of the stencils are registered. Get this step wrong, and the entire repaint will be a waste of time !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20205.JPG)
Ready for the Black paint !
A mist coat and then two heavier coats. The fan on the HVLP is GREAT for large sections. In this case, I hit the entire side in less than a minute. That LOOKS like a lot of paint, but I'm more interested in the finish.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20192.JPG)
Here is the finished process with the Vinyl stencil removed. This result is FAR beyond my expectations - But Gav's work and materials FINALLY pays off ^^^
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20199.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20193.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20194.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20195.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20196.JPG)
All the masking is removed to reveal the finish.. *%*
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20197.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20198.JPG)
Now it will sit in the garage for a couple of days ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20201.JPG)
The finish is uniform. Maybe a slight more semi gloss on the black (in the sun) - But the results are excellent !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20202.JPG)
So now this restore with gather some momentum. I have the GREEN paints (two different shades) for the apron and siderails.
Really STOKED with the results - SPECIAL thanks to Gav for an outstanding set of stencils ^^^
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Awesome work Niño, looks fantastic
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It looks stunning Nino!
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Awesome work Niño, looks fantastic
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Absolutely.. awesome work. Not an easy stencil to use. I thought Haunted House was hard but this stencil has no forgiving and registration has to be spot on for it all to line up.
Wait til Fathom.. that one is just as dificult to use but your an experienced hand at it now and the results should be just as good.
cabinet looks just bloody great.. what a show piece!
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Very, very nice. Although a ton of work, repainting the cab just breathes new life back into it. Excellent work, Nino.
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Between seeing this cabinet and often playing this title ( well I say playing but in reality it's called 'getting a new one torn' ) at a local mates house - it nearly makes me want one &&
For some reason this INCREDIBLY frustrating game keeps us coming back to it , just to get DESTROYED and none of us can put our finger on exactly what it is about it.
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Wow that looks fantastic, must be hard giving some of these games back Nino. %$%
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Wow that looks fantastic, must be hard giving some of these games back Nino. %$%
It is VERY difficult at times. I nearly CRIED when I delivered the Fathom. BUT - I enjoy the restoration process more than anything. Removing the stencil to reveal the artwork was like a kid unwrapping his christmas presents ! I also enjoy sharing the process with others - it promotes the preservation of pinball - which is important to me.
I walked into the garage this morning and it was a pleasant surprise to see the game staring at me. A great deal of satisfaction, and at the same time, I look at all the other repaints that are lining up. A hell of a lot of work - but the results are more than worth it !
Thanks for the kind words guys !
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Totally Excellent result on that cab Nino ^^^ and hats off also to Gav for producing what looks to be a very tricky stencil design *%*. Great teamwork . ()
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Incredible result, proberly better than when it was new. I never get sick of reading your resto threads. Cant wait to see it finished. @@*
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Fantastic work, can't believe how complicated that stencil was!! The results speak for themselves!!
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That looks awesome mate
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nice work, BTW, how long do you leave the stencil on between colours? Do you wait until its touch dry or fully?
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nice work, BTW, how long do you leave the stencil on between colours? Do you wait until its touch dry or fully?
Rob - I wait at least 24 hours in summer. This gives the paint time to shrink, expand and do everything else before it cures. Usually, the second stencil is applied over the fresh paint. I NEVER risk painting too soon, or I could lift the paint.
I have painted undercoat / primer and then 4 hours painted the base coat. That's no problem. The paint dries in 1 - 5 minutes. That's why you need to prepare and work fast !
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Big Update !
Many additional hours have been spent on this game, and I'm really enjoying myself with this restoration. It is great to re assemble a machine after a repaint, but there's a lot of work to be done beforehand !
The internal components now need to match the standard of the freshly painted cabinet. Starting with the door and the chimes / tilt board. They need to be stripped and the metal parts need to be re-plated. I enjoy re-plating small parts, and it is a lot more secure knowing I won't have any parts "lost" at a professional re-plater.
Here's the before shots ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20208.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20212.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20213.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20219.JPG)
All parts are stripped and cleaned. some parts go into the tumbler and some are chemically treated and then re plated using my "home kit". The results ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20221.JPG)
After re-assembly ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20223.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20227.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20229.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20232.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20234.JPG)
That's a lot of work to get it looking this good. But it is worth it if you want a high end restoration.
Door trim is added to the cabinet. The plunger is polished to a high shine. The carriage bolts are original, but have been buffed to make them look new !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20236.JPG)
Here's a small mistake with the stencils. Will be covered anyway, but let's see if Gav picks it up #@#
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20237.JPG)
New ground braid installed. All the replated parts (to date) are refitted. Slowly coming together.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20239.JPG)
Door mounted as a test. I still have to plate the hinges.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20242.JPG)
Another round of plating !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20247.JPG)
The backboard aluminum is polished. Looks much better in person. I've replated the board brackets, and they will go in next.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20248.JPG)
Siderails are re grained. Not "buffed" or "polished" to a high shine. This is the way they were unboxed.New door buttons as well. I'm very happy with the progress !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20249.JPG)
All I need to do is locate another set of chimes and I'm back on track !
%.%
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Yes...i know and i thought about this bit for some time. It was a compromise of having registration crosses under the side rails so the stencils could be aligned or continuing the black up the front edge and losing your corner to work from.
registration is so crucial with these that i felt a white gap that SHOULD be covered by the lock down was a small price to pay... and anyway.. if this was a Clay Farrel job then it can be easily fixed with a Sharpie..
... %.% %.% %.% %.% %.%
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Amazing work as usual.
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Great work Nino. This is such a nice looking title too. I love watching your updates on these restorations, especially the ones on games I really enjoy like this one. Classic title brought back to life! @@*
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Been watching this one for months mate, outstanding stencil work - like you said, it is like unwrapping a present! Found the same with the recent Firepower (another of Gav's great stencil efforts).
I especially love all the brightwork - have you done a post on the re-plating process? I seem to recall one, but couldn't find it.
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Seconding the love for the shiny bits...you have to wonder if they came that bright out of the box!
Definitely worth the effort for the overall effect, even those bits the average punter never sees.
I guess having such good results on everything so far puts pressure on you to nail the p/f & b/g
I spy a nice High Hand B/G in the background, working it's way down the queue $#$
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Seconding the love for the shiny bits...you have to wonder if they came that bright out of the box!
Definitely worth the effort for the overall effect, even those bits the average punter never sees.
I guess having such good results on everything so far puts pressure on you to nail the p/f & b/g
I spy a nice High Hand B/G in the background, working it's way down the queue $#$
Next in the queue ^^^ ^^^
Thankfully, the Eight Ball will have a STUNNING new repro playfield AND backglass. It will look amazing with these two additions. Just placing the repro in the game gives an overall picture of where the game is headed. Light at the end of the tunnel !
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OK...missed that bit. I was looking at the original pics and thought it was going to be an almighty challenge to bring them up to par
Willit get a new slab of playfield glass as well?
Epic resto Nino
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Looks fantastic as usual Nino . So much work but the reward is worth it ^^^
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The boardset from this game are the next part of the process. I started with the displays. All 5 are in very good condition. All i needed to do was upgrade the digit resistors to 100K 1/2 Watt resistors as the old ones were oly 1/4 Watt and they will "go open" in time. I used my Bally Factory Test Fixture for the first time and ended up repairing around 20 displays at the same time !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20329.JPG)
Next was the Solenoid Driver - I cover my repair and upgrade process here - http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=158.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=158.0)
Whenever a pinball is advertised for sale, this process is ignored, yet it is the first sign of short cuts in reconditioning or restoration. I've seen 30 year old original capacitors in machines with Alteks installed ! This is a HUGE problem. C23 HAS to be replaced - and I usually replace C26 as well. For this board, there was a previous attempt at repairing the HV section (displays), and it simply was a poor attempt. I've rebuilt the entire section. All the connectors are replaced. The pins will also be replaced (repinned) - Not just the 0.156, but also the .100.
Before (just the upgrades done - not the connectors - yet) ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20337.JPG)
After ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20338.JPG)
Unfortunately my Ball Factory SD tester is not working properly at the moment, but it was easy enough to test in the game.
I've used the Homepin Power Supply Board - which was a breeze to build and install ! - http://www.homepin.com/rectifierpcb.html (http://www.homepin.com/rectifierpcb.html)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20251.JPG)
I purchased an Altek board from Pinball Resource to complete the boardset. The Lamp driver was in excellent condition.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20264.JPG)
Displays installed. ALL the lamp sockets have been replaced. Tedious work, but some were corroded. Best just to replace ALL of them while the lightbox panel is out of the game.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20266.JPG)
I always replace the noise filter when installing a new power cable. I've seen so many hack jobs recently with second hand machine sales. The "easy" and "cheap" method is to buy a $2 extension cable from bunnings and cut one end off and solder it into the game. This is electrically unsafe unless a professional Tag and Test is completed. I buy metal case noise filters as they are more robust and also retain the original look.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20255.JPG)
Repinning a SS Machine
All machines from this era need to be checked properly. No use in replacing the power supply headers and pins and claiming the game has been repinned. I have never seen corrosion om these connectors. They are always stressed, burnt or hacked. Replacing these connectors, housing and pins is mandatory. If it is not done, the buyer is looking for trouble !
What is often overlooked is the MPU board connectors and pins. Secondly, the Solenoid Driver needs to be repinned as well. Not just the obvious connectors. I replace ALL pins. This is time consuming, but this will ensure the game has trouble free operation for years to come. To do the job properly, it takes 3-4 hours. That's the ENTIRE machine. In this restoration, I've replaced all board connector pins and repinned all connectors. The housing are retained because they were all in excellent condition.
Here's an example of "why" this step needs to be done ;
Corrosion has traveled across the MPU to J3. Visually, you can see the old pins are tarnished, but you won't know how bad they are until you start to remove them. Then the full picture is that some of the pins are corroded and are green. ALL the pins need to be removed and checked. There's no use in simply checking them and then refitting them if they look good. I've seen "repinned" games, with brand new Alteks installed. Yet there is VISUAL evidence of corrosion on the pins (in the connectors). In time, this corrosion will travel to the Altek board. This is a common short cut with these games, and one of the biggest reasons they have intermittent problems.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20258.JPG)
Sorry about the focus - but clearly this pin is GREEN and furry !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20262.JPG)
This game won't have any connector issues for another 25 years. Basically, the game is testing perfectly without the playfield - which is the next step in the restoration.
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Playfield Swap
A CPR playfield will be used in this machine. As part of a playfield swap, I recommend new lamp sockets, T-Nuts and score switches. I had to Zinc Plate the brackets and other bits of hardware. It is easier to do if you have the old playfield in front of you. I install the new lamp sockets first and then lay the ground braid on top.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20348.JPG)
I use new hex head screws to install lamp sockets.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20350.JPG)
Here are the old, rusty and defective lamp sockets. These should always be replaced.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20355.JPG)
Nearly done with the re wiring ..
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20369.JPG)
Apron was primed and then base coated. This is an exact color match.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20360.JPG)
Wooden side rails are a darker Green
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20362.JPG)
Siderails installed with some hardware
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20364.JPG)
Here something interesting. On almost all Bally's from this era, the metal guides are grained. On this title, they are polished. So I had to replicate that. I double checked with my other playfield and all guides are polished !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20366.JPG)
Here's the playfield ready to populate.
New score and sling switches will be installed next.
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Man, the quality of work u are doing here Nino(Strangeways) is absolutely awesome.
The machine is looking better than the factory could ever have done. Very talented. Any members on AP wanting A class restoration works done should look no futher than APR -Australian Pinball Restorations. Its just gets better n better every restoration.
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Man, the quality of work u are doing here Nino(Strangeways) is absolutely awesome.
The machine is looking better than the factory could ever have done. Very talented. Any members on AP wanting A class restoration works done should look no futher than APR -Australian Pinball Restorations. Its just gets better n better every restoration.
Thanks for the kind words, Brett ^^^
I've been lucky, as the owner has made it easy for me as most parts are new. I'm flying through it now, and it looks amazing. I can't wait to play it !
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It's looking great Nino. Where do you buy the ground braid?
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mmm nice *%*
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I've always liked this title for some reason. Looks very nice!
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The underside of the playfield is almost completed. I was not happy with the leaf switches, so I ordered new ones from RTBB. The mounting brackets were not the best so I replated them, along with other hardware that I missed during my earlier replating sessions ! These are small parts that would get lost if I sent them away to be replated.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20371.JPG)
Pop Bumper bodies are replaced with NEW parts. In fact, just about everything on the playfield is new !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20374.JPG)
Under the playfield is almost completed. New ground braid, all lamp sockets, new flipper kits - the list goes on !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20378.JPG)
A close up of the detailed work. Even the manufacturing card is reproduced and signed by me. Small details that add up to a very involved restoration.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20386.JPG)
The upper playfield is coming along nicely. The playfield posts are new.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20381.JPG)
A quick test with the playfield mounted in the cabinet. Looks amazing !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20392.JPG)
The apron and shooter section have been repainted and the decals installed.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20395.JPG)
Some quick bling photos of the nearly completed playfield.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20401.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20403.JPG)
I'm really pleased with the progress. The game plays exceptionally well.
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:D WOW
many years of experience gone into this no doubt?
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:D WOW
many years of experience gone into this no doubt?
Yes - and a great deal of patience and enjoyment. You can't do this unless you really have a passion for it.
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as per the usual, stunning results! $#$
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Looks better than New Nino, absolutely stunning!
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Excellent workmanship. ()
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the workmanship is just terriffic.
better than any factory has ever done. Great work mate. ^^^
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Simply Awesome Nino. WOW
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As others have said, simply STUNNING @@* @@*
Looks GREAT Nino ^^^
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Thanks for the kind words. I could probably only do 2-3 of these restores a year. They are VERY involved, but the rewards and satisfaction are great. I'm almost at the finish line.
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AWESOME
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Nino, that playfield is just way too crazy clean. Needs a few scratches to break it in I think. OK, just kidding. Exceptional work, I don't think I have seen a more shiny PF ever.
How do the CPR playfields go in terms of dimple line up on the back? Everything spot on?
Lastly, sorry to do this, but that's not a ground braid for the switched lights. A braid yes, but not grounded. It is carrying the DC illumination voltage.
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Amazing work as usual mate ^^^
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On the home stretch.. Playfield done. Just some "glamor" shots at this point. The game works well, and is ready to go to the new owner. Due to the hours of work that goes into these restorations, I might only be able to do one or two per year at this level. But I am VERY pleased.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20406.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20407.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20408.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20409.JPG)
I'll add some pictures of the entire game to finish of the thread next week ^^^
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It would be a shame to roll a ball over that minty PF... i suggest a nylon one with a fishing sinker inside
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WOW
This is better than new .
I just cannot get over the detail that went in to this Pin.
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Hi Nino, concerning the replacement of connectors I can vouch for that as I lost a digit on my displays which was due to one pin. I have done a band aid job of only replacing that pin until I get into the resto. However I found it a little difficult doing these smaller connectors. What crimping tool do you use, mine has an A and B option of which I currently use B for both size Molex. I find the smaller type doesn't get crimped satisfactorily and so I use small pliers to improve it. At the moment its not an issue but when I do a complete fixit I think it will be a problem
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Hi Nino, concerning the replacement of connectors I can vouch for that as I lost a digit on my displays which was due to one pin. I have done a band aid job of only replacing that pin until I get into the resto. However I found it a little difficult doing these smaller connectors. What crimping tool do you use, mine has an A and B option of which I currently use B for both size Molex. I find the smaller type doesn't get crimped satisfactorily and so I use small pliers to improve it. At the moment its not an issue but when I do a complete fixit I think it will be a problem
Rob - I use 1028-CT Crimper. RTBB used to stock these, but I can't find it on the website. The crimper is available from GPE ;
http://www.greatplainselectronics.com/Category-80.asp (http://www.greatplainselectronics.com/Category-80.asp)
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Congratulations nino awesome result,
So looking forward to doing our black knight resto cpr playfield and new everything this year.. ^^^
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Hi Nino, concerning the replacement of connectors I can vouch for that as I lost a digit on my displays which was due to one pin. I have done a band aid job of only replacing that pin until I get into the resto. However I found it a little difficult doing these smaller connectors. What crimping tool do you use, mine has an A and B option of which I currently use B for both size Molex. I find the smaller type doesn't get crimped satisfactorily and so I use small pliers to improve it. At the moment its not an issue but when I do a complete fixit I think it will be a problem
Rob - I use 1028-CT Crimper. RTBB used to stock these, but I can't find it on the website. The crimper is available from GPE ;
http://www.greatplainselectronics.com/Category-80.asp (http://www.greatplainselectronics.com/Category-80.asp)
thanks mate, I have the 1919k which I bought from rtbb so may look at investing I a 1028 as well as I have a lot of crimping to do on a few games
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Stunning work there Nino!! the new owner must be incredibly happy.
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Testing is completed and a few members have had a quick game each ^^^
There's 130+ hours spent on this restoration, and I've enjoyed every single minute. I get "a lot back" doing this kind of work. There is no better feeling than playing a game this solid. Kudos to the owner for allowing me to go nuts on this game. Thanks to Gavin for doing the stencils.
Here's some bling pictures to finish off the thread. Now the backglass is the OLD backglass that won't be used in the game. The owner has a REPRO glass that is going into this game when he picks it up. I didn't want a brand new glass in the garage ! So disregarding the installed backglass.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20410.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20422.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20429.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20416.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20417.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20418.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20413.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20414.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Eight%20Ball/Eight%20Ball%20436.JPG)
Now on to a FATHOM !
:D
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Looks great Nino, just gorgeous! I've picked up heaps from your restoration threads so thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the next one started!