The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on February 04, 2014, 10:13:09 AM
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I am a bit behind on my restorations, but here's a game I've recently started. One of my favorite SYS1 Machines that is popular with collections, but does not receive the same recognition as Joker Poker or Genie (Genie is also on the floor for a restoration). It is being restored for a Collector on AP, and it is a game I imported several years ago. As with most of my games, it was "hand picked" and is in very good condition to start with.
Condition Report
Cabinet - 8/10 - Typical fade, but no structural issues. Very pleased with the cabinet. Backglass is the best I've seen on a Sinbad. They are always either severely faded, or have paint lift/cracking.
Playfield - 8/10 - Dirty. No planking, but lots of ball swirl. Minimal Insert wear. Hardy any wear at all except a small section in front of the flippers
Electrical / Electronic - 8/10 - Boards won't be an issue. A PASCAL 4 in 1 has arrived and will be installed. Lots of re pinning, but no board repairs.
BEFORE pictures
A VERY solid base for a restoration
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20006.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20002.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20003.JPG)
Stunning backglass - Best I've seen on a Sinbad
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20005.JPG)
Teardown and cabinet cleaning
The playfield is disassembled very quickly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20040.JPG)
Filthy lower cabinet
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20048.JPG)
Flippers look to be in reasonable condition. But they will have flipper kits installed so they work perfectly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20024.JPG)
Cabinet is vacuumed and cleaned from top to bottom
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20054.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20056.JPG)
All mechanisms will be rebuilt
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20060.JPG)
Transformer Board
I get asked a lot about the power train for SS machines that are bought as "projects", and the re-configuration to Australian standards. I ALWAYS replace the EMI Filter on ALL SS games - regardless of their country of origin. Fuse holders are checked and I discard old fuses. New power cable is installed. I remove the wiring to the service outlet. Here's the process in pictures ;
The original Transformer board
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20044.JPG)
The old EMI Filter and service outlet
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20069.JPG)
I remove all components and check everything. I then clean all the parts and the bottom panel. I laminate any reference cards
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20073.JPG)
Finished transformer board. All that is left is to test the output voltages and check the connectors.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20074.JPG)
Straight away I know there is a lot to do with the connectors, without even looking at the boards. Corrosion and broken pins need to be addressed. The trend is to replace only the visibly broken or corroded pins, but once I see a couple of pins, then all pins have to be done. In some cases, I replace the entire connector.
In the pictures below, there's only ONE affected pin - The YELLOW wire. Right ?
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20077.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20078.JPG)
On further inspection, the next two I pulled out were broken. Not visible until I removed them
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20081.JPG)
ALL pins are replaced
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20082.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20083.JPG)
This process will most likely have to be done to all connectors !
^^^
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Nice machine
Where do you get your emi filters from Nino?
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That Sinbad looks in pretty good nick already.
Good thought with the laminating of reference cards. I just tidied up my transformer board recently and thought they looked pretty fragile, I might have to pick them off again and do the same.
Can I ask the reason for replacing the EMI filter regardless? I replaced all the fuse holders on mine since they just looked dodgy after so long, but can the filters fail/become unreliable over time too?
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Love the system 1 games and this ones a ripper. Actually Sinbad really is one of my favourite games from any era and probably the best fun game to play multi player with (IMO). Never a long game and every time you think you have it all worked out you are quickly humbled again.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this restoration take shape. Thanks for sharing Nino.
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Nice work Nino, what process did you do to clean up the transformer wood panel, keeping the original stampings/info tags stapled on ()
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That BG is very, very nice! Alot of original colour still there.
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Nice machine
Where do you get your emi filters from Nino?
https://www.rockby.com.au/SearchresSql_12.cfm?select=14&subcode=7 (https://www.rockby.com.au/SearchresSql_12.cfm?select=14&subcode=7)
I buy in bulk. Freight is very good.
That Sinbad looks in pretty good nick already.
Good thought with the laminating of reference cards. I just tidied up my transformer board recently and thought they looked pretty fragile, I might have to pick them off again and do the same.
Can I ask the reason for replacing the EMI filter regardless? I replaced all the fuse holders on mine since they just looked dodgy after so long, but can the filters fail/become unreliable over time too?
I replace the filters because things get very ugly, smokey and smelly if they perish. I had a project game fired up for the first time in years and the "explosion" was not a pleasant experience ! The way I see it (for games of this vintage), it is an easy step to follow if I'm replacing the power cable and the Varistor - especially from USA machines.
Nice work Nino, what process did you do to clean up the transformer wood panel, keeping the original stampings/info tags stapled on ()
I removed the tags, cleaned them with a dry rag and then laminated them. The wood panel was cleaned with a dry rag and then I used the compressor to blow out the dirt. Finally I used some sandpaper to achieve the original look.
^^^
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Love this game, it was one I chased during my system 1 days, but never scored a decent one. This one is going to look a treat!
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Cheers for the reply and advice.
I noticed also that you desoldered the 2 wires to the service outlet. Is that a necessity or was it just to tidy things up since it's not useable anyhow?
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Cheers for the reply and advice.
I noticed also that you desoldered the 2 wires to the service outlet. Is that a necessity or was it just to tidy things up since it's not useable anyhow?
Exactly. It is a 110V Outlet and it is no longer required, so I cut the wires.
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What a fun game Sinbad is Its another from my past
It will be a reliable game for a lucky member
I will be looking fwd to the Genie resto Howzat
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I will be looking fwd to the Genie resto
+1 same here #@# How far off is a resto thread on that one Nino?
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looks excellent Nino, did you run new wires as well or just cut the cable ties and wipe them? Your restorations are always very inspiring.
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I will be looking fwd to the Genie resto
+1 same here #@# How far off is a resto thread on that one Nino?
I have started Genie, but not documented it as yet due to the fact that I'm preparing the playfield for clearcoat ahead of the rest of the game. But it is next in the "High End Restoration" queue.
looks excellent Nino, did you run new wires as well or just cut the cable ties and wipe them? Your restorations are always very inspiring.
I simply cleaned the wires and then used the compressor to blow out any dirt / water.
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Stripping under the playfield I noticed that it was in very good condition, but had a couple of parts that were corroded / rusted - but this was not common throughout the machine. Strange. So it will be removed and replaced.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20095.JPG)
Topside, I've cleared it using Nifti and then Magic eraser and alcohol. I then polish it using Novus and then finally several coats of wax. I then go over the insert borders. Straight forward for a game like this that will have no touch up work done as it really does not need it.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20096.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20098.JPG)
The original boards are intact, but need work. The MPU is beyond repair. Power supply has been used for parts. The driver board looks OK. These will be replaced with a PASCAL PI-1X4.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20100.JPG)
I've completely stripped the head and cleaned / polished / tumbled the parts. Reassemble and it looks much better already.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20108.JPG)
Even the headbox Hinges are removed and polished.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20112.JPG)
Reassembled and ready to test the displays.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20113.JPG)
I do my own "in house" Zinc Plating for smaller parts, and I've got the process working well for me. I even started mucking around with the legbolts !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20114.JPG)
Flippers were in good condition. After stripping them, it told a different story !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20116.JPG)
Rebuilt with new flipper kits
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20134.JPG)
New posts, globes, lane guides - No shortcuts.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20140.JPG)
The Drop Target Assemblies are stripped, cleaned and rebuilt - Does not take that long to do and makes a huge difference to the game.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20142.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20148.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20149.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20153.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20154.JPG)
Next - The Pascal board and testing !
:D
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Wow, that playfield looks sensational!
Great game.
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one of the best sys 1.. great rule set..great shots...bloody hard twin flippers but with good power. Its looking good Nino
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Niño, love the drop target cleanup. If you have to replace the springs whose and what ones do you use please?
I have 20 of them to do on my 2001 and have no idea which ones or where to buy.
Cheers Andy
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That Zinc Plating looks GORGEOUS. I'm all jealous now. Care to share some info at some point on your setup for that?
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Great work Nino, I recently played one of your restores, I think it was called Pro Football, it was one of the best EM's that I have ever played.
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Niño, love the drop target cleanup. If you have to replace the springs whose and what ones do you use please?
I have 20 of them to do on my 2001 and have no idea which ones or where to buy.
Cheers Andy
The springs rarely need to be replaced. If they are missing, rusted or broken then the part number would be (out of my 1982 SYS1 parts manual) ;
A-18995 for the spring that is located on the DT
A-517 for the spring located on the bottom panel that connects to the trigger
That Zinc Plating looks GORGEOUS. I'm all jealous now. Care to share some info at some point on your setup for that?
http://www.janekits.com.au/mainframe.php (http://www.janekits.com.au/mainframe.php)
I started using their Zinc plating kit a few years ago after losing too many small parts at a professional plating shop. I still take the large parts that don't fit in my plating bath. The smaller parts, I do in the garage. It takes a lot of organization and patience. But now I can do 3 days work in half a day after working out my routine. Smaller parts are easy. Large parts still go to the plater shop.
Great work Nino, I recently played one of your restores, I think it was called Pro Football, it was one of the best EM's that I have ever played.
Thanks for the kind words. If it was Mark's Pro Football in Queensland, then you played the game I restored. I put a lot into that game and loved working on it. It went to a good home ! I tried emailing Mark last week but the email bounced as it has been a long time since we last emailed.
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I forgot to order the NEW plastics set from PBR on my last order - so I had to sit and wait for a week. In the meantime, I played the game, checking everything worked and sorting out any small issues. While waiting, I sealed the backglass with Krylon Triple Thick ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20157.JPG)
Then I installed the plastics set and started to play the game !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20160.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20161.JPG)
It plays very well and is quite addictive. The Pascal board has been installed and the relevant connector and pins are replaced. This board is a brilliant product !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20171.JPG)
Backboard looks great and all the displays were recharged and work perfectly.
So now the game will be played for a day or two simply to ensure any niggling issues occur at my place and not the new owner's !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20172.JPG)
Next update will be the bling pictures - But today was CRAP - so I could not take any !
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It's come up beautifully Nino. @@*
Your attention to detail really shows in those pictures, the new owner is going to be absolutely stoked.
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How did you recharge the displays?
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How did you recharge the displays?
Taken from Clay's Pinrepair guide.
Recharging System1/System80 Score Displays.
The six digit blue Futaba score displays used on System1 and System80 games are
identical and interchangable. But often the displays will fade over time, eventually
not working at all. There may not be any problems with the display circuits
themselves, but instead there may be oxidation on the display glass filiment wires.
There is a trick to burn this oxidation off the filiment wires, making the displays work
like brand new (there is a limited number of times you can do this though, the law of
diminishing returns does apply).
First turn the game off and remove one of the 6-digit score displays. Then take a
pair of jumper wires, and connect them to the front door coin lock-out coil lugs (24
volts DC). Next attach the aligator clips to the outside most pins of the score
display (it does not matter which gets ground). Now turn the game on for 3 to 5
seconds, then immediately turn the game off. While the game is on, the thin
horizontal filiment wires in the score display glass will glow. This burns the oxidation
off the filiment wires.
WARNING: Do not leave the power to the display for more than 5 seconds, or you
could burn a filiment wire ruining the display! Also do not use coil voltage to recharge
the 4-digit ball/credit display. If you need to recharge a 4-digit ball/credit display,
use 8 to 12 volts DC instead. I have even heard of some people using a 9 volt
battery to do this.
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Nice job again Nino. You are right about that backglass - it is in great condition.
Sinbad only seems to receive the accolades it deserves from those that have played or own the machine. I bought one a while ago that I planned to get going and flip but once I started playing the machine I was hooked. It is one of the best Sys 1 and all round drop target machines ever made.
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Sinbad Completed !
After testing the game for a couple of days, it is ready to pack and send interstate to its new owner. I didn't take the usual "bling" photos as I've been flat out and the weather has been average.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20174.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20175.JPG)
A note about the apron - it is original. Very rare to find a game that does not need a new apron decal. Ironically, there is no Apron decal for Sinbad !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20185.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20187.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20200.JPG)
Note I include a NEW manual for the new owner. I absolutely hate the idea of removing them from the games and selling them on eBay. So I buy a new manual if there is not one in the machine (if it is available).
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20179.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20202.JPG)
It is already packed and will be going next week.
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Hi Nino, I went halves with a friend and bought the Sinbad on Ebay last weekend. It has a lovely backglass with a few blemishes. The blue windows for the score displays are badly messed up, though. Are you willing to share what you do to fix this, if you do anything at all?
Cheers, onetaste
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Sinbad2/Sinbad%20157.JPG)
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/ubezu3un.jpg)
Here is a photo of the actual problem.
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Hi Nino, I went halves with a friend and bought the Sinbad on Ebay last weekend. It has a lovely backglass with a few blemishes. The blue windows for the score displays are badly messed up, though. Are you willing to share what you do to fix this, if you do anything at all?
Hi mate, welcome to Aussie pinball. There's lots of good people here who will help out with advise to get your machine looking and playing the best it can. There's also another section to post in for repairs and problems where people will find any of your technical issues quicker.
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?board=30.0 You'll learn a lot from reading other peoples problems and the solutions here also. Particularly for system 1 machines like yours ( great game by the way)
This link will answer a few questions on your blue windows for you http://www.pinballpal.com/products/gdisplay/
^^^
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I didn't require the pinball score window fix as this game has a very good backglass, and I seldom replace them unless they are very crazed. As Adam (Crashramp) pointed out, the replacements are available here -
http://www.pinballpal.com/products/gdisplay/ (http://www.pinballpal.com/products/gdisplay/)
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just goes to show how good an old playfield can come up,no need for clear coating. You can't beat experience. The game looks fantastic.
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That came up very nice mate, amazing the PF and backglass were in such fantastic condition after all these years ^^^
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Once again Nino, what an excellent looking example ^^^
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Nino
Can i ask where you get brand new Siamese posts for the spinner and a new spinner from?
These items are almost impossible to find.
I'm thinking of making a blue sword sticker and applying it to a freshly painted spinner instead....
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Nino
Can i ask where you get brand new Siamese posts for the spinner and a new spinner from?
These items are almost impossible to find.
I'm thinking of making a blue sword sticker and applying it to a freshly painted spinner instead....
Pinball Resource have the spinner, but not the Siamese posts. They used to have the Siamese posts, but they don't stock them any longer.
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Yea they didn't have the spinner in stock either when we ordered.
What do you do for Siamese posts as an alternative? I have completely restored my Sinbad playfield and can't bare to look at yellow posts and a shitty spinner, lol
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Yea they didn't have the spinner in stock either when we ordered.
What do you do for Siamese posts as an alternative? I have completely restored my Sinbad playfield and can't bare to look at yellow posts and a shitty spinner, lol
Might be a job for the 3d printer??
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Possibly, could you model the posts in 3d?
I wouldnt mind taking a look at that printer of yours
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thx for the link, crashramp, we'll chase these down.
cheers, onetaste
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thx for the link, crashramp, we'll chase these down.
cheers, onetaste
No worries Greg, Good luck with the restoration. You guys sound like your going all out with this game, I'm sure it'll be great when it's all done.
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/18/yja9avar.jpg)
End result, all new plastics, posts, globes, flipper rebuilds, pop bumper skirts and caps, even a new playfield glass...
Only missing parts are Siamese posts and spinner...
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Yeah i had the same drama trying to find spinner unfortunately
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Just try to fabricate the sword and the Aladdin guy onto decals and away she goes.
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The spinner was available from Pinball Resource a few years ago.
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The spinner was available from Pinball Resource a few years ago.
Wasn't available when i placed an order a couple months back.