The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Mr Pinbologist on July 26, 2016, 08:13:09 PM

Title: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on July 26, 2016, 08:13:09 PM
Hi guys, here's another resto i've been working on for a client from the Central Coast NSW (Umina Beach).

The owner of this F14 Tomcat contacted me thru my Facebook business page a little over a year ago wanting a total restore on his game that he bought from a mate of his. At the time i was up to my arse in tonyt's Ali resto as well as a couple of others (Buccaneer and a Card Whiz), so i was a little reluctant to take on anything else.

Anyway to cut a long story short, i agreed to let him bring the game up to me so long as he understood i couldn't start on it straight away which he accepted.

Time for some pics; game as received;

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0001_zpsz9spihsr.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0002_zpsfdpnpoef.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0003_zpsqqmx5c3w.jpg)



Right hand side... YIKES!!!! What a mess!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0004_zpsdtp8qvqm.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0005_zpsjdlitw9v.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0006_zpspchsjofp.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0007_zpso9pnvkq6.jpg)



Playfield; at first glance looked not too bad but had some mylar lifting over the inserts and lifting at a few of its edges.
Also some fading of the reds..

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0008_zpsyle4wlxh.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0009_zpsxcivammc.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0010_zpscqjzhj5l.jpg)


Upper flipper parts missing  *!@

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0011_zpsixshx6lp.jpg)



And some hackery of some of the under playfield boards!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0012_zpsryzdgep1.jpg)


It became obvious early in the piece i'd have my work cut out for me  :D



Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on July 26, 2016, 08:45:06 PM
I started with the cabinet, regluing delaminated ply and loose corners etc

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0013_zpswjklfuir.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0014_zps6xaurk3n.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0015_zpsiwtmc8vl.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0016_zpslwgrpfmz.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0017_zpsmyj5szwh.jpg)



I'd already decided i was going to use decals to re-do the cab art, i had them made by a local sign printer company
Here are the two cab sides;

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0018_zpswbvb5idx.jpg)



Bottom panel was replaced, it was originally chipboard and was in a pretty sorry state.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0019_zpsyvzix2tb.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0020_zpsdmw52se3.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0021_zpstovmobjm.jpg)



Cab corners where the legs bolt on were cactus so i routed out the rotted sections and inlaid new ply.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0022_zpsuvqjbkjw.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0023_zpsli5mcgsy.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0024_zpsdplwu1e4.jpg)



Primer coats done, this step had to be repeated several times due to the condition of the cab rhs (primer/spot putty/more primer etc)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0025_zpsc2arpdvr.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0028_zpspmzd1lsl.jpg)



Since i used MDF to replace the bottom, and that i would be applying the decals using the soapy water method, i sealed the bottom with Cabots polyeurthane clear.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0029_zpsq1k6cbch.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0030_zps5pvbgu2s.jpg)



I'd already primed the backbox then found MORE delaminating ply that i had to reglue ^&^

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0031_zpsysqmgok2.jpg)



Back Panel and cab edges sprayed with matt black acrylic to match the decal finish.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0032_zps7qhhysva.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0033_zps4hbwnn9s.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0034_zps74s0xxz7.jpg)



Backbox warning test was preserved rather than replaced with a decal, i masked off the text with frisket and sprayed the back in matt black.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0035_zps98avor8j.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0036_zpsoeyos1qz.jpg)



I sprayed a matt clear over the back of the backbox to seal in the text and touchups i had to do on the text.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0051_zpss6xa22yd.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0052_zpsct8vrhcx.jpg)



End results of the decals after application.

This was my first attempt at doing cab decals, and i was shitting broken glass at the thought of things going wrong, but with some help from my brother it all went pretty well!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0053_zpsrlydm195.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0054_zpsoupyr7wf.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0055_zpsy7bvzrhu.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0056_zps8e3vxlio.jpg)

Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: swinks on July 26, 2016, 08:58:06 PM
top work mate, looks great
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: DSB on July 26, 2016, 09:57:24 PM
What an improvement. That's a lot of work you've put in to the cabinet.
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: 4_amusement_only on July 26, 2016, 11:57:58 PM
Great stuff - a heap of prep work there
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Strangeways on July 27, 2016, 09:17:55 AM
Thats a massive amount of work. I absolutely detest laminating timber. You think you have it all done and 2 days later - raised timber. However, you have done really well - craftsman standards - without a doubt. I'll be following this restoration with interest as I have three to do in the next few years, and I enjoy playing this title alot !

Well done so far - and if you need anything game specific - just drop me a PM. RTBB has the plastic set and we are looking at other items. The Clear and Blue domes should be here soon.
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on July 27, 2016, 09:28:44 AM
Thanks for the kind words guys  ^^^ ^^^

Thats a massive amount of work. I absolutely detest laminating timber. You think you have it all done and 2 days later - raised timber. However, you have done really well - craftsman standards - without a doubt. I'll be following this restoration with interest as I have three to do in the next few years, and I enjoy playing this title alot !

Well done so far - and if you need anything game specific - just drop me a PM. RTBB has the plastic set and we are looking at other items. The Clear and Blue domes should be here soon.

Thanks Nino, there are a few items i will need to complete the resto, will send a PM  ^^^
I already have the plastics set ready that i bought from you a year ago, (the client was pretty adamant that he wanted new ones).

And yes you are spot on about the delaminating timber, had that happen a few times  ^&^ ^&^
And also splits appearing in the ply after a week was another setback i had. That happened on the back of the cab AFTER i had done the matt black  and i had to redo the back ^.^

But with the good ol' dependable acrylic paints i had it cut out, filled, primed and painted in a day!!

In the end i let this cab sit for a month before i applied the decals to make sure it had all settled properly.
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: goodolddays on July 31, 2016, 11:46:02 AM
Awesome job so far Mitch  ^^^
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: pinnies4me on August 03, 2016, 08:18:50 AM

That is looking awesome!
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on August 13, 2016, 09:50:08 AM
Some more progress pics;

Backbox lamp insert panel repainted and refitted.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0059_zpsqqrztjfp.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0060_zpsitotltm0.jpg)



Boards etc reinstalled back into the backbox.
 
Power supply was recapped and i relocated that battery holder off the MPU board

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0061_zpsljzeh0ks.jpg)



Powered up and checking boards etc.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0063_zpsapoitosy.jpg)



New cab protectors fitted, to protect the decals from damage from the legs.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0064_zpsuakbxieu.jpg)



New legs and bolts. The legs came with new leg levellers (not yet fitted in these pics).

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0068_zpsbgtqkndc.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0066_zpspsedpulp.jpg)


The game is also getting new side rails from Railways Pinball Hadrware, as the originals had a few nasty dents in them.
So after contacting the customer, he is happy to pay a little extra and go with new ones. Should look SWEET with the new rails!!

Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Brettski on August 13, 2016, 12:17:54 PM
Love your work! great attention to detail.. :)

Brettski... :)
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on September 08, 2016, 09:02:12 AM
Time to move onto the playfield;

Playfield being stripped and mylar removed.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0037_zpsg8riti4h.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0038_zpswb2bwxpd.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0039_zpsf4iaoarz.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0042_zpsnwbrnjpt.jpg)



Of course some of the paint came up with the mylar didn't it  ^&^ it could've been a LOT worse i guess. Although nearly ALL of the insert text came off as it usually does!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0043_zpswlh0etf6.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0044_zpsmer46oty.jpg)



I had a few raised inserts that needed to be levelled and reglued.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0046_zpssdsyq6wp.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0047_zpstewny1pz.jpg)



Insert text replaced.. i used waterslide decals for this.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0050_zpsq7vdgs8y.jpg)



Many of the inserts were completely removed and sanded clean before being reinstalled and glued.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0070_zpsnmugvvbu.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0071_zps3ynjotsu.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0072_zpsoudj8beb.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0073_zpsfha2fkcr.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0078_zps81o2p4zo.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0079_zpsaiaw2jaz.jpg)



Someone at some stage had drilled a couple of holes in front of the top rh standup targets  *!@ *!@ just WHY is a bit of a mystery!!
The holes were filled of course!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0077_zps0fu8fdui.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0080_zpsnamu7us9.jpg)



Faded reds being redone, they were masked up and airbrushed after sanding clean and smooth (and filled where needed).
Middle section being redone.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0082_zpsme2qjlnl.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0083_zpsruzq250i.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0084_zpsuegs9af2.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0085_zpsd7vph8zd.jpg)



Lower section being masked up with frisket and airbrushed;

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0089_zpsvvwtpf8r.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0092_zpsevipsguf.jpg)


Touchups completed and mylar applied  $#$

NOW the FUN part can commence.. reassembly!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0095_zpsst7t8wcd.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0096_zpshn66aikz.jpg)















Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: spacejam0 on September 08, 2016, 10:25:49 AM
That's looking very nice. Great work.
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Strangeways on September 11, 2016, 10:19:02 PM
Playfields are always trashed on this game. VERY popular back in the day. Nearly all games I've seen have lots of wear and raised inserts. But it is such a great game !
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on November 08, 2016, 08:51:17 AM
Time for another update;

Coin door repainted and refitted.
I painted this with satin black, then used gloss black for the speckle finish to recreate the original finish as close as could manage.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0110_zpsw67kibwc.jpg)



And new side rails from Railways Pinball Hardware fitted.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0112_zpszinjhdsi.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0113_zpsdcsuf6h9.jpg)



And some playfield assembly progress pics;

Lots of new parts going into this restore...
Bumper body and skirt; crappy old.. and new

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0097_zpsg4itl6pm.jpg)



Bumper switch spoon was totally worn out!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0098_zpsjw4j5jxo.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0099_zpstfr7tl6a.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0101_zpsjtx47lll.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0102_zpstltuy7dz.jpg)



Some work to be done under the playfield;

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0103_zpsilab3xbk.jpg)



Who the f@#k put a Gottlieb in a Williams game  *!@ *!@
This was replaced with the correct coil of course!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0104_zps1bn6apba.jpg)



Stainless guides were all regrained before being refitted.

Some of the standup targets were stuffed as well so they were replaced.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0105_zpskj1ircmy.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0106_zpsuh6mzvhi.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0107_zps1yxaqt89.jpg)



Plastics are brand new (thanks Nino)  ^^^  the plastic posts are brand new too.

Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on November 08, 2016, 08:59:25 AM
Spinner replace, the original one was long gone, someone had fitted an early Stern spinner which was broken so i found another one and made decals to suit.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0115_zps2pg44s2m.jpg)



Assembling the new light domes onto the new plastics.. new plastic and old for comparison.

After my attempts to buy the rivets locally had failed i eventually found them on the PSPA website. I made myself a rivet punch on the lathe to fit them.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0116_zpssmolo5we.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0117_zpswhwaxfsv.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0118_zps3k7li8sc.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0119_zpsha0ylhbc.jpg)



Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on November 08, 2016, 09:10:06 AM
Here is some of the butchery i found under the playfield; this is from one of the kickers in the center playfield!!

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0121_zps0owdh01t.jpg)



New parts on the left, old on the right. Notice the worn old pivot in the middle of the pic; I decided to make new ones up on the lathe to save time, rather than buying new. The new one i machined up is in the bottom left corner of the pic.
\
I did this with the sling kicker pivots as well.. had them all done in a few hours rather than ordering new ones and waiting a week  :D

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0120_zpskd11rsyv.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0123_zps52pflhsu.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0124_zpsli71ddah.jpg)



Assembly nearly complete, testing before installing the playfield back into the cab.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0128_zpsz1luf40z.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0130_zpsacepbf3d.jpg)



Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Strangeways on November 08, 2016, 10:45:39 PM
For a game that was hugely popular back in it's heyday, it is rare to see such a nice game. Playfield looks AMAZING -  ^^^
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Crashramp on November 08, 2016, 11:29:58 PM
 Looking great.   ^^^
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: swinks on November 09, 2016, 03:02:36 PM
looking great, nice workmanship
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on December 05, 2016, 09:04:00 AM
Last update;

Game now done and dusted  $#$

About time too as its has been a bloody nightmare to do

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0135_zpscvvmz7du.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0136_zpstpaimpuo.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0137_zpsl2kttvje.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0138_zpsdvze5fjl.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0139_zpsuhiukcsp.jpg)



I ended up using LEDS for the G.I under the plastics to reduce heat and save wear and tear on power supply/connectors etc.
Looks MUCH betterer  :D

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0141_zps8uit9omv.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0142_zpsmnsnmiwj.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0143_zpspmzbqjuz.jpg)
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Strangeways on December 06, 2016, 10:25:11 AM
Amazing restoration - As always ! Well done  #*#
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on December 06, 2016, 06:50:59 PM
Thanks Nino, and thanks for your help with the topper domes and plastics  ^^^ ^^^

I took the game off the trolley this afternoon while Ian (howzat) was over and we played a few games on it (Ian is my official game tester and play tests every game before it leaves)  :D It has his seal of approval  %.%

It plays FAST!! It was actually TOO fast (and tilted easily) as i had the leg levellers set too steep at the back. After resetting the levellers front and back and adjusting the tilt slightly, it played much better  *%*
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Crashramp on December 06, 2016, 07:11:35 PM
Looks fantastic all lit up, great work.
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: swinks on December 06, 2016, 07:49:47 PM
looks incredible, well done
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: howzat on December 06, 2016, 09:41:49 PM
I had fun testing it today
everthing worked as it should    the owner will love it       Nice job Mitch
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: pinball god on December 10, 2016, 05:38:08 PM
 ^^^
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: goodolddays on December 13, 2016, 06:54:50 PM
Looks FANTASTIC now . Must find one of these to play some time
Title: Re: F14 Tomcat resto
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on December 14, 2016, 09:40:08 AM
Thanks for the kind words guys  ^^^

Some before and after pics just for shits n giggles  :D


BEFORE
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0001_zpsz9spihsr.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0004_zpsdtp8qvqm.jpg)

AFTER
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0135_zpscvvmz7du.jpg)



BEFORE
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0002_zpsfdpnpoef.jpg)

AFTER
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0138_zpsdvze5fjl.jpg)



BEFORE
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0006_zpspchsjofp.jpg)

AFTER
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0136_zpstpaimpuo.jpg)



BEFORE
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0008_zpsyle4wlxh.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/0009_zpsxcivammc.jpg)

AFTER
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0142_zpsmnsnmiwj.jpg)

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k306/mrpinbol/1987%20F14%20TOMCAT/F14%20TOMCAT2/0143_zpspmzbqjuz.jpg)


It is SOOOO good to finally have this one done  *%*

As i said in a previous post it has been a farkin' nightmare job that fought me every step of the way.

Also in all honesty i can say i dont think i ever want to do another one.. especially a playfield.. or ANY Wms playfield for that matter with those inserts!!