The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on July 24, 2012, 01:16:30 AM
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Another restoration for a member. My favorite Williams System 6 - "Flash". This is the pinball that was hugely successful for Williams, and the pinball that Bally used to create Skateball and later, Fathom (in my opinion).
This will be a full restoration, except the cabinet will not need to be repainted.
Condition Report
Backglass - 8/10 - Has the typical red faded area that is common to almost every BG I've seen. I will most likely seal the backglass.
Playfield - 8/10 - Hardly any wear. Mainly around inserts, and unfortunately, all the inserts are cupped. Strangely enough, hardly any paint loss, but the inserts are worn.
Cabinet - 7/10 - Structurally is ok except for where the headbox sits on the lower cabinet. This will be addressed.
Electronics - 1/10 - Wiring looms are intact, but not one single board is present.
Before pictures
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/Flash%20001.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20017.JPG)
Apron was stored separately and is in good condition.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20018.JPG)
A lot of dirt and some ball swirl. No major paint loss. Should come up very nice.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20020.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20019.JPG)
Cabinet damage. Will be easily fixed.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20022.JPG)
More dirt. Provided the playfield with a protective coat while stored somewhere for many years *%*
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20035.JPG)
Most parts removed
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20053.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20057.JPG)
First pass - "Nifti in one hand, rag in the other" %.% %.%
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20083.JPG)
Magic Eraser and 3 hours of working on the playfield
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20084.JPG)
Tidied up the inserts with a sharpie, and it looks a whole lot better.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20091.JPG)
Under the playfield
Looks a lot like this ..
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20062.JPG)
Every single moving part is removed, disassembled and then cleaned before being polished. If a part is broken or defective, it is added to a list of parts to order. Many of the parts have seized due to over lubrication. This can be difficult to address. Heres a picture of my work area during this process ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20089.JPG)
All the parts are washed in a solution of hot water and windex. Leave for a few hours. Most of the crap comes off easy. For any really dirty part, drop it in the top / center container. It has degreaser. Let it soak and then clean with a toothbrush. The bottom / center container is metho. This removes the degreaser. Wash with toothbrush and then DRY with a rag. Then drop in in the far right container which is hot water and windex. The part is now clean and free of crap. Drop it in the tumbler for 4-8 hours. This is a filthy job, but if it is not done properly, then it is not done properly..
After the tumbler, check each part and put aside anything that looks remotely worn or damaged. Place these parts in a separate container to remind you to order them from RTBB ^^^
^^^
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Amazing the difference after using the eraser and cleaner, good work ^^^
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Hmm this one looks interesting #@# . I'm looking forward to following this restoration.
How long would you estimate this one will take?
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Hmm this one looks interesting #@# . I'm looking forward to following this restoration.
How long would you estimate this one will take?
Good question - Things will move rapidly once I'm happy with the cabinet repairs, which I "nailed" this afternoon @@^
Just a matter of waiting for paint and glue to dry.
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Mainly focused on the Cabinet of this game over the last week, and I did not want to repair the broken section, but make a new one from scratch. It look a while, but it looks 100% better.
Here's the old and the new
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20101.JPG)
Installed and the section is repainted. Looks heaps better &&
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20103.JPG)
Lock down bar assembly was really bad. There's a really cool paint at Bunnings that I thought I'd try, and it come up looking really good.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20104.JPG)
Siderails and rusted nails. All removed. Siderails regrained and new nails installed.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20102.JPG)
Front door was ok. Needed a bit of straightening. I strip the entire door, and clean, polish and repair or replace.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20109.JPG)
Then it looks like this ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20119.JPG)
The door is REGRAINED - Not polished. None of the machines from this era had polished or buffed doors.
Door in installed and looks much better. Lower cabinet is basically done.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20121.JPG)
Pendulum Tilt looks great in this picture <..>
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20126.JPG)
<.>
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I don't think it will hurt to let people know this machine is for me :D. I'm finding it very exciting to watch this restoration progress and have been checking for updates daily.
It's a great service Nino provides being able to watch the restoration process....very cool I feel like a kid on Christmas eve and it also provides great peice of mind knowing it's being done properly.
Keep up the good work and updates Nino I've wanted one of your machines since I first followed one of your resto threads and I'm looking forward to more of your machines in the future as your new buisiness grows. @@*
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Very nice Nino, the change from the original condition to the restored machine is amazing to see. Really nice ^^^
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I don't think it will hurt to let people know this machine is for me :D. I'm finding it very exciting to watch this restoration progress and have been checking for updates daily.
It's a great service Nino provides being able to watch the restoration process....very cool I feel like a kid on Christmas eve and it also provides great peice of mind knowing it's being done properly.
Keep up the good work and updates Nino I've wanted one of your machines since I first followed one of your resto threads and I'm looking forward to more of your machines in the future as your new buisiness grows. @@*
Congrats you will end up with one real nice flash.
Peter
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Nino, How did you get the lockdown bar assembly looking soooo good. ??
It doesn't look like its restored , it looks like its a newly manufactured assembly.
Did you use wire brush and then a buffer, and if so what grade of buffing compound ?
Everything else looks sensational as well, Im sure your buyer will be well pleased.
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Nino, How did you get the lockdown bar assembly looking soooo good. ??
It doesn't look like its restored , it looks like its a newly manufactured assembly.
Did you use wire brush and then a buffer, and if so what grade of buffing compound ?
Everything else looks sensational as well, Im sure your buyer will be well pleased.
I knew someone would pick that up, and I'm glad you did. The lock down bar assembly was badly corroded, but after removing the rust and filth, it was in fairly good condition, but it didn't look good. I was thinking of having it zinc plated, but that would cost half the price of a new assembly. I had seen the Rustguard range of White Knight paints. They also make the Hammered paint I use for Stern and 60's Bally doors. I bought "all purpose primer" and "structural steel". The results were amazing, and I only needed two thin coats. I didn't need the primer in the end. So the Lock Down Bar assembly was repainted using the "structural steel" paint - but it need to be used outside, as this paint sticks to everything. It is really thick. The "all purpose primer" and "super chrome" were used for the rear chrome plated part that sits below the backglass channel. That was corroded, and clearly visible. So this is where I used the "all purpose primer" and "super chrome". Really pleasing results.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20128.JPG)
The head / backglass surround required some touch up work, so I repainted that as well. I tend to do this on all games.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20127.JPG)
On to the playfield !
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Thanks for the tips on the paint you used. I will try this myself.
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On to the playfield. It was cleaned earlier on, but it is time for a polish and wax. Here's the results after a high polish and three coats of wax ;
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20133.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20134.JPG)
Drop Targets - My pet hate of Williams SS machines. Always problematic. Whenever there is a problem with a drop target assembly, its time to rebuild them completely. When buying a reconditioned or restored Williams game, you can tell if the job was done properly JUST by looking at the Drop Target Assembly. It is a time consuming process, but well worth it.
Here's a gummed up (lubricated) set of drop targets. Just filthy.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20136.JPG)
The process is to clean them with degreaser, then Metho, then scotchbrite and Nifti. They come out looking new. A fresh set of target decals and new coil sleeves and they look and WORK like new !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20140.JPG)
Next Update - Total rebuild of lower playfield.
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the effort that go into pinball restoration is unbelievable. I can see many long and tedious hours of work here. keep up the hard work Nino. It's good to show people the process involved in restoring these old girls and it's all worth it in the end.
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Nice work,, the playfeild looks awesome ^^^
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Nice work,, the playfeild looks awesome ^^^
X2 ^^^
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Looks FANTASTIC and I have to say, when I started work in the amusement industry this was one of my favorite machines - in fact, Williams machines of that era were by far and away the best playing games.
What are you doing for boards Nino? You mentioned that the machine had none?
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Looks FANTASTIC and I have to say, when I started work in the amusement industry this was one of my favorite machines - in fact, Williams machines of that era were by far and away the best playing games.
What are you doing for boards Nino? You mentioned that the machine had none?
I have a box of SYS 4/6 boards from the old days. Labels on the boards are "Laser Ball", "Disco Fever" and "Phoenix". I have a few Displays and the rest of the boards except a good MPU board. The MPU board is in really bad shape. I've already contacted Ken (Skybeaux) for one of his repaired and tested MPU boards to slot straight into the machine. Gavin (Retropin) sent me a Master display driver board as a spare, so I'm hoping to make one out of three.
I was thinking the other day if you would be making a replacements MPU, as there are no repros ? The Rottendog is expensive, but covers the MPU AND Driver board. I think a repro MPU board would be a great idea,
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Looks FANTASTIC and I have to say, when I started work in the amusement industry this was one of my favorite machines - in fact, Williams machines of that era were by far and away the best playing games.
What are you doing for boards Nino? You mentioned that the machine had none?
I was thinking the other day if you would be making a replacements MPU, as there are no repros ? The Rottendog is expensive, but covers the MPU AND Driver board. I think a repro MPU board would be a great idea,
I am looking 'seriously' at it - I have one here that I bought a while back from the USA as a guide - watch this space I guess.…....it would mean that I would have to buy a machine from this era as I don't have one - I suppose that's as good an excuse as any... #*#
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This may be the dumbest question I have asked, but what about the Kohout Enterprises (pinballpcb.com) MPU board.
Is there something wrong with this that I am unaware of?
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This may be the dumbest question I have asked, but what about the Kohout Enterprises (pinballpcb.com) MPU board.
Is there something wrong with this that I am unaware of?
As far as I am aware they are OK - just that they are on the other side of the world - about $60 postage away.... *%*
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No worries, It would be great if they were made here! %$%
I probably misread the thread but I thought Nino was asking if a MPU only board was available as opposed to the Rottendog all in one board.
Cheers
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This may be the dumbest question I have asked, but what about the Kohout Enterprises (pinballpcb.com) MPU board.
Is there something wrong with this that I am unaware of?
I didn't think of that at all - I didn't know they made Williams CPU boards etc. I had bought their alphanumeric displays, and they are great. I asked Ken as I have dealt with him in the past and if he didn't have a board I was going to ask Beaky. I try to buy from the local guys. Williams boards are not really my thing. It it was a Bally, I'd be all over the repairs.
Mike - They do refund the postage sometimes. Last time I bought I thought the postage was steep and then I had a partial refund in my paypal account !
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Underside of playfield has been done. New flipper kits for the lower flippers (inc advanced EOS) and new plunger/link, bushing and coil stop for the upper flipper. I replaced around a dozen globe sockets as they were either corroded or loose. All the wiring, switches etc have been cleaned. Looks much better.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20147.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20146.JPG)
Not far to go now. Reassembly of the topside is next.
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WOW! That looks like it's a brand NEW playfield! Very well done.
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Looks like fun! I've got a Flash boardset on the bench right now. Amazing how much work is required to make a set of boards from this era of machine 'bulletproof' - Always enjoy watching your restores! Very few people do work to this level!
Metho is a type of alcohol, correct? I think they call it denatured alcohol over here in the states, and I might even have a container of it in my shop!
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Looks like fun! I've got a Flash boardset on the bench right now. Amazing how much work is required to make a set of boards from this era of machine 'bulletproof' - Always enjoy watching your restores! Very few people do work to this level!
Metho is a type of alcohol, correct? I think they call it denatured alcohol over here in the states, and I might even have a container of it in my shop!
That's right John.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol)
I use it to remove the residue left over from the degreaser, but it has heaps of other applications.
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Based on the amount of work you get done on a machine in the timeframe I must conclude you have a troupe of pixies to help with the work. Awesome work you do!
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Looks like fun! I've got a Flash boardset on the bench right now. Amazing how much work is required to make a set of boards from this era of machine 'bulletproof' - Always enjoy watching your restores! Very few people do work to this level!
Metho is a type of alcohol, correct? I think they call it denatured alcohol over here in the states, and I might even have a container of it in my shop!
Our stuff isnt purple in Aus... it is in UK to prevent people from drinking it as it makes you vomit. Not sure if it has an additive in US or not, but the purple dye leaves residue whereas straight Methylated Spirits doesnt
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New flipper kits for the lower flippers (inc advanced EOS)
nino,how does this work,benefit etc.and where do i buy the parts for the "advanced EOS"
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Isopropyl Alcohol is 'medical grade' metho and available pretty well anywhere.......probably at the drug store in the USA or from the Chemist in Australia... %.%
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Playfield quick update.
Coming together very nicely. Very pleased with it. I'm off to finish off the Driver board and Power Supply.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20149.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20150.JPG)
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New flipper kits for the lower flippers (inc advanced EOS)
nino,how does this work,benefit etc.and where do i buy the parts for the "advanced EOS"
Sorry for the late reply - Greg's site was down, so I could not point you to the parts numbers.
Here is the Advanced EOS - which includes and EOS. Handy thing is that the standard EOS will be in the flipper rebuild kit, so you can save one of the pair for the upper flipper and use this complete set ;
http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1245 (http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1245)
The flipper kit is not currently on Greg's site - You might need to check with him.
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This is looking really nice. Great work Nino keep it up. ^^^
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Forgive the pun but its Going to be Lightning Fast ,,, Nice work ^^^
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On the home stretch. MPU board from Ken is installed with the original Driver board and power supply boards which I have rebuilt. I've added the two fuses for the solenoids and lamp matrix. Displays and master display are working fine. I replaced some of the connectors and headers. The switch matrix connectors are always a pain, so I've repinned them as well.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20158.JPG)
I have had strange problems with the sound board which were due to the original boards not having the mods done with the 10k, 47K resistors and the bridge between pin 39 and 40 of the PIA. Seems to be much better now !
The backglass needs a little touch up work done. First I have to seal with with triple thick. It looks like the previous owner has attempted this is some sections. Here's the glass after triple thick.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20157.JPG)
The apron was a mess. So I have repainted it and installed an apron decal from pinball rescue. I gave the apron a clearcoat after applying the decal.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20156.JPG)
I had a few games on it today - and apart from minor adjustments, it works very well. Looks great as well !
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20167.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20170.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20169.JPG)
Never ceases to amaze me. Flash plays more like a Bally of it's era, and not a Williams. Underrated game ! Nearly done ^^^
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Wow nice job. Love the neat wiring. Looks great.
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The second last pic of the upper playfield all lit up looks like a new machine.The way this machine looks now to what it looked like a short time ago is amazing. Great work Nino this Flash will be muched loved in it's new home.
A lot of people bag the artwork and I can understand that it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but looking at the playfield all shiney and new i'm really loving it fits the theme and the era well IMO.
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Great work as usual Nino, playfield looks sweet as!! ^^^
Looking forward to seeing the backglass after you do the touchups, still it looks a LOT better already than my own Flash backglass which is pretty ordinary, and needs pretty extensive work.
Will get back onto my own Flash soon as i finish Pinball Pool (and soon as i find time to do it all.. too busy working on other people's games) :D
Are new plastics available for Flash? the reds are faded in mine and i'd like to replace them if i can get them *%*
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That is an absolute credit to you, top job. Do you mind if I ask about the process for re-graining the coin door. It looks fantastic.
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Very nice ^^^
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Great work as usual Nino, playfield looks sweet as!! ^^^
Looking forward to seeing the backglass after you do the touchups, still it looks a LOT better already than my own Flash backglass which is pretty ordinary, and needs pretty extensive work.
Will get back onto my own Flash soon as i finish Pinball Pool (and soon as i find time to do it all.. too busy working on other people's games) :D
Are new plastics available for Flash? the reds are faded in mine and i'd like to replace them if i can get them *%*
The artwork on Flash is really eye catching. All the Flash machines I've restored have scrubbed up really well. I guess there is some luck involved, as I've seen some very tired and worn Flash games over the journey. They were VERY popular back in their heyday. Their only downside was reliability. A lot more work goes into Williams games as compared with Bally's of the same era. As far as I know there are no plastics, but given that there are still many Flash games in collections, I think CPR would be looking at a playfied / plastic / backglass combo. Can't go wrong with this game.
That is an absolute credit to you, top job. Do you mind if I ask about the process for re-graining the coin door. It looks fantastic.
The door has to be completely stripped and straightened (if it is bent). If it has a lot of scratches, I use 120 wet / dry sandpaper with Windex. The key is to be firm but the up / down sanding motion must be straight, or your new grain lines will be bent. After 120 wet / dry, I move to 180 wet / dry with windex. That's about it. Simply sand in straight lines and then rinse with water and dry. These doors were not "highly polished", they were grained from factory. It is easy to do doors and siderails in this manner.
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Curious how the CPU works with the RAM chip at IC13 missing? Is there some sort of Sys 6 mod I'm not aware of?
I have 2 waiting for me on the bench, so I'm curious.
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Machine really looks great Nino ^^^
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Curious how the CPU works with the RAM chip at IC13 missing? Is there some sort of Sys 6 mod I'm not aware of?
I have 2 waiting for me on the bench, so I'm curious.
You use a 6802 processor , remove jumper J1 and install a 4.7K resistor at R4.
This enables the 6802's internal ram and you don't need the 6810 at ic13 anymore.
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Looks great, I've only seen these with blue posts. Did Williams release them with red posts as well or were these changed over the years?
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Thanks for the info Nino, I will give it a shot and see how I go.
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Curious how the CPU works with the RAM chip at IC13 missing? Is there some sort of Sys 6 mod I'm not aware of?
I have 2 waiting for me on the bench, so I'm curious.
You use a 6802 processor , remove jumper J1 and install a 4.7K resistor at R4.
This enables the 6802's internal ram and you don't need the 6810 at ic13 anymore.
Good info, thanks :) I will remember this!
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Great work there Nino. The braiding under the playfield, is it difficult to source? I have never seen it on any supplier sites. Where do you get yours from?
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I was not happy with the black area of the headbox on both sides. So I masked off the white and red areas and repainted. I also touched up areas with my airbrush.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20174.JPG)
Backglass is finished and the touch ups are an improvement.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20181.JPG)
Apron cards done and I spent some time tuning the game and testing everything 100% before the new owner picks up the machine.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20175.JPG)
Spinner art is printed (thanks Wotto !). Looks great on the game.
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20178.JPG)
The game is finished and plays 100% ( as it should ). The owner should be pleased &&
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20187.JPG)
(http://aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Flash/flash%20184.JPG)
The correct legs are cleaned, polished and installed. I see too many of these machines with the incorrect legs, or the EM style 28 1/2 inch Williams legs with the broader top. New leg levellers and bolts and were are done !
The game should give Tim years of trouble free enjoyment. Might have to adjust the tilt to be a little more liberal %.%
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Well she's home ^^^ and as you can see she looks very happy next to her new brother and sister.
Big thanks Nino it's above and beyond my expectations. Plays like it would have when it first came out of the box 30 plus years ago. I have adjusted the tilt a little and as you can see from the pic I have installed a custom topper. The high score you put in it whilst testing is already gone.
Nothing to do now but enjoy.
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Looks great in your line-up Tim and I'm pleased it has gone to a good home. Remind me to pop by for a six month service so I can play the BK2000 !
I guess you are now in the market for a "Bad Cats" as you already have the topper on the Flash *%*
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Congrats on a great machine she looks awesome nice work Nino
Peter
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Absolutely fantastic job Nino .... my all time favourite machine! It has come up beautifully. I would love to find another Flash one day and try my hand at restoring. Good job and nice pics.
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Absolutely fantastic job Nino .... my all time favourite machine! It has come up beautifully. I would love to find another Flash one day and try my hand at restoring. Good job and nice pics.
That's what I like to hear ! The main reason I've documented and posted my restores is so that members can "have a go" at restoring their own games. It WILL become an addiction !
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What did you use with the magic eraser to clean the playfield?
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What did you use with the magic eraser to clean the playfield?
isopropyl alcohol - Available at Bunnings. I also use "Servisol" from Jaycar (NA-1067). It is in a pressure pack, but better value for money. Always spray on the Magic Eraser and not the playfield !
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Stunning looking Restoration Nino ^^^