The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on February 27, 2019, 10:48:04 PM
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I was going to document the "Free Fall" in the same thread as the "Sky Jump", but due to developments with this restoration, I thought it needed it's own thread. When I say "Developments", I mean aspects of the restoration that change due to components being available whilst the machine is in the queue, or new ideas that come forward. This game is far the same collector as the "Sky Jump", and we always wanted the two games to look "new" - side by side. This is the RARE "add a ball" version of "Sky Jump" - so rare - I think there are only TWO in Australia.
Background
Part of two Gottliebs to be restored at a High Standard.
At the time of obtaining the game, no repro playfield was available, only the original in the game.
Condition
Cabinet - 7/10 - Original paint job. In reasonably good condition.
Backglass - N/A - Owner has a repro.
Playfield - 5/10 - Planking and wear.
Electrical - 8/10 - Great for it's age.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20001_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20005_resize.jpg)
High Score To Date.. No I won't be engraving the high score !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20003_resize.jpg)
One TIRED playfield !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20007_resize.jpg)
Internals not too bad..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20008_resize.jpg)
Stripping the hardware off the cabinet ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20016_resize.jpg)
Original color to match - but it is the same as "Sky Jump" anyway !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20017_resize.jpg)
Webbing was used on "Sky Jump" and "Splatter" on "Free Fall".
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20018_resize.jpg)
Sanded and prepped for primer..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20022_resize.jpg)
Used @Pinball Pimp (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=profile;u=9348) Stencils for this repaint - same as "Sky Jump".
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20033_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20035_resize.jpg)
Well this was all completed LAST YEAR.. Next update is where there are some really COOL developments !
<.>
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Beautiful. I had a Sky Jump when I was about 16. How many hours to get to this point, sanded and repainted ?
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Beautiful. I had a Sky Jump when I was about 16. How many hours to get to this point, sanded and repainted ?
Depends on the condition of the machine and the stencils. This would be a simple job, the stencils are basic. The integrity of the cabinet was good to start off with, so all told - approx 14 hours effort. Most of that time is prep work. Repairing, filling and sanding.
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As referred to earlier and on the "Sky Jump" thread, this game is owned by the same collector. Both these machines must be pristine once restored. Wade Krauss did a run of Repro "Sky Jump" playfields, and the "Sky Jump" will have one of these installed. But that left his machine with an original playfield that would need a serious amount of restoration, which I would have done, but it would have taken a VERY long time. I tried to twist Wade's arm into producing a "Free Fall" playfield, but that did not happen. Time passed, and I contacted Wade about a "seconds Sky Jump" for possible conversion to "Free Fall". That would include some artwork changes and an extra insert.
Geoff from "Pinball Perfection" started doing some work for me and his playfield restoration skills were brilliant. I had already received the "Seconds Sky Jump", and it sat there for quite some time before I asked Geoff's opinion. He took on the job, and cleared both playfields so that they would have EXACTLY the same finish. All I can say is that this photos of the three playfields is "Jaw Dropping" to say the very least ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20020.jpg)
Yes - it is a BIG photo - But it is the only way to truly appreciate the workmanship !
On the Left - The Wade Krauss "Sky Jump" repro "firsts" that has been clearcoated and ready for installation.
In the Middle - The Wade Krauss "Sky Jump" repro "seconds" AFTER conversion to "Free Fall" by Geoff and then cleared.
On the right - The original "Free Fall" playfield.
Photos ;
Cleared "Sky Jump"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20017_resize.jpg)
Cleared "Free Fall"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20018_resize.jpg)
Centre artwork on "Sky Jump "
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20013_resize.jpg)
Centre artwork changed for "Free Fall"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20014_resize.jpg)
RHS Rollover section on "Sky Jump"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20016_resize.jpg)
RHS Section modified for "Free Fall"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20015_resize.jpg)
Side By Side Comparison with the exact same Clearcoat ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Sky%20Jump%20Free%20Fall%20GP%20019_resize.jpg)
As everyone is well aware, restorations are not all about finishing the project as soon as possible. In this type of work, patience is your ally. The way these projects are coming together, is proof. When collectors / customers truly appreciate this type of effort and result, it makes all the waiting time worth it.
Special thanks to Wade and Geoff for making this happen.
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Excellent job. Wade's playfields are second to none.
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That is really awesome, great to see them side by side to appreciate the amount of work that has gone in to changing the artwork for the free fall.
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Very cool to have both these being restored at the same time Nino. The repo and reworked repo play fields are just going to top these games off brilliantly.
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This machine has progressed a fair way since the last update, so it might be a little "erratic", but I won't post everything at once.
The cabinet hardware was next in line and we want the old parts looking as new as possible, so a lot of the work was done re-plating, which as I've mentioned before, I do "in-house". I have the process well advanced than when I started, but it can still be a challenge with some older parts that are too big for the bath. The door is something I like to start with because the skin is available from PBR, so everything on the inside must be perfect !
Here is the inside of the door ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20109_resize.jpg)
The NEW parts from PBR are all set out and ready to install once the inside parts have been plated ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20124_resize.jpg)
The Chimes need a fair bit of work as well !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20111_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20112_resize.jpg)
The Credit Assembly has some rust. These thicker parts are easier to plate and always look great when plated ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20110_resize.jpg)
It is always a challenge doing larger parts, and these coin entry plate brackets are usually rusted, bent or broken. Once I have repaired and straightened then, I plate them at the same time as I had to use a different sized bath ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20127_resize.jpg)
The Lock Down Bar acceptor is an absolute NIGHTMARE to plate. Platers will not touch these as they have moving parts. I managed to plate them myself, which I was VERY pleased with, but they are VERY hard to get right.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20126_resize.jpg)
Chime Box was really easy, although fiddly !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20123_resize.jpg)
Even the plate for the on/off switch is plated !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20129_resize.jpg)
Old VS New Headbolts. Yes, even the washers are replated... The brackets for the headbox as well.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20131_resize.jpg)
.. and a sneak peak of the door..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20125_resize.jpg)
HEAPS more to come... $#$
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Plating looks amazing
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Absolutely inspiring work Nino. Watching what you have done over the years made me go much further on my own restores. I am not in your league by any stretch but, I do try!.
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Absolutely inspiring work Nino. Watching what you have done over the years made me go much further on my own restores. I am not in your league by any stretch but, I do try!.
Thank You for the kind words. I'm documenting a journey, and we all start from humble beginnings. Experience is gained from "having a go" and I find inspiration from watching other pinheads projects. I enjoy sharing my experiences as I want the hobby to continue with as many newbies, and hesitant budding restorers as possible.
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Time to get busy on these longstanding Restorations. The Headbox is next on the "Freefall" and I'm grateful it is a single player game, as siezed scorereel assemblies are not my favorites ! Only one Stepper to rebuild, as this is an "add a ball" that has no credit stepper.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20134_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20136_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20137_resize.jpg)
I never bother powering up project games until I've gone through the resto process. There are always numerous issues I can fix while rebuilding.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20139_resize.jpg)
Interesting Stepper Unit Spring configuration !
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20141_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20142_resize.jpg)
"Slightly" out of adjustment !
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20144_resize.jpg)
Stepper is stripped completely.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20151_resize.jpg)
Rebuilding with the a new set of springs
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20173_resize.jpg)
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Here is the rebuilt Stepper Unit. New coil sleeves are also added and it steps up and resets perfectly.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20203_resize.jpg)
Score Reel Assembles are always fun to rebuild. Rarely is one working perfectly, as they are almost always gummed up !
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20149_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20150_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20154_resize.jpg)
I use a degreaser for the parts except the score reel itself. Then a trip to the ultrasonic which clean off all the "hard to get" grease and dirt. Rarely do I need to replace the springs, but the coil sleeve must be replaced. The score Reel should NEVER go into the ultrasonic. They should be cleaned with a mind water and Nifti solution. NEVER spray direct on them.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20177_resize.jpg)
Clean and polish the Score Reel Housing.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20176_resize.jpg)
Test Fit and solder the wires onto the coils.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20179_resize.jpg)
$#$
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There are a few issues I will need to return to once Pinball Resource start shipping to Australia again. A couple coil stops in the score reels and the EOS on the Score reels plunger are broken off completely.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20201_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20202_resize.jpg)
I'm collating a list, and I will find heaps more smaller items across both games, so I keep moving on...
Light Board needs a clean and a light stray of white just to freshen it up a bit..
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20174_resize.jpg)
Much Better..
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20175_resize.jpg)
.. and a test fit in the WRONG HEAD... Damn, I've labelled EVERYTHING, but I still managed to put the lighbox in the Sky Jump head.... Oh well, I'll swap it over later..
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20198_resize.jpg)
I did a LOT of plating inbetween one of the 567 lockdowns us Victorians have had, so both machines will have zinc plated parts than look "better than new". Within these parts, I did find NOS parts (from Dad's old route days), that were perfect, but needed to be replated in case I need them for either of these two Gottliebs.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20188_resize.jpg)
The only part that I needed Nickel plated was the rear channel. The plater I used to use closed down for over a year, but I finally was able to retrieve these parts. I regrained the Glass Slide, and it came up really nice !
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20185_resize.jpg)
To replace the foam, I use the "target foam" used on various manufacturer's spot targets. Trim to size and install...
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20186_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20187_resize.jpg)
The playfield siderails. These are easy to do, but take time. I remove any guides, sand it down completely and then use Cabot's Carbothane Satin. Available at Bunnings. I use thin and even coats, waiting 4-6 hours between coats. 3-4 coats gives an amazing finish.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20181_resize.jpg)
Before installing the side rails, I wax the playfield - much easier when there is no hardware.
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20191_resize.jpg)
Installed ;
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20192_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20193_resize.jpg)
(http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20195_resize.jpg)
I LOVE the playfield shine - Not glossy.. This clear is faithful to the original Varnish. The siderail and wooden guide look amazing with the shooter lane.
$#$ $#$
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Gorgeous
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Perfection takes time.
FYI my Surf Champ is still going very strong and hasn't missed a beat, even after the West Coast Pinball Festival.
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Sheesh... Been a long time since any of my threads have been updated. So now I have a new PC with photos etc moved across I'll update some of the resto threads, starting with "Free Fall" as it has had a ton of work done to it. Delays have been frustrating, with the shipping and service issues at PBR through the pandemic and post pandemic. But other things were done. This update concentrates on the apron, which is the most recent part of the resto completed (I'll jump back to other sections later). This was frustrating as my paint supplier was closed during the lockdowns, so I tried using rattle cans which was a DISASTER. The regulator on my Compressor crapped itself and the only place I could find a replacement was in the USA. I should have just waited..
Here is the Apron unique to the Add-A-Ball machines ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20206_resize.jpg)
Stripped and prepped for primer ( I used Rustoleum cans from Bunnings )
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20211_resize.jpg)
After 24 Hours, this started happening..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20221_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20222_resize.jpg)
It was a little bit better on the ball arch, but not what I wanted, so I practiced the splatter effect from a can, which I did not like.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20214_resize.jpg)
The Ball Arch does have a Serial number sticker that I wanted to retain. Took an hour to remove it without damaging it !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20217_resize.jpg)
FINALLY the regulator arrived for the compressor, so I stripped the paint again, and used the tried and tested method of painting and it all turned out well.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20278_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20279_resize.jpg)
The next step was to use the (provided) Pinball Rescue Apron Decals.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20288_resize.jpg)
.. only to find the horizontal lines under the cards was not straight..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20289_resize.jpg)
But the Ball Arch came up perfect ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20290_resize.jpg)
Now the question will be - Where is the webbing / splatter ? Well that will be covered soon..
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The Baseboard was completed some time ago. It is stripped, cleaned, polished and then every contact is cleaned and adjusted.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20226_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20229_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20231_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20233_resize.jpg)
The stickers were impossible to remove, but the cards were removed easily as they were stapled.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20241_resize.jpg)
The timber is carefully sanded.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20253_resize.jpg)
Each Component or section is removed, checked and then cleaned. The Transformer in this game is not the factory transformer. But it will do the job.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20245_resize.jpg)
One of the brackets was broken and I had to search for a similar transformer and replace it with that bracket. But I clean and polish the bracket before reassembly.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20244_resize.jpg)
Score Motor is stripped, cleaned and contacts gapped.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20246_resize.jpg)
.. until it looks like this ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20255_resize.jpg)
Huge Difference after reassembly ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20261_resize.jpg)
A New Power cable is installed, and we are ready to test.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20260_resize.jpg)
The Chime Box is finished and looks great. A fair amount of work here. Replated assembly, polished chime bars and chime kit installed.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20257_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20258_resize.jpg)
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Love your work Nino @@*
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Beautiful as always
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Even though it is hard work, I still find Zinc Plating fun to do. It is time consuming, but these days the results I have been able to achieve are "as good" as professionals. I don't lose ports either ! So here are some longer pieces - some that are not even seen (playfield arch area) and the channel for the back door.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20291_resize.jpg)
The HARDEST part to plate is definitely the Lock down Bar Receiver. Here's a finished next to an unfinished ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20295_resize.jpg)
Installing Plated Ball Trough parts ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20292_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20294_resize.jpg)
Coin Entry plate - The AUS Coinage cards / Decals are no longer available, so I had to make my own. I used the documents from Peter's site and printed them and then laminated them. They turned out ok.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20300_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20301_resize.jpg)
The mounting bracket was replated and new lamp sockets installed.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20302_resize.jpg)
While I had the laminator out, I also did the "Manufacturer's Certificate"
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20305_resize.jpg)
I used two sided tape to install back on to the ball arch. Looks better than I thought !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20306_resize.jpg)
The Back Door was a different metal than I've seen, so I thought I'd clean it up and polish it... Section by section !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20310_resize.jpg)
The Lockdown Bar gets a good clean, regrain and some fresh Beer Seal !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20314_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20315_resize.jpg)
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Incredible work Nino.
Someone will be very excited to get that machine !! *%*
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Again, a long time in-between drinks, I will be updated the massive amount of restoration work on existing games and games I've started but not documented.
This one is a bizarre issue with a resourceful outcome. So the game is completed, but once every 5-10 games, the game resets fully but does not deduct the ball to zero to commence the game. I tried many different things and even started a post on Pinside - and I followed a couple suggestions which made the game worse. Anyhow, I did find a problem with the Score Motor when changing the game from 5 ball to 3 ball the game went bezerk. That is simply changing a Jone Plug ! So that did get me thinking..
The Circuit is below with the 3 Ball - 5 Ball Adjustment.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20409_resize.jpg)
I located the switches on the Score Motor and after several minutes - spotted the culprit ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20420_resize.jpg)
The Switch stack on the bottom was preventing the switches on the switch stack above it to move and eventually catches the switches closed - this made the machine almost "dead".
So that issue fixed. But the next issue was the 10,000 score reel and 10 score reel intermittently not easily going to "0" position. This was a pain to work out, as the game was working fine and this issue basically popped up from nowhere. Again, intermittent. I stripped the unit for the second time to recheck my previous work and dropped the screwdriver when I saw this ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20431_resize.jpg)
This is the Score Reel PCB with 3 holes, one filled with a rivet. This rivet was like a "speed hump" for the wiper, causing friction and not allowing the score reel to advance correctly. This are NLA, but PBR do have NOS, so I had the friendly crew at Marco (I don't order from PBR direct - too many issues to list here - but you will get the idea - read on).
I ordered the correct part, but is seemed nothing had changed a PBR, and they sent me the incorrect part, twice, and not NOS, it was second hand.. So I gave up on PBR and Marco went back to PBR to correct their ordering system..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20428_resize.jpg)
This was a continual issue with PBR - They sent the Score Reel coils without labels, their Score Reel EOS and actuator switch stacks were assembled incorrectly.. Just a nightmare. Months of waiting, re ordering, and then back to square one.. So here's what I ended up doing..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20435_resize.jpg)
I ended up giving the original to the crew at "Coin Up Pinball" and they made me 20 boards. These are perfect reproductions and are testing fine in the game as I'm testing it.
Thus, ends the saga of trying to order NOS or even second hand (incorrect in both instances) - so we have our own boards now and we will use them on games like this that have similar issues. This is VERY common on Wedgeheads, so now there is a solution. We are working on other boards as we come across them.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Free%20Fall%20GP/Free%20Fall%20GP%20433_resize.jpg)
Next Update will be the finished game, but before that, I'll update other threads and start the new ones !
$#$
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my fingers are itching. great days ahead
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my fingers are itching. great days ahead
Can you see the photos - sounds like it works for you ?
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absolutely no dramas
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my fingers are itching. great days ahead
Can you see the photos - sounds like it works for you ?
I see no photos