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Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 04:30:25 PM

Title: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 04:30:25 PM
Ok well here it is My 4th machine,

 Williams F-14 Tomcat, 

not the deepest game on the planet I know but this is one that I seemed to have to have for some reason.. !@#

One I played a lot in my younger years and as usual Classic Steve Ritchie..

Ive started this post in the Restos section cause it needs some work,as you will see in the following photos...

Unfortunatly too its picked up some minor cabinet damage in transit, the headbox clips been torn off the back and broken the ply so a bit of repair work to do there.

What drew me to this example is the fact that it has a early Prototype playfield in fantastic condition for its age,

was completely mylared and virtually no wear at all,

severe insert lift all over which will require full insert removal and Redecal,

and If im going that far Might as well give it a shot of clear....

Unfortunatly also the Mpu and displays has been removed from it so Apart from that it seems very complete and original.

Heres the As Delivered photos
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 04:38:15 PM
Pretty Cool to get one with complete original documentation still in the Williams envelope,

original Preliminary/prototype manual,

a game registration card,

a letter to send off to williams to recieve the full F14 manual when it becomes available,

original promo plastic and a envelope full of spare lamps and fuses etc..

so who do I send the letter to these days to redeem my Manual  *)*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 04:42:01 PM
Looks like a good project mate.
Pity you have to do all the inserts, I am going through that on mine at the moment, I think there are about about 60 of the bloody things, and those arrow shape ones are an absolute bitch to remove, they break like you wouldn't believe.
And as for that big 2" one in the middle, there is another thread here about that!!!!.
I am still in the process of putting my inserts back in, been going on for weeks now, you will probably finish your resto first!
Good luck with it, you are lucky to get a good cond playfield too.
Cheers
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 04:46:37 PM
Couldnt help myself had to get rid of the Mylar Asap,

came off reasonably well without damaging the artwork,

but took most of the insert Art with it,were these Just decals from factory?

Seem to be an addon very yellowed, can scratch them off with your fingernail..

Used a combination of freezespray and the Hairdryer to get it all off..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 04:52:23 PM
Same thing I had on mine, yellow and easily scratched.
You can get new decals from that Jeff bloke in PA, I haven't used mine yet but they seem quite good quality,
All his other ones I have used over the years are great.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 04:55:02 PM
Hey 48,

Yeah theirs some work in it but I think its a good base to start.

Paid a reasonable amount for one with missing parts but I think its worth it when the artworks intact..

some of the Inserts are half way out already and I think theirs some cracked ones there too.

Is their a source for the Arrow inserts?

I can see their going to be a pain to get out in one piece...

Yep already got decals coming from Jeff for it ,how do they go under two pack clear?

Peter..

yes read in interest about your centre insert how good was that to get one Made!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 05:03:58 PM
The inserts that were cracked I used a bit of superglue on and they seem OK. AFAIK there is nowhere to buy arrow inserts, but I could be wrong.
I cleaned all my inserts up with wet and dry, right down to 3000 grit.

As for how the inserts go under clear, I guess one of us is going to be the first to find out.  %.%

I think the price was good, my playfield had massive wear down to the wood  !!! all boards there but the display was buggered.
Decided to get a new one and done with.

Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 05:43:36 PM
Hey 48 when you get a chance can you please check your display measurements please?

did you use the early or late displays in yours this looks like it takes the early one,

if the late one is the same width from left to right I cant see why I cant just modify the up/down boltspacing..

Just that the older displays are quite a bit dearer than the later ones....

My panel is setup for 325  x 135 bolt spacings
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 06:03:02 PM
I'm 335 x 85. which is what the existing one was.
Perhaps you can get the metal mounts from someone with an 85mm spread and then bolt them onto the speaker panel,
comparing to mine it looks like the metal mounts holes are the same on the speaker board if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Strangeways on October 29, 2011, 06:41:20 PM

I remember this game on its route days. Fun to play and a great theme / artwork.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on October 29, 2011, 07:24:08 PM
Nice one pete rip straight into it. ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: MartyJ on October 29, 2011, 09:15:57 PM
Couldnt help myself had to get rid of the Mylar Asap,

came off reasonably well without damaging the artwork,

but took most of the insert Art with it,were these Just decals from factory?

Seem to be an addon very yellowed, can scratch them off with your fingernail..

Used a combination of freezespray and the Hairdryer to get it all off..

In relation to the artwork on the inserts, they are in fact screened on as part of the original artwork.  Now that the mylar has been removed and the screen work has come off it, I would say the inserts will need to be removed (if they had to be leveled anyway), wet sanded as 48 has suggested then re-glued.  Now I do believe Jeff from Classic Arcades has the insert decals for these (not sure if the proto playfield is different).  I found sometimes the inserts are off slightly and not always 100%.  If you are planning to 2k clear the playfield, I would strongly recommend to buy the NON LAMINATED ones.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on October 29, 2011, 09:29:24 PM
Hi TUF

It will be good to watch your resto. When I did the centre insert for 48, he got 2 and was going to pick the best to suit the recessed section in his playfield and I still have one. I am sure between 48 and myself we can help you out with a custom centre insert if needing one. They are thicker and shouldn't sag or crack.

Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 10:21:54 PM
I'm 335 x 85. which is what the existing one was.
Perhaps you can get the metal mounts from someone with an 85mm spread and then bolt them onto the speaker panel,
comparing to mine it looks like the metal mounts holes are the same on the speaker board if that makes sense.
Thanks 48 I will fab something up for that I think..


I remember this game on its route days. Fun to play and a great theme / artwork.
Strangeways yep I played this one a lot too, and was fully sucked in by the sound and lightshow during gameplay and Fast as hell,imagine it clearcoated *%*

Nice one pete rip straight into it. ^^^
Hey Daniel yeah no mucking around I want to be playing by christmas! have you got any of the arrow inserts in your roof playfield at all?,
Ive got some cracked ones I think..



In relation to the artwork on the inserts, they are in fact screened on as part of the original artwork.  Now that the mylar has been removed and the screen work has come off it, I would say the inserts will need to be removed (if they had to be leveled anyway), wet sanded as 48 has suggested then re-glued.  Now I do believe Jeff from Classic Arcades has the insert decals for these (not sure if the proto playfield is different).  I found sometimes the inserts are off slightly and not always 100%.  If you are planning to 2k clear the playfield, I would strongly recommend to buy the NON LAMINATED ones.

Hi Martyj thanks for the tips yep ordered the non laminated ones I hope (I didnt specify but I think you have to ask Jeff and pay more money for laminated)
Prot looks the same to me on top but under doesnt use the later Pcbs for lamps their all induvidual holders..

Hi TUF

It will be good to watch your resto. When I did the centre insert for 48, he got 2 and was going to pick the best to suit the recessed section in his playfield and I still have one. I am sure between 48 and myself we can help you out with a custom centre insert if needing one. They are thicker and shouldn't sag or crack.



Hi Swinks thanks for the offer,

 I think the centre one on mines ok but wont really know till I remove it and try to relevel it with wetndry,

mate you did a fantastic job on that for 48 looked awsome..

howd u go u recon making the arrow shaped ones  %.%

Couple more pics..

Thanks all Peter 
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 10:31:56 PM
Hi TUF

It will be good to watch your resto. When I did the centre insert for 48, he got 2 and was going to pick the best to suit the recessed section in his playfield and I still have one. I am sure between 48 and myself we can help you out with a custom centre insert if needing one. They are thicker and shouldn't sag or crack.


Still have them both here Jady, haven't forgotton or anything, still running way behind with my project  !@)
Tried to fix the original but couldn't get it 100% level so it will be one of your custom inserts that I use. Thanks again.
Cheers,
Lindsay
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 29, 2011, 10:42:38 PM
Peter, I notice you have those awful flashlamp resistor boards with missing ceramic resistors on them.
You can get replacements for the large ones at Jaycar, but I had to find the 330Watt items on ebay overseas
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 29, 2011, 10:51:52 PM
yeah 48 the resistor bodies were all laying in the bottom of the cabinet, havent tried to chase em up yet.

Ive tested the electrical as much as I could without the Mpu,

Tranny and power supply board both good seem to be ok on all voltages,even the 100v working

Backbox inside electronics and wiring wise seems mint, no burnt connector damage or hacks anywhere,

only the Mpu missing which is a shame everything else has the original serial numbers matching.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on October 29, 2011, 10:57:58 PM
I would have to see one first to determine if I could do a arrow insert.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: 48 on October 30, 2011, 01:45:23 PM
They look like this
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on October 30, 2011, 06:25:36 PM
Depending what the radius is on all three points, I reckon I could do those but only have a clear material. Maybe post a picture looking underneath and of the front point out of interest.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 30, 2011, 07:24:53 PM
Recon these are the same?

http://mrpinballa.cart.net.au/details/791374.html
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on October 30, 2011, 11:14:54 PM
Hey Swinks heres some shots of the inserts,they are 6 mm thick

the large centre one like you did for 48 actually looks fine in mine came out easily.

hmm I wonder how clear ones would look in the playfield with the respective coloured red and blue leds underside?

trouble is that would be 14 of em...

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 02, 2011, 02:10:36 PM
Quick update,

Playfield is now Stripped and awaiting clean and prep For Inserts,decals and Clearcoat..

Playfield looms have been seperated and cleaned,

Flashlamp board resistors repaired,

and all 3 looms,Switch,solenoid and Lamps have had a general inspection,resolder as necessary, Diode check,contacts cleaned an adj etc etc.

So Hopefully should just be able to put back in when the time comes and not have any loom issues ...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Olivia_jason on November 02, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
is that cutting them out? if they are cut out from a perspex of sorts they wouldn't have the reflective marks on the underside of the inserts? that's why i am thinking  casting is the only way so you could make them correct with the originals.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on November 02, 2011, 02:23:22 PM
Going to town on this one Pete great effort so far.  I'll check my roof and see if any of the playfields have these arrow head inserts.
     Going to be a sweet machine once your done.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 02, 2011, 10:02:22 PM
is that cutting them out? if they are cut out from a perspex of sorts they wouldn't have the reflective marks on the underside of the inserts? that's why i am thinking  casting is the only way so you could make them correct with the originals.

OJ check out this thread here where 48 was looking for the quite large centre insert on His F14,

Swinks knocked one up from scratch for him with starburst facets and all,fantastic work!

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6885.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6885.0)

Going to town on this one Pete great effort so far.  I'll check my roof and see if any of the playfields have these arrow head inserts.
     Going to be a sweet machine once your done.
Hey Daniel,yeh bit more work in this one than my usual clean and rerubber!
Worth the effort F14s a great title IMHO.
Appreciated if you can check your playfields ..

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Olivia_jason on November 02, 2011, 10:11:49 PM
oh cnc. yer if he has one of those then that makes things different lol, a cnc is the first thing on my list of tools to buy if i was ever to come into allot of money. i was thinking it was a band saw and a sheet of perspex, lol wow very nice indeed
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: spook on November 02, 2011, 11:51:44 PM
Great work on the resto so far Peter .... I'm enjoying watching your progress with this one. Regularly gave F-14 a bit of a hammering back in my uni days with a few mates while waiting for burgers/chips/etc at the snack bar at Kangaroo Pt. Great game with great sound, blinding lights (on topper) and that high speed kickback. Really looking forward to seeing the finished project!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on November 03, 2011, 11:05:05 AM
Great work so far .. I'm yet to go that far with a resto .. there's a LOT of inserts in that PF .
I can't remember ever playing this title .. but then again I can't remember a lot of stuff these days  &^&
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 05, 2011, 01:30:39 AM
Great work on the resto so far Peter .... I'm enjoying watching your progress with this one. Regularly gave F-14 a bit of a hammering back in my uni days with a few mates while waiting for burgers/chips/etc at the snack bar at Kangaroo Pt. Great game with great sound, blinding lights (on topper) and that high speed kickback. Really looking forward to seeing the finished project!

Hey Spook Thanks, you talking about the Boomerang Cafe near the story bridge?  Just closed its doors I think..

Great work so far .. I'm yet to go that far with a resto .. there's a LOT of inserts in that PF .
I can't remember ever playing this title .. but then again I can't remember a lot of stuff these days  &^&
Yep lots of inserts in this one biggest project Ive Attempted in pinball..Would have liked to just cleaned and rerubbered but insert lift under the mylar was just too bad..

I think you would remember F14 if you played it,As spook has explained it was a full on 80s sound and light show that generally leaves an impression..

Heres not a bad Vid of one in action,4 balls and 4 flippers! 
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 08, 2011, 12:40:30 AM
Playfield before and after,

Very nice colour now all very bright with only a few areas need some minor touchups.

all glue now gone and most ground in dirt etc been magic erasered off..

Magic eraser a very Effective product but is mildly abrasive!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on November 08, 2011, 06:21:43 AM
Sorry pete checked all my playields and not one arrow head insert.   Good luck
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 08, 2011, 07:57:54 AM
Sorry pete checked all my playields and not one arrow head insert.   Good luck

No Probs Daniel thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on November 08, 2011, 09:36:08 AM
Playfield is looking the goods  ^^^.
Tks for the vid too.. somehow never played this one
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 21, 2011, 09:21:29 PM
Not too much going on here in F14 land been too busy with Car stuff and Work,

and the lack of inserts basically stalled me on the playfield repair and clearcoat at the moment, Does anybody pinball in the Us ever return an email?  :tumble:

Did pick up a Mainboard from Usa though out of an actual Proto F14 with all the original roms etc intact,

Absolutely no acid damage which seems rare for these I will remote the battery holder anyways...

hooked her up to the Pc power supply and seemed to boot up and the 3 diag leds did the right things so nice to have a win there..

Repaired and polished the Flasher domes were a bit sad before (check previous photos)

Look like the earlier types to me will be very bright I think!

couple o pics...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: pulstar on November 21, 2011, 09:44:56 PM
The Board looks great!  all original chips by the looks of it with a couple of swapped transistors.
How much did you get it for?
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 22, 2011, 12:36:35 AM
The Board looks great!  all original chips by the looks of it with a couple of swapped transistors.
How much did you get it for?

Yeah pretty happy with the board condition,Was quite a bit cheaper than buying A Rottendog.....
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 30, 2011, 03:25:12 PM
Bit of progress over the weekend,

the backbox attachment part of the main cabinet was fairly secondhand,delaminated ply and support underneath all cracked and broken, See first pic

So I decided a decent repair was in order,

Removed from cabinet and seperated the upper and lower pieces of the assembly,

and knocked up a replacement lower piece out of solid timber,

and also repaired and reinforced the cabinet in this area.

should be staunch now.... *%*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on November 30, 2011, 03:28:47 PM
Cabinet and finished product..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: johnwartjr on December 02, 2011, 04:17:45 AM
Nice restoration you've got here. I always like the restorations like this, that involve cleaning, repairing, fixing original parts, making what you need in some cases etc instead of just spending heaps of money at Marco or somewhere and throwing every new part you can find at the game!

Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 09, 2011, 12:12:01 AM
Nice restoration you've got here. I always like the restorations like this, that involve cleaning, repairing, fixing original parts, making what you need in some cases etc instead of just spending heaps of money at Marco or somewhere and throwing every new part you can find at the game!



Hi John thanks for the comments,

Unfortunatly Their will still have to be some new parts thrown at it , some parts cannot be repaired or remade or not economical to do so,

but I will clean up and reuse as much original as possible!

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 15, 2011, 02:06:45 AM
Still plugging away on the old Machine,

Repaired the speaker and display panel and replaced spealers with 6" 2 ways from Jaycar,30w nominal 4ohm work pretty well.

Original Plastic Grilles were both damaged so used some car speaker grilles to replace the panel mesh,

and made a stencil to redo the Williams logo,for home use only of course!

Paint looks very orange in the photo but when mated with the panel etc in the backboard shot looks pretty good compared to the other reds..

Display finally turned up so Backbox repowered up and all running sweet,tested as far as possible without a playfield...Good to hear all the sounds again after all thase years..

Coin doors been panelbeaten and repainted gloss black...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Strangeways on December 16, 2011, 09:50:25 AM

Very nice work - well done !
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: johnwartjr on December 17, 2011, 12:25:53 PM
Expensive game to play!  %.%
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: markc on December 17, 2011, 01:15:21 PM


well done Peter , its great to see the old girl come back to life

thanks for all the pictures and keeping me upto date

fantastic job mate


markc
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ktm450 on December 17, 2011, 01:35:14 PM
Expensive game to play!  %.%

Thats for 5 balls though  *)*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 17, 2011, 03:09:01 PM

Very nice work - well done !
Cheers Nino Much appreciated!

Expensive game to play!  %.%

Have to recoup my resto costs somehow %$%

Found that one on the net somewhere Quite clever I recon,

 Ejecting out of a Real F14 would Cost the Us military about that I assume!


well done Peter , its great to see the old girl come back to life
thanks for all the pictures and keeping me upto date
fantastic job mate
markc

Cheers For the comments Mark,

I think im going to fall short of Playing it by Christmas but hopefully early 2012!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Pinprick on December 17, 2011, 03:43:01 PM
Top effort  ^^^

Really like the woodwork too.
Call me a thicko, but is $38m significant?
I like doing custom coin eject inserts too - a little thing but dressy (pic)

Cheers

PP
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 17, 2011, 04:12:44 PM
Top effort  ^^^

Really like the woodwork too.
Call me a thicko, but is $38m significant?
I like doing custom coin eject inserts too - a little thing but dressy (pic)

Cheers

PP

Like your insert Pin Well done..Its the little things that personalise the Home machines I recon...

The 38 million is the cost of a replacement F14 to the US military if a pilot happens to have to Eject from it!!!

Cant take credit for that one tho found it on the net somewhere and thought it was cool...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 17, 2011, 06:23:10 PM


Big Update!

Inserts are all reinstalled (had to use a couple of original cracked ones that I couldnt source unfortunatly ,put in less obvious places)

First coat of clear is down seemed to go ok, transforms the look of the colours and artwork for the better *%*

Went pretty heavy on the coats (not on purpose,way I had the gun set  laid it on a bit thick,seemed ok on my gun test run but hard to tell with clear!)

Test decal I placed in apron area reacted a little lifting on the edges,hopefully just cause I went on thick,might start another post on that...

Will still take a few more coats I recon clears sunk into all the insert gaps,ball swirl and grain which is the whole point I guess...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on December 17, 2011, 06:49:07 PM
Lookin' awesome Peter, make sure to send a few dimensions to me for the decals. Great work - this will have to be a keeper after all this work.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on December 17, 2011, 11:03:21 PM
Great work Pete seems like only yesterday i was helping you find look at firepower now your into clear coating makes me proud  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ktm450 on December 18, 2011, 11:53:46 AM
Nice work  *%*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on December 18, 2011, 12:03:56 PM
This game is going to look and play great when finished !
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on December 20, 2011, 12:17:22 AM
Cheers Guys just learnin as I go!!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Strangeways on December 20, 2011, 09:41:15 AM

Cool - Always GREAT to see the clearcoating process. Great work.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 12, 2012, 01:21:22 PM

Ok had a bit of a break on this over Christmas,

also to let the two double header coats of clear it has now to cure properly before I go any furthur..

dont want to trap any solvents between coats..

Been putting off the artwork touchups not one of my strong suits..

Playfields pretty good compared to most just some minor touchups in the usual areas..

the before pictures below

Yagov and Hitman get their ears worn off by the centre Up kickers

the Yagov kickback hard on the lane below

top loop sees plenty of action too bit of a ball track...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 12, 2012, 01:30:14 PM
Heres the after shot,fine stuff done with my unsteady hand and a brush,

the centre section of the sky blue was masked and airbrushed to get rid on the crecent shaped wear from the non mylar covered section

Critique my colour matching Can you pick which blue parts were airbrushed and which parts didnt?

It should blend well under the next clearcoat...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 12, 2012, 01:39:12 PM
Another small area that took a bit of work with the brush,not 100% happy with this area yet but better than it was!

will need to be redrilled for the ball wire once finished filled original flogged out hole with epoxy was huge!!

hence the artwork damage..

some of the blue been airbrushed here also...
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on January 12, 2012, 01:59:01 PM
Lookin awesome Peter, going well with the restore. I will send you some sample cabinet files so you can print and check artwork. Also will get back finishing the cabinet for you.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 12, 2012, 02:11:41 PM
Lookin awesome Peter, going well with the restore. I will send you some sample cabinet files so you can print and check artwork. Also will get back finishing the cabinet for you.
Cheers Mate its gettin there ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ktm450 on January 13, 2012, 01:08:36 AM
The blue colour match is great, I always have trouble with blue.  Nice work  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 13, 2012, 01:31:58 AM
The blue colour match is great, I always have trouble with blue.  Nice work  ^^^

Cheers Ktm it looked too dark to me with the masking still on,

seems to have dried lighter and while I can tell its slightly different,

 I dont think it will be noticed under more clear and the glass..

For anyones future reference the colour I used is Cerulean blue (Schmincke Brand),

lightened with Titanium white so a pretty good start..

What i need to work out is how to dirty white up a bit so i dont have to redo all of it!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on January 13, 2012, 08:47:12 AM
What i need to work out is how to dirty white up a bit so i dont have to redo all of it!

I've found 'dirtying' white is pretty hard .. try a touch of yellow or brown .. I am still a Noob though .. only touched up one PF so far .

Great work so far  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 13, 2012, 11:25:30 AM
What i need to work out is how to dirty white up a bit so i dont have to redo all of it!

I've found 'dirtying' white is pretty hard .. try a touch of yellow or brown .. I am still a Noob though .. only touched up one PF so far .

Great work so far  ^^^

Cheers mate will gife that a try,any black at all will make it go gray..I guess yellow would prob be closest as the colours yellow over time..

Or i will just go and buy some off white! %$%
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 25, 2012, 02:25:34 PM

Quick update,Artwork touchups immortalised under a coat of Clear,

pretty happy all colours seem to blend well,clear really brings the colours out..

only minor hiccup couple of fisheyes in this coat that will have to be blocked out.. ^.^

Next step is decals,not looking forward to this part!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on January 25, 2012, 05:33:04 PM
Looking awesome Peter, I better pull my finger out and finish those cabinet decals, getting very close with the last section of the cabinet - yellow strips minor correction, 1 fin section of the jet and the triangle badge. I have to be creative doing the flip for the other side of the cabinet as no art file - could you send me a close up photo of the wording F-14 Tomcat only straight on (zoomed up on this).

Hope to get a bit more done between now and next Monday night and then Op next Tuesday. But I will be sitting around and at home for a few weeks so hope to have it all done by mid Feb.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 25, 2012, 10:39:12 PM
No probs Jady will email thru the pics..

no great hurry not looking forward to sanding back the cab  *.*

Think I will play it some before commiting to that job!

hey will you be able to play pinball after your Op?
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: johnwartjr on January 26, 2012, 01:44:39 AM
Playfield looks great!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: spook on January 27, 2012, 09:54:16 PM
Playfield has come up a treat Peter .... bet you can't wait to start giving it a thrashing!  Great job!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: howzat on January 27, 2012, 10:56:46 PM
Nice work pete    I guess you dont relise just how much work is involved until your the one doing it  :lol
 

your doing a great job   I bet you carnt weight to play it       Howzat
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on January 28, 2012, 03:42:28 PM
PF is looking excellent  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on January 29, 2012, 11:30:53 PM
Thanks for the comments guys,
 yep a massive job doing the inserts and clearcating alone but should produce an awsome looking playfield!
 Cant wait to play it!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on February 26, 2012, 06:00:34 PM
Long time between updates sorry guys,

but been having Various issues with insert decals  ^.^ but 2 and a bit sets later Ive finally got it sorted I think..

this is the first double header Clearcoat over the decals,

my crappy photos dont do it justice looks great in the flesh... *%*

will still need a few more blockbacks and additional coats to get rid of the "bumpyness" the decals introduce into the clearcoat,

and at 7 days cure time between coats you can understand the time this takes!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on February 26, 2012, 06:05:31 PM
Lookin awesome Peter, well done
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on February 26, 2012, 07:40:25 PM
Wow Peter . This is going to look and play so well when you get it all back together .  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: jojob on February 27, 2012, 12:19:47 AM
congratulation!! very nice.what kind of clearcoat did you put?automotive or varathane?
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on February 27, 2012, 03:21:27 PM
I've used an Iso free 2 pack automotive clear.
i don't think varathane is real common in Oz

Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Flynnyfalcon on March 24, 2012, 05:53:02 PM
Bloody awesome work!  The colours absolutely pop!!!  I've bookmarked this thread, looking forward to reading again, when I have a stripped pf in front of me   ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on March 28, 2012, 01:47:53 PM
Bloody awesome work!  The colours absolutely pop!!!  I've bookmarked this thread, looking forward to reading again, when I have a stripped pf in front of me   ^^^

Yep the Clearcoat really brings out the colours of the PF,and adds depth to all the graphics and text also.

Put an astronomical amout of hours into this tho,Unless your doing it for yourself be hard to justify..I recon 50 - 75 hrs on this one...

had some issues along the way which cost me a few rubbacks of clear, and redid the decals once too,Which wont be repeated I have learnt from my mistakes now!

Heres the Final Coat done ,completely flat straight from the gun..

couple of "artefacts" in the coat which always comes from spraying in the Garage debating on weather to use as is or give it a 2000 rubback and buff....

Cant wait for the rebuild process now!

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on March 28, 2012, 02:02:25 PM
That looks awesome Peter, looking like a brand newie - that should play so fast.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on March 28, 2012, 02:37:15 PM
Sweet  ()
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ktm450 on March 29, 2012, 10:40:17 AM
Great result  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: femto on March 30, 2012, 08:31:24 PM
Very nice. Well done.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 01, 2012, 08:05:41 PM
Ok after doing all this work on this playfield I wasnt going to shortcut the final finish step,

 so it got rubbed back again to level and remove small imperfections from spraying it in a garage, with 1500 wet/dry,

then rubbed with 2000 fine wet and dry,

Hand polished with water rub cutting compound (i wasnt taking a machine buff anywhere near this!)

finished off with a fine cut and swirl remover..

Hopefully the results in the pics speak for themselves,My attempt at taking an "Arty pinball shot" %$%

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: andtan on April 01, 2012, 09:56:23 PM
I hope when I finally get around to restoring a pin that I can get it looking as good as that - that's awsome ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: deadlydave on April 01, 2012, 11:26:27 PM
Awesome work Peter  ^^^
The finish on your playfield looks mint !!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ajlaird on April 02, 2012, 07:21:12 AM
Excellent result - no doubt very pleasing after all that hard work!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on April 02, 2012, 08:20:50 AM
I'd love to be able to do that sort of work . Looks fantastic .  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Strangeways on April 02, 2012, 09:59:05 AM

Excellent results ! Well done !
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Crashramp on April 02, 2012, 05:36:41 PM
Wow that's  inspirational stuff!  @@* @@* @@*Makes me want to have a crack at doing a full resto *%*. I'd probably make a meal of it though  ^&^ ^&^. Well done can't wait to see it back together with flashing lights.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: jojob on April 03, 2012, 12:11:57 PM
fantastic!!very impressive!!!!! ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 03, 2012, 01:20:25 PM
Cheers For the comments Guys,

might well try to get started on reassembly over Easter! *%*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on April 03, 2012, 06:53:21 PM
Man Pete that looks so good I'm really looking forward to my first clearcoat lots of work but wow look at them results.

   
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Flynnyfalcon on April 11, 2012, 03:48:33 PM
Really impressive work.  Incredible how much time involved given the original in my novice eyes looked pretty reasonable.  I was looking forward to attacking my first resto, but now  &^&    %.%

Great work!!!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 11, 2012, 06:56:58 PM
Ok been pressing on with this got a fair bit done over the Easter break ,

I want it basically in one piece before I move house in a few weeks,will attack the cabinet at a later date...

Pics below depict the order I did the Playfield underside rebuild,seemed to work out ok...

1- Remount all the underside hardware ,wire clips and 4 new complete flipper mechs (old ones were only good for spare parts)

2- reinstall the switch Matrix loom and all targets/switches

3- reinstall lamp harness with Leds for all controlled inserts

4- Solenoid and Flasher loom and resolder all connections
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Crashramp on April 11, 2012, 08:06:16 PM
Wow busy holidays, did you need to replace any of the looms or were they all ok to reuse?
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 11, 2012, 08:59:20 PM
Wow busy holidays, did you need to replace any of the looms or were they all ok to reuse?

Yep this step pretty time consuming also,

all the original looms were good to reuse,

just a good clean and redo a couple of dry solder joins and a few broken connections from handling the looms etc...

LOTS of pictures are a must for doing these even positioning of the wire clamps and direction of the looms important..

Started on the topside also starting to take shape,

of course had to power her up quickly to check out the led lightshow %$%
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: swinks on April 11, 2012, 09:08:27 PM
Very nice  ^^^, has to be a keeper after all that hard work.
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Crashramp on April 11, 2012, 09:31:05 PM
Looking awesome,  $#$ you've  gotta be happy with the way she's coming up. Can't wait to see the finished product played!  You'll have to post a vid for us all when it's done.  *%*  ^^^ 
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on April 12, 2012, 11:13:32 AM
Big job but looking great  ^^^.

What did you use to staple the earth braid on the underside of the PF ?
I ask because I have 2 PF's to do myself.  :D
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 12, 2012, 04:53:43 PM
Big job but looking great  ^^^.

What did you use to staple the earth braid on the underside of the PF ?
I ask because I have 2 PF's to do myself.  :D

Its Definatly been a big Job,well worth it when its a keeper for me *%*

I just used one of the handheld stapleguns that are used for upholstry fixing etc,

inexpensive from bunnings or your favorite hardware or toolshop etc,

 and can be loaded with 10-12mm staples,tack nails etc

Seemed to work ok,The Staples are Slightly bigger than the original williams Used,

but I was able to fix the lampholders to the playfield better IMHO.

couple o Pics as usual..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on April 12, 2012, 07:39:11 PM

I just used one of the handheld stapleguns that are used for upholstry fixing etc,

inexpensive from bunnings or your favorite hardware or toolshop etc,

 and can be loaded with 10-12mm staples,tack nails etc



Cheers mate .. was hoping you'd say something like that and thanks for the pic too  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ddstoys on April 12, 2012, 10:29:05 PM
Home stretch now Pete almost at the stage where I leave it and never get time to finish it!!!    Do me proud finish this beast off  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 13, 2012, 12:49:42 AM
Home stretch now Pete almost at the stage where I leave it and never get time to finish it!!!    Do me proud finish this beast off  ^^^

Hey Daniel I Want be playing this sucker by the end of the weekend hopefully!

Cabinet will have to wait till Ive finished moving,

Got the usual Reassembly issues like Specific screws missing or your not 100% sure where they fit Again  !@#,

Waiting on Rivets From PSP so I can fit up the Plastics set,this Machine needs about 50 of em!

Got one coil issue that looks to me like a 7408 on the board,not 100% sure yet ...Got a thread running in repairs/problems on that one

Looks absolutely fantastic Lit up with Leds, I replaced quite a few inserts on this PF and they look so Crystal clear and bright  *%*

Peter..
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on April 13, 2012, 09:54:19 AM
Can't wait for a vid of it in action  %$%
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 14, 2012, 11:15:25 AM
Can't wait for a vid of it in action  %$%

No Vid yet but a couple more pics!

 Ive had a couple of sneaky games tho its VeryVery Fast *%*

Its Got a couple of gremlins to sort out which I guess is enevitable on a rebuild of this scale unfortunatly.....
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: goodolddays on April 14, 2012, 11:17:04 AM
How excellent does that look  ^^^ .. all the effort is well worth it I reckon
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on April 14, 2012, 11:18:52 AM
How excellent does that look  ^^^ .. all the effort is well worth it I reckon

Its Far Exceeded my expectations ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Crashramp on April 14, 2012, 06:10:24 PM
Wow very impressive, you've gotta be happy with that!  #*# #*# The pictures really do look sensational  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: ktm450 on April 18, 2012, 10:33:06 AM
Great job, looks fantastic  ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Steevsee on April 18, 2012, 11:35:56 AM
Looks absolutely first class.

Top work. ^^^
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: jojob on April 26, 2012, 12:11:18 PM
congratulation!!!!!!!!!!!your machine is fantastic!!im jalous... @@*
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: spook on April 28, 2012, 07:36:58 PM
That is going to be one gorgeous machine .... congratulations!  Ahh, the memories of the Boomerang Cafe come flooding back. Great job!
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: adamdicarlo on May 19, 2014, 06:37:14 AM
Hi TUF-427!

Did you ever take a video or more photos?

BTW this is really spectacular and inspirational! And I registered on this site just to read this thread. :)
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on May 19, 2014, 09:49:02 AM
Cheers for the kind words and welcome to the Forums  ^^^

So far I haven't yet finished the cabinet on this machine,

Still debating weather to re stencil for originality,

or try a set of decals that are now available ( measured off this machine!)

She plays super fast and very challenging and somewhat unforgiving..

Peter
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: Cow Corner on May 19, 2014, 09:52:00 AM
That playfield is stunning, what a brilliant job you have done!
Is the game still for sale mate or have you decided to keep it?
Title: Re: Project F-14
Post by: TUF-427 on May 19, 2014, 10:09:09 AM
That playfield is stunning, what a brilliant job you have done!
Is the game still for sale mate or have you decided to keep it?


Pm sent ^^^