The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on November 24, 2011, 11:04:40 AM
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Next in the DMD Restoration / Reconditioning Queue is a Williams Whirlwind. One of my favorite Williams titles that I enjoy playing. I have a deadline to prepare this game for a friend of mine - Christmas or bust !
Objective
Restore / recondition the machine in time for the Holidays ! The game is in very good condition for it's age and I don't think it needs any major work. It is playable - albeit sloppy - but there are no major faults.
Condition
Playfield - 8/10 - Factory mylar. No raised inserts (a miracle for this title). Some wear around the Cellar door and above the spinning disk. A couple of broken plastics (above the drop Targets). I think it will clean up really well. Ramps seem to be ok.
Cabinet - 9/10 - Really nice. No major dints or scuff marks. Translite is fine. Front door is straight and clean. Lock down bar will be discarded.
Electronics - 9/10 - Best I've seen on a SYS 11 machine.
Let's Begin - The "Before" pictures
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20013.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20014.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20016.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20017.JPG)
Ramp flaps need attention and there's a target missing !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20030.JPG)
Black rubbers look like crap on this game.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20037.JPG)
The teardown
The spinner unit will be rebuild with new decals
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20065.JPG)
Scoop assemblies are not broken at all and won't need to be repaired (sorry Marty !)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20067.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20116.JPG)
As I always say "take plenty of photos", because even the smallest detail can be captured and you will be able to check the photos during re assembly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20150.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20178.JPG)
Under the playfield - The flippers had GREASE on the plungers. All that does is attract dirt and filth and over time, it seizes.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20186.JPG)
Cabinet is filthy and will be stripped !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/Whirlwind%20205.JPG)
That's the first night on the job done !
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Your a machine,
How do you get all this time for restos?
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I will watch this thread with great intrest. I just got a WW for myself and it is one of my alltime favourites. Fortunately mine only needs some cab touchups, decals around the spinners and a good strip and polish, also has the factory mylar *%* I will be adding Pinball Pro speaker kit as I think this pin really benifits from the big sound of their full kit and also I'll use full LEDs. Tossing up whether to strip the mylar. Perfect timing for this thread as I hope to get some tips from the expert ()
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Your a machine,
How do you get all this time for restos?
My "day job" is 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. I get home at 4:30 PM, I play with the kids, have some dinner, deal with anything that needs to be done around the house etc, check AP and then I'm in the garage until 10:30 PM ish. I don't do it every night. Sometimes I have phases where I JUST do boards for two weeks.
I have no other interests outside Family and friends. I consider my addiction a healthy obsession. As long as the family is happy, I'll keep doing it. Most of my friends know I'm not "normal" %.%
Outside those reasons, I can't really explain it !
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I will watch this thread with great intrest. I just got a WW for myself and it is one of my alltime favourites. Fortunately mine only needs some cab touchups, decals around the spinners and a good strip and polish, also has the factory mylar *%* I will be adding Pinball Pro speaker kit as I think this pin really benifits from the big sound of their full kit and also I'll use full LEDs. Tossing up whether to strip the mylar. Perfect timing for this thread as I hope to get some tips from the expert ()
Mylar stays on this title Gav. I'm really hesitant with mylar removal on SYS 11 games. Paint and insert lift are a real concern, and I learnt that polishing this factory mylar with the treasurecove kit gives fantastic results (Pinbot Restoration). I think the only major concern is the wear on the areas above the spinning disks. I have new decals for that, and I believe that there is a decal kit that can be applied to the surrounding artwork. I'll look into that as well.
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I've never played this title but everyone raves about it why? rules? shots? theme? funny thing is I have a Twister similar theme and I'd never sell it just lve the theme and game. Whats one working and in need of a clean up worth? may have to keep my eye out and well done Nino I love watching your resto's cant wait for next installment.
Peter <..>
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Looks like a good base Machine to start with should clean up well..
Cant say ive played one either looks interesting...
I can vouch firsthand that once you remove mylar on a sys 11 era game you will pretty much double the work to be done!!! (My F14 ^.^)
Peter..
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Great game. I'm on my 2nd, a Diamondplated game whose playfield has been at PFR for nearly 5 years. Someday, I'll get the field back.
Where's the DMD on yours? :)
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I will watch this thread with great intrest. I just got a WW for myself and it is one of my alltime favourites. Fortunately mine only needs some cab touchups, decals around the spinners and a good strip and polish, also has the factory mylar *%* I will be adding Pinball Pro speaker kit as I think this pin really benifits from the big sound of their full kit and also I'll use full LEDs. Tossing up whether to strip the mylar. Perfect timing for this thread as I hope to get some tips from the expert ()
Mylar stays on this title Gav. I'm really hesitant with mylar removal on SYS 11 games. Paint and insert lift are a real concern, and I learnt that polishing this factory mylar with the treasurecove kit gives fantastic results (Pinbot Restoration). I think the only major concern is the wear on the areas above the spinning disks. I have new decals for that, and I believe that there is a decal kit that can be applied to the surrounding artwork. I'll look into that as well.
I think you are right with leaving the mylar on. I'd shit myself if paint started peeling. I purchased the TreasureCove kit specifically for this pin as its my only one with the mylar. I got the decals for the artwork around the spinners from ebay. I'll be putting mine on wet.
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Another nice machine, look forward to the resto *%*
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I've never played this title but everyone raves about it why? rules? shots? theme? funny thing is I have a Twister similar theme and I'd never sell it just lve the theme and game. Whats one working and in need of a clean up worth? may have to keep my eye out and well done Nino I love watching your resto's cant wait for next installment.
Peter <..>
Very playable, lots of fun, the spinning discs add a certain randomness to the ball movement, the topper, just an all-round good game.
This is one I would like to own one day...
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Yeah - fess up - johnwartjnr has already asked as well.......it 'ain't no DMD !*!
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Great game. I'm on my 2nd, a Diamondplated game whose playfield has been at PFR for nearly 5 years. Someday, I'll get the field back.
Where's the DMD on yours? :)
5 years??? Wow!! Makes me look like an absolute power house!!!
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Topside Playfield
The playfield is completely stripped. The plan is to trim any lifting mylar and replace any section that has deteriorated. Of course it will require cleaning and polishing. Mylar is in excellent condition and there are no raised inserts.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20234.JPG)
Bottom side playfield
All mechanisms are removed for cleaning and parts are replaced where needed. All coil sleeves are replaced. Coils are tested and cleaned as well. I always check the manual to ensure all coils are correct.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20238.JPG)
If you don't do a thorough job, then you don't find problems like this (pictured below). Often, corners are cut, and the job is not done properly. I usually replace the metal yokes - they are cheap to replace.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20240.JPG)
Cabinet
The cabinet is completely stripped and cleaned. I use Nifti and an old paintbrush. Takes a while to do a good job and it helps if the weather is warm.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20282.JPG)
Siderails are regrained during this process and the cabinet left out in the warm sunshine !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20283.JPG)
The topper is dismantled, cleaned and lubricated. Nothing worse than seeing a reconditioned machine with a filthy topper !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20284.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20285.JPG)
Metal Hardware
Every metal part is removed, washed and thrown in the tumbler with a capful of flitz for four hours. I then sort out all the hardware ready for reassembly.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20286.JPG)
Here's a picture of the two Drop Target assemblies totally rebuilt. The srping on the single Drop Target was sloppy, so it was replaced.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20309.JPG)
The reassembly process is the "fun time" for me - installing new parts and cleaned parts.
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I scored a damaged partial populated playfield, so stripped because if was flogged out (paint peeling) and still have some parts that I don't need - like metal brackets etc, let me know know if you need anything Nino and will post it to you if I have it - like ramp lift a wire ramp etc.
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I scored a damaged partial populated playfield, so stripped because if was flogged out (paint peeling) and still have some parts that I don't need - like metal brackets etc, let me know know if you need anything Nino and will post it to you if I have it - like ramp lift a wire ramp etc.
Great to know - Do you have the ramp lift microswitch assembly and the plastic that is located near the drop target (three DTs) - this plastic is ALWAYS broken !
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I will have a look this arvo or tomorrow for you as it was a partially populated field though doubt the DT item is there as there were no drop target assemblies when I got it but had most of the ramp lift assembly was there.
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Hi Nino
I tagged and bagged this at the time when stripping the playfield so I am assuming this is the ramp lift microswitch assembly though don't have a manual to confirm.
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Curious, did you replace your decals on the spinning discs? Did you find replacements with the correct 'grippy' texture?
Somewhere, I have a set with the artwork correct, but no 'grippy' finish. If you found a supplier who has the correct decals, please share your source, as I need a set.
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Hi Nino
I tagged and bagged this at the time when stripping the playfield so I am assuming this is the ramp lift microswitch assembly though don't have a manual to confirm.
I'll check tomorrow, but I think I've given you the wrong assembly. I'll post a picture in tomorrow's update ^^^
Curious, did you replace your decals on the spinning discs? Did you find replacements with the correct 'grippy' texture?
Somewhere, I have a set with the artwork correct, but no 'grippy' finish. If you found a supplier who has the correct decals, please share your source, as I need a set.
An interesting question. I bought TWO decals sets from two suppliers and they are a different color. Texture seems the same. I'll conform tomorrow.
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I downloaded the manual, are you talking bout item 14. I will have a look but doubt it.
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That's the part - but I was chatting with Greg and I can use a current "generic" part number and trim the length of the switch arm.
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Playfield re assembly
Parts arrived from RTBB so it is time to re assemble. New targets, Cliffys, pop bumper assemblies (all SIX) ! Regrained metal guides etc !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20319.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20321.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20326.JPG)
One of the most time consuming jobs is rebuilding the pop bumpers and replacing the 555 light sockets. I don't use the original style, I prefer these ;
http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=40_115_117&products_id=2530 (http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=40_115_117&products_id=2530)
But there can be the issue of soldering the diode and playfield GI to these insulated sockets. So I thought I'd try a simple solution using the same idea as the designers - use lugs mounted under the playfield. Jaycar have these.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20327.JPG)
I used a short wood screw, and screwed in a lug close to the diode or wire that used to be soldered to the original lamp socket. I then soldered the lamp socket (trimmed and tinned), and then soldered either the playfield GI wire or diode, as can be seen on the RHS of the picture below. It is a bit out of focus, but you can see the red wires connecting to a lug and then to a diode. This is an EASY step which saves time and makes the job neat.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20329.JPG)
More update tomorrow !
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Looking good Niño
6 pop bumpers man that's pretty cool
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Looks great so far ^^^
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Great idea, the flexable leads are so much easier to use
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Curious, did you replace your decals on the spinning discs? Did you find replacements with the correct 'grippy' texture?
Somewhere, I have a set with the artwork correct, but no 'grippy' finish. If you found a supplier who has the correct decals, please share your source, as I need a set.
John
http://pinballpromos.com/
I brought mine from Gerry and they work really well, correct texture and colours
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I can't stand those flexible wire lead lamp sockets! I should put all I have in a box and ship them to you. I tried to use them twice and ended up taking my own name in vain!
I bought a bag of the original lugs that WMS used on the diodes on pop bumper leads, trough switches etc from pinrestore.com
Gerry's a good, long-time friend, I guess I'll hit him up for some disc decals, wasn't aware he had them, thanks!
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The only broken plastic is the plastic mounted above the three drop targets. One of the slings has a crack near the hole. Lucky for me, Greg had a spare set of slingshots and new plastic for the broken target plastic. He also had a set of plastic protectors for all three. All I needed to do was remove the rivets and reinstall.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20333.JPG)
I riveted the protector on to the plastic and finished re assembling that area of the playfield
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20336.JPG)
Slingshot plastics with protectors
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20338.JPG)
Wire ramp installed
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20337.JPG)
Finally, the PinballInc ramps arrived from RTBB. I opted for both ramps and the switch covers. The set came with the decals as well. This will REALLY set the game up nicely. There's a fair anount of work to do to replace the hardware, but it is well worth the effort.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20335.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20334.JPG)
<..>
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I can't stand those flexible wire lead lamp sockets! I should put all I have in a box and ship them to you. I tried to use them twice and ended up taking my own name in vain!
I bought a bag of the original lugs that WMS used on the diodes on pop bumper leads, trough switches etc from pinrestore.com
Gerry's a good, long-time friend, I guess I'll hit him up for some disc decals, wasn't aware he had them, thanks!
Initially, I didn't like them either, John. But now I swear by them. I'll dig out my disc decals - I just cannt recall where I bought them from. That's the next step of the restoration.
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Wow Nino she looks great-that would look nice in any line-up and I cant ever remember playing one to this day again well done top job.
Peter
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Such a great looking playfield, look like a new one. ^^^
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Wow Nino she looks great-that would look nice in any line-up and I cant ever remember playing one to this day again well done top job.
Peter
Second that - In all the years I've never seen, let alone play a decent WW.
Yours takes the cake @@*
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Your an artist Nino, I'm going to buy one of your beautiful machines one day!
&&
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I really appreciate the kind words ^^^
I guess it is a lot easier these days with all the quality repro parts that are on the market. The end product is that the games LOOK a lot better. But it is also the HARD WORK under the bonnet that makes the games PLAY better. To be honest, I have not played a really nice working Whirlwind (except Greg's), but I REALLY enjoy playing this game - it has been worth the effort !
Here is a great example - the Ramp is passable - but I don't like the repair. It was a very good repair to keep the machine going, but not good enough for a home machine.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20356.JPG)
Here is the new ramp from RTBB/PinballInc fully populated with new decals. Took around an hour to populate. I flame polished the ramp flap and it matches the new ramp *%*
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20361.JPG)
Both ramps are installed. Really finishes the game off for me.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20364.JPG)
The spinning disks assembly was VERY ugly. New decals were purchased, and I rebuild the assembly, which didn't take long. For $20 and minimal effort, it makes a big difference !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20365.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20368.JPG)
A really nice playfield is the result !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20371.JPG)
After checking all the boards and replacing the battery holder, the game worked 100%. So now I'm just play testing the machine.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Whirlwind/whirlwind%20373.JPG)
Not far to go now !
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Beautiful job mate ^^^
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Excellent result ^^^
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Play testing . . .
I LOVE that moment - better than sex.
Looks well and truly worth all the effort *%*
*An irrelevance? Just noticed the P/Fand backboard wind/cloud design and colour scheme is a dead match for TAF's rooftop sirens/clouds, I guess since both machines' artwork was by John Youssi it stands to reason.
Anyway, keep up the great work.
PP
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Play testing . . .
I LOVE that moment - better than sex.
Looks well and truly worth all the effort *%*
*An irrelevance? Just noticed the P/Fand backboard wind/cloud design and colour scheme is a dead match for TAF's rooftop sirens/clouds, I guess since both machines' artwork was by John Youssi it stands to reason.
Anyway, keep up the great work.
PP
Great attention to detail my friend !
Also, both games are Pat Lawlor designs and flow fairly similarly. The pop bumper arrangement on the left hand side, cellar and a few other details. You can see that Pat refined the flow for Addams. I really enjoy his games.
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Great job Nino, has come up real nice
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Again a beauteful job ^^^
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Very nice!
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Looks like new. Excellent resto. Nino does it again !
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All boards have been checked. I reflowed all the connector solder joints and inspected all the wires. All good. The battery holder was replaced. All fuses were removed and checked. Many were incorrect, so I've fitted the correct value fuses.
One coil was weak and was replaced during testing. The game is basically completed. I'll take some photos of the machine over the weekend. Plays very well and is an underrated SYS11 game. Very happy with the result and the new owner will love it !