The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on October 21, 2012, 10:59:51 PM
-
This machine is for a friend of mine's brother's 40th Birthday. What a great idea for a Birthday present ! I have a deadline, and it is fast approaching ^&^
The game was another title I imported a few years back. Overall condition is good. Filthy, but it will come up a treat. I have a "soft spot" for Data East games. Some of them look and play better than their counterparts.
Condition Report
Cabinet - 8/10 - VERY colorful. The red is not faded (common on this title). Has the usual scuff marks, but no real bad damage. As per all games, the security bar is ugly !
Playfield - 8/10 - No major wear. Just the scoop holes need to be attended to. Plastics are REAL GOOD. The only exception is the right hand lower plastic at the entrance to the death star. I will have to source a replacement or create one from scratch. I will replace all the pop bumper caps. They are cracked and broken.
Translite - 10/10 - Perfect.
Electronics - 8/10 - No major problems. Most of the problems would be overlooked if not checked properly. Connectors are a problem. Fuses clips are an even bigger problem !
The "BEFORE" pictures
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20001.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20003.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20004.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20032.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20035.JPG)
Begin to strip the playfield
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20079.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20086.JPG)
I have seen a game that was SOLD as "shopped" with rubbers in this condition !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20165.JPG)
Playfield is bare. I remove ALL parts to do the job properly. The metal rails are left in place, as the cleaning and polishing can be done with smaller 2 inch disks. If the playfield had to be cleared, then all guides have to be removed.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20177.JPG)
A question was raised regarding the fact that even after "shopping" a pinball, the rubbers and playfield get dirty almost immediately. That's because simple (but time consuming) cleaning is not done. The playfield subway ramps and mechs are often not overhauled and cleaned properly. In this machine, there's one main subway ramp - a metal one. The playfield can be immaculately cleaned, but if the mechanisms and subways are not cleaned PROPERLY, then you are wasting your time. Here's an example (above pic) - I've cleaned the left side of the ramp and the top section. It was FILTHY. The right side was left "as is". Now if the game has BLACK rubbers, it is not noticed, but if the rubbers are WHITE - it is easily picked up. That's why I don't like black rubbers on reconditioned or shopped games. It is a warning to me that there might be "shortcuts" in the reconditioning, or "shopping" process.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20178.JPG)
A close-up of the problems caused when games are not reconditioned correctly. This step took an extra 10 minutes !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20183.JPG)
The kicker on the right has a VERY tired looking spring !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20189.JPG)
Rather than ADJUST the R2D2 assembly, the operator chose to pour grease all over the posts ! In time, this caused the assembly to seize.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20192.JPG)
Drop target a bit sluggish ? No problem, a bit of lube and they will be fine until they seize up completely ! I THROW these drop target straight into the bin !
Playfield rebuild
The playfield is cleaned and polished. Metal parts are re-grained and I start to re populate the playfield. The first thing I do is install the wooden side panels to give the playfield some support. I've polished the playfield and waxed it 3-4 times.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20210.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20213.JPG)
Tumbler gets a workout. I've run out of Flitz, and Greg (RTBB) asked me to try some of his new polishing media he was recommended by Jame (PinballInc). All I can say is that it "Shitz on flitz" ! This stuff is AMAZING !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20214.JPG)
Under the playfield - always overlooked. Without going through this process, many other issues cannot be rectified. The boards show some connector burn from GI and some CPU controlled lamps. It is easy to just replace the connectors, but it is a much better idea to actually FIND the source of these issues !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20218.JPG)
Here's a clue ! ALL the lamps sockets are corroded, or show signs of deterioration. They SHOULD be replaced. They WILL be creating extra stress on connectors and might be lowering the lifespan of the globes. No use replacing connectors if you don't address the possible cause !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20221.JPG)
Replacing the connectors is time consuming, but it NEEDS to be done !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20223.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20222.JPG)
This is what I'm left with after an hour of replacing ALL the globe holders !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20216.JPG)
Finish off the first update with CLEAN inserts !
-
Looking very very nice already Nino.
As you mentioned, the machine was pretty filthy. Those pop bumper skirts don't look like they have ever been cleaned. I am guessing that the ball trough was pretty grungey as well - another dirt trap that is overlooked by 'shoppers'.
Black rubbers actually suit some games BUT you must have a few lighter coloured rubbers here and there e.g. flipper rubbers, Cliffy post rubbers to give you an indication of when it is time to give the machine a clean i.e. when the black lines start appearing on the rubbers.
That SW is going to be a damn nice machine when you have finished with it. Looking forward to the next update.
-
Well done Nino. Its looking great already.
-
Looking very very nice already Nino.
As you mentioned, the machine was pretty filthy. Those pop bumper skirts don't look like they have ever been cleaned. I am guessing that the ball trough was pretty grungey as well - another dirt trap that is overlooked by 'shoppers'.
Black rubbers actually suit some games BUT you must have a few lighter coloured rubbers here and there e.g. flipper rubbers, Cliffy post rubbers to give you an indication of when it is time to give the machine a clean i.e. when the black lines start appearing on the rubbers.
That SW is going to be a damn nice machine when you have finished with it. Looking forward to the next update.
Bumper Bodies and Skirts are my NEW pet hate. These are ALWAYS avoided. They cost peanuts to replace, but they are rarely done at all. You can tell if a machine is reconditioned or shopped properly JUST by looking at the pops. If they are not replaced - then corners were cut !
Speaking of which, here are the rebuilt pop bumpers - what a huge difference it makes !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20224.JPG)
All mechs rebuilt
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20225.JPG)
Re assembly - with Cliffys installed. BUT - BEFORE installing cliffys, the outholes were repaired. No use in installing Cliffys if the repair is not done, as the Cliffy WILL buckle and assume the shape of the wear. It is no use in sinply installing cliffys to hide the wear and damage. Repair it FIRST !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20227.JPG)
See what I mean about pop bumpers *%*
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20229.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20231.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20232.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20236.JPG)
^^^
-
Totally agree. Bumper bodies and skirts are cheap but why are the rod and rings relatively expensive compared to them? The new owner is going to be stoked with that machine.
-
Awesome write up for a noob like me to follow and learn a few things. Nice work!
$#$ Runs off to check the underside of my playfield for mentioned issues with globe holders.
-
Wow, that machine is coming up beautifully #*#
-
Great work as always mate.
On the point of pop bumper skirts - funny how we often see "dealers" criticizing "backyarders" work, and yet I have never seen new skirts on pop bumpers on dealer games I have bought (not that there are many of those). They are cheap, but a bit of a pain to replace time wise, just another corner to cut!
-
How's the shine on that PF wow good stuff, and it doesn't take long to get a coating of the black crud even the new games get covered quick.
Peter
-
Wow, that is a nice restoration you have going there. I agree 100% with the poppies.
I have a DE Star Wars to do also but I'll strip the playfield and remove the old Mylar which is cracking badly and really looks like a POS. I also need to get the ultra expensive 3D targets, all 5.
I'll have to post before pics!
The cabinet of the one Iam redoing is also very very very bad flaking on the front so I'll have to do some painting to get it looking decent.
I will also need the death Star entrance plastics both upper and lower. Did you get the plastics from Mad Mike?
kind regards,
Cliff
-
Looks Awsome Nino,
I love my DE Starwars so it's great to see a restoration thread on one. If you don't end up getting a death star entrance plastic I can scan mine. just let me know.
-
Looks Awsome Nino,
I love my DE Starwars so it's great to see a restoration thread on one. If you don't end up getting a death star entrance plastic I can scan mine. just let me know.
I thought you might like this one Adam.
-
Great work as always mate.
On the point of pop bumper skirts - funny how we often see "dealers" criticizing "backyarders" work, and yet I have never seen new skirts on pop bumpers on dealer games I have bought (not that there are many of those). They are cheap, but a bit of a pain to replace time wise, just another corner to cut!
Yep see it all the time on eBay and funny all the hole through posts get left as well...
-
Looks Awsome Nino,
I love my DE Starwars so it's great to see a restoration thread on one. If you don't end up getting a death star entrance plastic I can scan mine. just let me know.
I thought you might like this one Adam.
Yep, pre resto it even looks to be in the same nick as mine when I got it. This one doesnt appear to be held together with nails and electrical tape under the playfield though. @.@ Good to see another one come back to life. @@* New owner will be very happy with this one! Great game, great work! *%* can't wait to see the finished product.
-
Looks Awsome Nino,
I love my DE Starwars so it's great to see a restoration thread on one. If you don't end up getting a death star entrance plastic I can scan mine. just let me know.
I thought you might like this one Adam.
Yep, pre resto it even looks to be in the same nick as mine when I got it. This one doesnt appear to be held together with nails and electrical tape under the playfield though. @.@ Good to see another one come back to life. @@* New owner will be very happy with this one! Great game, great work! *%* can't wait to see the finished product.
What do you mean, aren't flipper mechs supposed to be held together by bent nails or wires wedged into a connector by a nail? That cost someone alot of money to get that sort of repair done. This resto alone is a prime example of the difference between a wannabe who knows nothing about the product he is selling and someone who takes immense pride in their work and is very thorough.
-
Now that is a SWEET restoration! I still plan to out LEDs in my DE Star Wars and give it a proper clean.
One part of the restoration process that has caused a speed bump are the big screws that go into the pop bumper caps. Where can you get these exact screws? I have a couple of replacements, but they weren't the right size.
Cheers!
Adam.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
-
Now that is a SWEET restoration! I still plan to out LEDs in my DE Star Wars and give it a proper clean.
One part of the restoration process that has caused a speed bump are the big screws that go into the pop bumper caps. Where can you get these exact screws? I have a couple of replacements, but they weren't the right size.
Cheers!
Adam.
PSPA have them. I brought some while in store a few months ago. Unfortunately I can't remember which ones they are. I just had a look on there site thinking that they may jump out at me but there's far to many to be sure.
I put LED's in mine also and IMO They look great. Particularly the blue in R2D2's head. It really make him pop when lit.
-
Looking great so far mate *%*
-
looks good i wish i will do this 2 mine. <..>
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Thanks, I must look into a tumbler.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Thanks, I must look into a tumbler.
There are a few really good tumblers on the market. Topic is being discussed here ;
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=9544.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=9544.0)
^^^
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Thanks, I must look into a tumbler.
There are a few really good tumblers on the market. Topic is being discussed here ;
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=9544.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=9544.0)
^^^
Thanks for the link, I knew I'd read that somewhere.
-
Board Rebuilds
Often overlooked and nearly always create service calls in the future. Best to alleviate that concern now ! General rule of thumb on Data Easts is to replace ALL the fuse clips on the Power Supply, PPB and flipper boards. They ARE the weak link in these games. I often find creative repairs on boards, and some of them require the boards to be removed and checked to find them !
One aspect of restoration (reconditioning and "shop outs") that is almost always overlooked are the fuses. I don't think I've ever worked on a game with a full set of correctly rated fuses. This IS DANGEROUS ! A blown fuse means there is a problem that needs to be attended to ! The fuse is the BEST diagnostic test there is ! When one blows - there's a problem. Replacing the fuse with a higher value can then create problems at the next weakest ling - usually expensive boards !
All fuses on this flipper board were different values. They should all be the same. I simply replace ALL of them with NEW fuses !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20255.JPG)
PPB Board - Looks good ! But the problems with this board were serious !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20245.JPG)
Turn the board over ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20247.JPG)
Close up ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20248.JPG)
Those points were not soldered. They look like they were "spot welded" ! There's a HEAP of damage to connectors due to over fusing the Flashers on one circuit. REALLY poor workmanship.
Connectors
Again - A quick scan and they appear to be correct. But are they ?
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20249.JPG)
Burnt to a crisp. I had to trim 5 cms off the wires as the copper was burnt under the wiring. The actual wiring was burnt out !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20252.JPG)
After replacing the connectors and rebuilding the boards, I moved on to the trigger assembly. Tired and not working correctly, it needed a rebuild and a new decal.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20257.JPG)
So I stripped it down completely, cleaned it and rebuilt it.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20259.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20265.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20264.JPG)
On the home stretch now.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Thanks, I must look into a tumbler.
Remind me to show you my tumbler the next time you are over. I will take the lid off and you can look into it as long as you like.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Thanks, I must look into a tumbler.
Remind me to show you my tumbler the next time you are over. I will take the lid off and you can look into it as long as you like.
%.% Yup, what can I say?
On another note. Looking good Nino, I'm really enjoying this thread.
-
Sorry.......couldn't help my twisted sense of humour.
You're right though, machine is coming up a treat Nino.
-
I ended up buying new Pop Bumper Caps as the old ones were chipped and cracked. I also opted for white rubbers with the factory black post rubbers. It looks much better with white rubbers. MartyJ TIG welded the main ramp as it had a couple of broken tabs and he does such as great job repairing them.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20267.JPG)
I have not installed the target decals at this stage.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20279.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20281.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20283.JPG)
Often overlooked (or not even vacuumed !) - The insdie of the cabinet ;
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20288.JPG)
New FULL flipper kits - Almost double the price of Bally / Williams, but they SHOULD be replaced.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20289.JPG)
I'm very happy with the playfield. Plays really well.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20277.JPG)
Cabinet is in really good condition.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20293.JPG)
Front door after reassembly. I painted a semi gloss black and then a Clearcoat. Bolts / hardware are also repainted and cleared.
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20295.JPG)
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/Star%20Wars%20DE/Star%20Wars%20297.JPG)
Completed game. It will be moved to my gamesroom until the new owner's house is completed..
^^^
-
The completed machine looks excellent Nino. Im sure the new owner is going to be over the moon with it.
One question though, in so many of these games that i have seen, R2D2's head has very patchy chrome. yours look great though, did you have him re-chromed or was it already in great condition?
-
Great work Nino it's come up awesome.
Peter
-
The completed machine looks excellent Nino. Im sure the new owner is going to be over the moon with it.
One question though, in so many of these games that i have seen, R2D2's head has very patchy chrome. yours look great though, did you have him re-chromed or was it already in great condition?
Already in great condition. I did polish it with autosol and it improve it slightly.
-
wow!!congratulation!!!!!very nice!! @@*
-
Fantastic job ^^^
-
Good to see you got it done in time.
Wish my missus would do that for me. #@#
Goes without saying but great work again Nino. ^^^
-
Great result as usual Nino .
Thanks for the detailed explanations and pics ^^^
-
A think it is fair to say the level of work n care Nino puts into there APR Restorations is world class...the bloke has passion and enthusiasm for pinball which translates directly to the visual results you see when the machine is finished. A stickler for even the smallest of details.
I would have no hesitation in sending any of my machines to Nino-APR knowing I would be extremely proud n happy with the professional work n end results.
-
Thanks for the kind words, guys. I love what I do - so I consider myself very lucky.
-
Was just looking here to get some tips and notice this on the bottom of the cabinet. It's absent in mine and was wondering if this was an addition or if mine has gone walkabout.
Cheers
-
Love looking at these posts you can learn so much that its a credit to you Nino for taking the time to document your rebuilds. Thank you for posting this.
-
Was just looking here to get some tips and notice this on the bottom of the cabinet. It's absent in mine and was wondering if this was an addition or if mine has gone walkabout.
Cheers
common to see these missing - here's the exact assembly ;
http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2435 (http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2435)
Love looking at these posts you can learn so much that its a credit to you Nino for taking the time to document your rebuilds. Thank you for posting this.
I've been documenting my restores for years and I love sharing my experiences. I've picked up tips from other restorers along the way. I'm a bit behind right now, but there's plenty more on the horizon. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it ^^^
-
Just checked my DESW Nino and the knocker assembly is definitely there in mine . Yours must have been removed at some point .
-
Just checked my DESW Nino and the knocker assembly is definitely there in mine . Yours must have been removed at some point .
Yup - I ordered and installed the complete assembly as per the rtbb site.
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Great thread and great job!! Inspirational!
Do you use the corn cob media that generally comes with the tumbler or something else? Do they come out of the tumbler like your pic's, or is there another step to get them shinning like that?
Reason I ask is that they look that good its like they have been re-chromed, if that's how they come out of the tumbler I cant wait to start using mine!
-
The metal parts look like they have come up great. What's your method for polishing/regraining?
I use my Tumber for the metal pieces and Green Scotchbrite or 180 Grit Wet/Dry sandpaper to regrain the metal guides.
Great thread and great job!! Inspirational!
Do you use the corn cob media that generally comes with the tumbler or something else? Do they come out of the tumbler like your pic's, or is there another step to get them shinning like that?
Reason I ask is that they look that good its like they have been re-chromed, if that's how they come out of the tumbler I cant wait to start using mine!
Corn cob Media - http://www.shooters.com.au/product.asp?pID=44547&cID=6054 (http://www.shooters.com.au/product.asp?pID=44547&cID=6054)
I use a Turtle polishing media that until recently, was only available overseas. It is MUCH better than Flitz. It is in a strange shaped container.
-
You mentioned that RTBB got you to try a new polishing media back when you were doing this resto, yet I don't see any turtle products on their website?
Can you just buy it locally or do they import it specifically?
I've been trying my new tumbler this week and testing out different polish in it with mixed results. So I'm always keen to try something other things.
-
Nino, your restos make me want to own every game you do. :D
Even the titles I'm not that into.