The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Mods => General Mods => Topic started by: Caveoftreasures on April 22, 2013, 08:09:58 PM
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Check out this link.
This looks like a excellent product to protect any older pinball machines.
Apx $150 Aussie Dollars by the looks of it, but if it saves your playfield, I reckon a great idea !
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/playfieldprotector/index.html
Its a 2013 fix that saves having to clearcoat a playfield if u don't want to go that way by using the latest in shiny polymer plastics.
Plenty of playfields can be done. I think 86 so far if I am counting correctly !
http://www.bestofpinball.de/catalog/index.php/cPath/636
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I saw this - I have ordered one for my TAF. Will do a quick write up when it gets here. Great and cheap idea to preserve playfields.
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This looks like a good product , Will wait for some feedback about its quality and fit. But nice shine on the applied film ^^^ Has any members used this product? Apart from Ausfhino's who is awaiting one for his TAF
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Package arrived today - packed quite well. Going to do a shop of the addams - so going to be about a month before I get all the parts I want sorted. Then I will do a tear down and install - will post a little review when I do it.
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I believe this an optically clear laminate designed to withstand traffic made by Concept ( Concept 105)
http://generalformulations.com/PDFs/105%20High%20Gloss.pdf
Please note that this product has a PERMANENT glue base
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Boy - everything old really IS new again.......we used to make these before routing new pins 30 years ago from contact........so easy to make in about 30 minutes it isn't funny.
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Does it say it has a glue base on this exact product on their pin website ?, because that would be a BIG thing to way up before usage for sure ?
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Just read the article and it has NO glue base.. instead is a sheet that sits there.
LOL- so scrap my last post..
Be interesting to see how it fairs over time
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RIGHTO - I think there is a need to clarify a few things about this product. It is not CONTACT - and it is not ADHESIVE based.
The place holder website for the company that makes these - http://playfield-protectors.com/ (http://playfield-protectors.com/)
Some Facts of this Product:
- 0,75mm Makrolon (unbreakable)
- Fits 100%
- Protectors comes with bothsides covered film
- Brilliant Look (like clear coating)
- fast Installing
- long time Protection
- can remove without any Problem
- Balls rolls smoother and quieter
- Protector equals evenness, as will lie completly flush on top
Here are the installation instructions for a T2 - http://www.bestofpinball.de/catalog/_EINBAUANLEITUNGEN/protector_t2-englisch.pdf (http://www.bestofpinball.de/catalog/_EINBAUANLEITUNGEN/protector_t2-englisch.pdf)
Posted the above as there was appearing to be a little confusion as to what this product actually is. To add to the links - the product is not flimsy at all. Considering it is only .75mm it feels quite durable.
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My interest is to see how it stands up to a fair among of games ie. Ball tracks etc. If it holds up great, can you imagine your nib protected, it would be nos for all time ^^^
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ordered a couple today. I'll post some pics and see how they go.
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Ok Guys - finished Night Work today - got stuck into this this afternoon in my zombie state. Here is a quick write up.
INSTALL
1. Removed the ramps - guides - pop bumper caps.
2. Gave the playfield a quick wipe down
3. Put the protector with its protective covering on - in - to make sure it fits.
4. Removed the backings and placed it in.
THE FIT
The fit of this item was excellent. It does not move - is very stable. I installed everything back on and sat back in wonder. This item clearly protects the playfield - but it is hard to describe how great it makes the playfield look. I have been contemplating removing my addams playfield and shipping it off for a clearcoat. I am now officially putting this on hold - as the protector gives the effect of nice clearcoated playfield.
The lighting pops more - the ball runs far quiter, and I would put the speed slightly up on what it is before.
Time will be a good test to see whether it gathers ball trails - however it simply states use Novus to clean. I will attempt to post back in a couple of months or so with how heavy use affects the appearance - however for $150 odd dollars - one of the best things I have bought. If you were an operator - you would be made not to get this for all your machines - it will keep the playfield in smick condition.
If anyone has any specific questions - ask away.
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Gee that looks bloody good eh?.. wonder what this stuff is.. i know of several thousand woodrails that need this kind of protection
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That look awesome! Does anyone know how good an alternative it would be to clearcoat? What the benefits of clearcoat be over this product?
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Looks good . Just one question Do you think any muck and dirt could get under this with lots of plays?
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not unless you had some borers.eg.termites
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That look awesome! Does anyone know how good an alternative it would be to clearcoat? What the benefits of clearcoat be over this product?
If you had a machine that had a little bit of PF damage or imperfection - but not worthy of a the cost of a clearcoat or refurbishment - then I would seriously consider getting one of these for it. You are not going to continue to damage the PF - and you get a very good medium term solution to protecting the PF.
Looks good . Just one question Do you think any muck and dirt could get under this with lots of plays?
I am sure there will be over time (Pinball dust gets everywhere) - however having the easy option of just lifting the protector and cleaning if it gets thats bad - is all you would have to do. Its not stuck down - can be replaced - low cost - it feels very very durable. It is not soft by any means. I would rather this - then mylar or other stuck down options.
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So it's not actually stuck down?
That was going to be my question, how the hell would you manage to stick down something that big and intricate. By the time I got to the other end I'm sure the holes wouldn't line up because it would be slightly crooked.
How is it held in place then?
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So it's not actually stuck down?
That was going to be my question, how the hell would you manage to stick down something that big and intricate. By the time I got to the other end I'm sure the holes wouldn't line up because it would be slightly crooked.
How is it held in place then?
THIS ITEM IS NOT STUCK DOWN
That seems to tbe recurring misconception about this product. Even though it is thin - it has a considerable weight about it. And also like I said - its not flimsy at all either. I was also initially concerned that it might flop about - but it doesn't. It is actually rock solid. The cut was perfect - plenty of room about posts - etc. There is nothing actually holding down the protector on mine - other then the ramp flaps.
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So it's not actually stuck down?
That was going to be my question, how the hell would you manage to stick down something that big and intricate. By the time I got to the other end I'm sure the holes wouldn't line up because it would be slightly crooked.
How is it held in place then?
THIS ITEM IS NOT STUCK DOWN
That seems to tbe recurring misconception about this product. Even though it is thin - it has a considerable weight about it. And also like I said - its not flimsy at all either. I was also initially concerned that it might flop about - but it doesn't. It is actually rock solid. The cut was perfect - plenty of room about posts - etc. There is nothing actually holding down the protector on mine - other then the ramp flaps.
Thats how i understood it from the start, that it just sits on top of the pf surface and gravity keeps it there :D
Interesting idea for sure, having this rather than a clearcoat or mylar *%* I'm keen to know how it will hold up over time. The only problem i can think of is that the dirt could find its way underneath, but even if it did it would be easy to remove for cleaning!
Anyway it sure does look good when on ^^^
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I wonder if it uses a similar principle to the screen protectors for phones. They're not such down either but are firm. Maybe the existing cc or varnish acts similar to glass.
You said they are cut generously for posts, how about pop bumper skirts, will the ball disturb the protector in your opinion? Thanks
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Interesting idea for sure, having this rather than a clearcoat or mylar *%* I'm keen to know how it will hold up over time. The only problem i can think of is that the dirt could find its way underneath, but even if it did it would be easy to remove for cleaning!
Anyway it sure does look good when on ^^^
Maybe around the edges like mylar given how generous the "cutlines" are around the major playfield components, but aesthetically it looks as good as a professional clearcoat. ^^^
Thumbs up from my perspective.
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I wonder if it uses a similar principle to the screen protectors for phones. They're not such down either but are firm. Maybe the existing cc or varnish acts similar to glass.
You said they are cut generously for posts, how about pop bumper skirts, will the ball disturb the protector in your opinion? Thanks
There is no - like - static hold in this item at all - apart from the weight - which is about 1.1kg for the whole item - it is the cut that really holds it - it just stays in one place. So far - I have found no place on the PF where the cut interferes with the ball - nor where anywhere where you could have to trim the item.
It is cut generously around all the posts - pop bumpers. There was on small cut area at the mouth of the vault - on the top side of the bookcase turntable - I was concerned that it might be a bit flimsy (which it looks) - however it has been solid.
The difference from mylar is that mylar normally ends with areas in the main playfield - that sometimes your eye is drawn to. The lines with this are always at the edges of the playfield area and until you have a good look - it is hard to notice.
I have played about 30 games on it so far. So far can't fault it.
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Bought one today for tom. Looks awesome and a great alternative to clear coat
I wonder if it uses a similar principle to the screen protectors for phones. They're not such down either but are firm. Maybe the existing cc or varnish acts similar to glass.
You said they are cut generously for posts, how about pop bumper skirts, will the ball disturb the protector in your opinion? Thanks
There is no - like - static hold in this item at all - apart from the weight - which is about 1.1kg for the whole item - it is the cut that really holds it - it just stays in one place. So far - I have found no place on the PF where the cut interferes with the ball - nor where anywhere where you could have to trim the item.
It is cut generously around all the posts - pop bumpers. There was on small cut area at the mouth of the vault - on the top side of the bookcase turntable - I was concerned that it might be a bit flimsy (which it looks) - however it has been solid.
The difference from mylar is that mylar normally ends with areas in the main playfield - that sometimes your eye is drawn to. The lines with this are always at the edges of the playfield area and until you have a good look - it is hard to notice.
I have played about 30 games on it so far. So far can't fault it.
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two games I'd like this for would be my two SS games. I wonder if they do requests or have others in the pipeline.
The other added advantage I can see with this product is you could do away with all this ball drop protectors, metal and mylar.
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I have played about 30 games on it so far. So far can't fault it.
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Hey ausrhino, Any updates on the P/F protector, long term issues etc, think of getting one for my TAF
thanks luke.
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Hey ausrhino, Any updates on the P/F protector, long term issues etc, think of getting one for my TAF
thanks luke.
Luke everything working great. Just put a game through before I wrote this and got my top score of 828 million. 500 million on the first ball. The look is great. The ball runs much smoother and true. I have actually been in contact with the makers regarding a Tron PF Protector. I am advised one should be released in a month or so. I will be ordering ones for CTFBL + ACDC Prem and Tron.
There has been less cleaning. And it is simply just wiping down the protector with a light spray of novus one. There are no ball trails to speak of.
Still a fan of this product. If you were ever going to put a game on location - you would get install one of these out of the box.
AuS
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Thanks for the reply, sounds like a winner ^^^
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From what web site do you guys actually buy this from? I only found a German site charging 119 Euro plus big freight. As far as I understand it should cost around $120.
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From what web site do you guys actually buy this from? I only found a German site charging 119 Euro plus big freight. As far as I understand it should cost around $120.
I bought them from the german site before bay area had them (for IJ, BSD and FT) also bought from there recently for RFM.. Make sure you log in as that price probably includes the 19% vat which vanishes once you select to ship to Australia and sign up..
I think Bay area charge around US$120 (not sure about shipping) and Best of pinball charge around 100 euro (when tax removed) but around 40 euro for shipping, better to buy 2-3 at once..
Was very happy with the fit of the first few, RFM however has a cutout missing for the post that pops up below the pop bumpers so had to cut it out myself unfortunately.. shame, I did email best of pinball just to let them know to tell the maker to fix it for next customers, they apologized and forwarded to the makers and said they would contact me, but of course they didn't..
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Thanks for the info.
Freight from the US and Germany is always very high. UK is much cheaper but I could not find a seller.
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Anybody elese wants to order to combine shipping? I only want to get one for ToM.
I live in Brisbane.
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Holy shit, just saw this thread now... would be perfect for my HS which has raided inserts and some minor PF wear. I was cautious about touching it up only to have it wear again, but a touch up and this would be perfect!
Hope they make one for it. Got my hopes up seeing the photos in the OP before I realized it was Getaway :(
Edit: Damnit, can't catch a damn break. No HS.
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Looks like a great product. it would be even better if they did them by request for not so common machines.
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they use lexan in armoured cars ect... it can stop a bullet....20g shot gun 9slug) have seen results with 25mm\40mm used this years ago.... you can fold it in a folder or brake press and get nice 90 degree bends.. goes brittle over time and sun... have not seen any go yellow ever..classed as mar resistant (small scratches) have used on moto stuff (guards ect)
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Looks like a great product. it would be even better if they did them by request for not so common machines.
Not as easy as it sounds.. someone has to sit down and vectorise the playfield so the product can be cut exactly each and every time.. its a long and tedious job but an essential one so the product is as it should be.
Doing this for one offs is just not viable.. you have to balance how much effort required to how many you reckon you might sell.. 99% of machines made just wont even get a look in
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Yeah i understand theres a lot involved in the production of this roduct. and its a shame really as there would be so many older machines that could benefit from it.
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There *is* a High Speed one! Just wasn't on Planetary. EXCITE!!! Means I can look at touching up without fear of it wearing back down again.
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There *is* a High Speed one! Just wasn't on Planetary. EXCITE!!! Means I can look at touching up without fear of it wearing back down again.
Yep I did that with RFM, also the gloss coating above 'hides' the touch ups to some degree, well I don't know if hide is the right works but you see them far less even if imperfect... too busy looking at the shiny playfield ;-)
I put them on every machine now, ordered for judge dredd and shadow too..
Still no TRON love though, weird, they have already released for the new stern star trek but still no interest in doing one for Tron...
Durability so far seems very high too..
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what a excellent product this turned out to be.
a big thankyou to the guys who purchased and reported back with great/positive results for other AP members.
I will have a look at their site and see what playfields they do it for n report back a list.
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If you're having a look Cavey, you're best having a poke around bestofpinball.de. I think Bay Area Amusements was the US online retailer selling them as well, but a VERY limited selection compared to the German site.
I think it ended up costing me around $250AU to get shipped here. 100 Euro for the protector, but I wound up ordering some extra stuff that's hard to get here whilst keeping the shipping the same (an upper-right Fliptronic rebuild kit to throw in my HS) to kind of justify the price. IMO it's still a steal for what you're getting: a hassle and commitment-free alternative to clearcoating.
I have a busy few weeks coming up with the GP and Texas, but I'll post my impressions here of it when I get a chance to put 'er in :)
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my BSD one is starting to show some scratching on the protector, still fine but they do wear much quicker than a play-field, but better the protector than the play-field..
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OK, I have 2 x Bugs Bunny Birthday Bash Pinballs -Bally 1990 that I wanted to do with the shiny playfield protectors with.
GREAT NEWS.
I found that Bay Area Amusements has them for around $114 or $119 each plus shipping (haven't worked out shipping yet).
So will look into this over the next few days to see if its cheaper to go thru the USA seller versus the Euro seller.
Anyone had any figures for postage from the USA yet ? Any help would be appreciated/good.
Anyone ordering any from Bay Area and want to share costs with shipping to Brisy/GoldCoast ? If not, any other shipping advice would be good.
Brett
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Ask prior if they are shipping them flat packet or rolled up #@#
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do I want rolled or flat.....does it farkkk up the product.
K, found the Euro seller wants $100 euros each x 2 bugs bunny machines equals $200 plus a total of $42 euros for shipping together.
$242 euros is what in USA or Aussie dollars.
Bay Area wants $119 USA dollars each, and still waiting on shipping....who will be cheapest...? who would u buy from, euro dude or the USa guys. ?
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The games available, are increasing everyday both on the best.of.pinball.de euro site and on bay area amusements plus all the other new agents.
product is going great guns. If u can get it for a bugs bunny, it looks like they aren't stopping just at all the favourites n sterns cause I also saw both black knight and black night 2000 and many many more.
I sent an email n was told another 60 games being added very shortly. WOW ! great product n great thinking/marketing for a change from a pinball supplier. That's fresh for a change !
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IMO flat packed is the way to go, think BAA sends them rolled, you would have to ask to be sure, i know someone that got a BAA one for hes TZ wasn't real happy about it & took a while to flatten out, #@#
I fitted one that came flat packet, fitted 1st shot with some Very Minor trimming had to be done,
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So Bay Area wanted just under $295 to ship and purchase 2 x protectors for 2 x Bugs Bunny machines.
The Euro people wanted $245 Euros to send n ship 2 x of same product.
**I have to get someone to help me convert $245 Euros to USA Money. (then a converter from USA to Aussie).
Then I will chose who to buy from.
Will try to find a currency converter now online.....rather the items come flat packed though.....
Might see if they have one for my Gilligans Island whilst I am on the job.....might save shipping.
update - yep, Gilligans available as well....cool !!
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IMO flat packed is the way to go, think BAA sends them rolled, you would have to ask to be sure, i know someone that got a BAA one for hes TZ wasn't real happy about it & took a while to flatten out, #@#
I fitted one that came flat packet, fitted 1st shot with some Very Minor trimming had to be done,
Yeah I got one from BAA last week and it arrived all rolled up. I have it sitting flat now under some stuff and will look to install when I get enough motivation up to start pulling apart the playfield. haha
I was actually wondering whether I would have to take the cliffy protector off the out hole, put the sheet down then reinstall the cliffy over the top.
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todays rates
US guys $295US = $214 Euro = $318.50 Aus
Euro guys $245Euro = $337.50US = $364.50 Aus
if you get anything let me know as after a very small, light thing but $30 min postage is a killer.
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I will be buying 2 x Bugs Bunny protectors and 1 x Gilligans, maybe a Independence Day if that one Is for sale as well.
Will let ya know.
Send me a PM if u want something from Bay Area.
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Now available in QLD for around A$135!!!!
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From where in QLD, what's the retailers name and contact?
Cheers
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Forgot his name but he is in Kurwongbah/ Brisbane. I got my ToM protector from him. His mobile is 0409290720.
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is their any feed back on the playfield protectors
How is this product working out 10 month on..?
with the amount of games played on it....
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I opted for the playfield protector because my playfield was getting dull and had lost its shine but otherwise was in good shape. Placing the PP over the top made it look almost new again and ball speed is great. After 10 month and quite a few games some minor micro scratches are visible but nothing to complain about. I did not expect the PP to be as hard as an epoxy clear coat.
I would not use the PP to protect a new playfield. It would be like putting a cheap clear plastic cover over a beautiful new sofa and a newly coated playfield for home use should last a "lifetime" anyway. Overall a great and cheap alternative to re coating an old playfield.
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what do you use to clean it ?
I am assuming it would be novus 1 ??
or a cleaner that is for perspex
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I do not use novus very often as it is quite abrasives. I just remove dust with Mr. Sheen. No additional cleaning was required in the first ten month.
I have access to top quality German very fine car paint polishes (Menzerna final finish) which I prefer over novus. Removes super fine scratches and gives great gloss finish.