Post by: Strangeways on September 28, 2016, 11:42:24 PM
The game was presented in a cosmetically interesting condition. From a distance, the playfield looked reasonable. It appeared to have factory mylar, but I questioned this straight away, as Bally were not mylaring playfields in 1981. It was a "patchwork quilt" of mylar ! There were literally layers. Mylar was applied on previously touched up areas. This may be a "Holy Grail" pinball, but it has some concealed repairs that would look great in photos !
The cabinet had some wear and tear. It appears a transformer was bolted to the side of the cabinet at one stage with some breathing holes. Interesting. The paint was fading. The backglass had to be stored at home as I was moving from the Garage to the new building and I didn't want to risk any damage.
The boards looked tired, so I didn't bother firing it up.
So now we go back to my personal Embryon. A literal "basket case". So we have scope for at least two High End Restorations. I spoke to Tim at HRP and discussed options for the playfield restorations. He was VERY enthused for the challenge. so we put the call out ;
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=13160.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=13160.0)
Two more AP members stepped forward. One member stripped his own playfield and another brought the playfield to APR to strip. We now had FOUR playfields.
Here is the link to the INCREDIBLE work Tim and Stu do at HRP - http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=13623.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=13623.0)
Here are some pictures of the game as presented ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20008.JPG)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20009.JPG)
Playfield looks good in photos.. But "peel" away the layers of mylar and contact !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20-%20GD%20012.JPG)
Enamel paint / touch up work ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20012.JPG)
Strange crop circles in the playfield. Previous operator cut contact around this area ? Ancient Aliens say "Yes"..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20017.JPG)
More close up inspection ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20023.JPG)
No words for this..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20-%20GD%20068.JPG)
Here's my submission for "hack of the year". A Gottlieb SYS1 Flipper assembly ! I know the bally Linear flipper system is crap, but to replace it with a Gottlieb assembly is interesting !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20-%20GD%20074.JPG)
Underside is slowly disassembled ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20-%20GD%20168.JPG)
Lower cabinet ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20-%20GD%20175.JPG)
Paint faded ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20001.JPG)
An aftermarket transformer and some holes drilled for airflow.. More interesting mods !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20018.JPG)
Progress
The day FOUR restored Embryon playfields were returned to APR (see thread above). HRP are in a league of their own @@*
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20Playfields%20001.jpg)
Here is an interesting observation. The two playfields below are obviously Embryons, but with several color differences. When we decided on the project, we assumed all playfield were EXACTLY the same. but they are clearly not (check out the greys).
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20Playfields%20015.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20Playfields%20018.jpg)
Next update -Cabinet repaint !
Post by: ddstoys on September 29, 2016, 04:36:02 AM
Post by: coon82 on September 29, 2016, 08:11:22 AM
Post by: Strangeways on September 29, 2016, 10:03:33 AM
Nice venting wonder what was going on there lol. Looking forward to seeing these beauties finished
It appears to have been a transformer. The mounting holes and the shadow of filth and overheating on the side of the cabinet were a dead giveaway. That's why I didn't bother powering it up. Maybe it was used to power the GTB flipper mech :D
Post by: oldskool1969 on September 29, 2016, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: ddstoys on September 29, 2016, 08:54:19 PM
Nice venting wonder what was going on there lol. Looking forward to seeing these beauties finished
It appears to have been a transformer. The mounting holes and the shadow of filth and overheating on the side of the cabinet were a dead giveaway. That's why I didn't bother powering it up. Maybe it was used to power the GTB flipper mech :D
I've had a few like that with the Gottlieb flipper mechs and a seperate massive transformer to run the hahaha
Post by: Boots on September 29, 2016, 09:01:50 PM
Nice venting wonder what was going on there lol. Looking forward to seeing these beauties finished
It appears to have been a transformer. The mounting holes and the shadow of filth and overheating on the side of the cabinet were a dead giveaway. That's why I didn't bother powering it up. Maybe it was used to power the GTB flipper mech :D
I've had a few like that with the Gottlieb flipper mechs and a seperate massive transformer to run the hahaha
My latest pickup has just that gottlieb flipper mechs in a Williams machine
Post by: Crashramp on September 29, 2016, 10:26:17 PM
Post by: ralph67 on September 30, 2016, 03:53:56 AM
With the 2 colour variations,
I prefer the one on the right with the light brown tones on the sides of playfield , and the Insert lettering looks a lot clearer .
How many are you rebuilding?
Oh and i agree some of the Bally mechs are a little bit crappy , el cheapo , The Gottlieb stuff almost never breaks, i suppose thats why they got reused all the time..
keep up the great work ..
Post by: Strangeways on September 30, 2016, 10:34:06 AM
Might one of these be for me ol mate over here in WA? I really want to play one of these beasts one day ^^^
This particular game is for a collector in NSW. The other one is my personal Embryon. I was going to do them concurrently, but I won't have the time to do mine.
The other two playfields were provided by customers who wanted their playfields restored.
Post by: Strangeways on October 14, 2017, 11:23:27 PM
We move on to the lower side of the playfield. This era of Ballys has the white plastic #555 lamp sockets. Troublesome, and there are no replacements. This is where we need to look at the alternatives such as the standard #47 lamp sockets in various configurations. Obviously, if we replace the sockets, we have to replace the GI and feature lamp braid. Time consuming !
Here is the GI lamp circuit braid installed ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20522_resize.jpg)
Each individual part is cleaned and polished. Ready for installation on the upper or lower playfield
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20535_resize.jpg)
Rebuilt Drop Target Assemblies
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20540_resize.jpg)
Every single switch has it's capacitor cut. Rather then replace the capacitor, the operator snipped the cap !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20545_resize.jpg)
More work under the playfield !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20547_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20549_resize.jpg)
Flipper kits installed for all 4 flippers ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20550_resize.jpg)
Underside completed !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20552_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20553_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20555_resize.jpg)
Next update will be the topside, and after that, the endless drama of the cabinet !
Post by: Pinballer on October 15, 2017, 09:32:53 AM
Post by: Crashramp on October 25, 2017, 09:03:17 PM
Post by: Strangeways on October 26, 2017, 06:54:36 PM
Awesome work Nino, it’s going to be some machine when finished.
Like your Genie - a long wait, but worth it in the end. Major update on this project next week.
Post by: Crashramp on October 26, 2017, 10:02:42 PM
Awesome work Nino, it’s going to be some machine when finished.
Like your Genie - a long wait, but worth it in the end. Major update on this project next week.
Genie had another huge workout over the weekend and she hasn’t missed a beat. I’m loving this game!
Post by: pinball god on November 01, 2017, 11:49:57 PM
Post by: Strangeways on November 02, 2017, 09:47:06 AM
waiting patiently to see the next instalment. Need to look at maybe having a go at my cab myself soon once I find just a little more time.
When you go down the round to repainting the cabinet, contact me prior as there are issues with stencils that have created a lot of extra work due to misrepresentation of the materials.
Post by: Strangeways on February 19, 2018, 11:46:12 PM
I took the cabinet to my paint supplier and he matched the colours and the finish perfectly. There were a lot of repairs to this cabinet, particularly under the cabinet, which needed new wood trim. That was several sessions of repairs. Next the undercoat, and I had to do more coats than usual, as the timber was thirsty ! I don't like the "plastic" or "glass" look of other paints, I like a bit roughness - it is timber, not plastic. So I go authentic.
Here's the undercoat after the last sanding session ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20559_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20558_resize.jpg)
The base coat is applied, and is left in the sun to dry. This paint is touch dry in 5 minutes, ans after 2 hours in the sun, you can start stencil work. I don't risk doing that - I wait until the next day.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20560_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20561_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20563_resize.jpg)
OK - So look away if you don't want to see a disaster in the making. I tried a test on the blue section of the headbox. I was not too concerned, and then the next day, I tried to align the black stencil, and no matter what I did, it was never going to line up as the "artist" drew the artwork with NO overlap at all. Making matters worse, the size was incorrect. This stencil is going to need work as it is also drawn incorrectly. So after spending time with tracing paper and doing a test run without paint, I had to modify the black stencil in several areas - denoted in texta below !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20531_resize.jpg)
Lets apply the black stencil. Whoops - it does not stick !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Ebryon%20GD%20005_resize.jpg)
Lets just keep going. Spend more time masking up the continual "tears" (and tears by this stage). Problems lining up..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Ebryon%20GD%20003_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Ebryon%20GD%20006_resize.jpg)
Lets paint ! Remove the stencil.. Faaaaaaaaaark !*!
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Ebryon%20GD%20010_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Ebryon%20GD%20012_resize.jpg)
How could anything turn up so F%^&ing Twisted ?
!*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*! !*!
Post by: Strangeways on February 20, 2018, 12:04:16 AM
Here we go with the blue on the front of the cabinet ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20502_resize.jpg)
Good start !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20519_resize.jpg)
Now we start the sides ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20503_resize.jpg)
Here is the black lining up perfectly.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20624_resize.jpg)
You can already tell that Jeff's stencils are hugely superior to the rubbish I was using before ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20626_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20629_resize.jpg)
Painting of the cabinet is completed !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20628_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20630_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20631_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20632_resize.jpg)
Now I added the new sideraisl from the other Jeff (railways), and original legs from PBR ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20636_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20637_resize.jpg)
It took a LONG time, but we got there !
() ^^^ #@# *%* %$%
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on February 20, 2018, 02:46:11 PM
sucks about the first set of stencils
Post by: 4_amusement_only on February 20, 2018, 11:00:04 PM
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on February 20, 2018, 11:21:13 PM
Post by: ddstoys on February 21, 2018, 03:43:13 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Strangeways on February 21, 2018, 09:39:23 AM
looking great
sucks about the first set of stencils
Embryon is a rare title, and unfortunately I was stuck with this one supplier. I tried to make it work, but the end product would have looked worse if I didn't approach Jeff.
That looks amazing! Hopefully you and pinball pimp can form a partnership going forward and churn out different stencils.
There are a couple more titles that will be restored using machines I have here.
Ohhh man the devastation of those first stencil (https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji35.png)(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji35.png)(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji35.png)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep. But there was a steely resolve to have it done properly. Countless hours, but well worth it in the end.
Post by: Crashramp on February 21, 2018, 05:23:06 PM
Post by: Brunswick Brawler on February 21, 2018, 07:25:12 PM
This cabinet looks stunning.
Post by: Strangeways on February 21, 2018, 09:39:29 PM
Is it just me that cares more about how well a machine looks, rather than how it plays? Not saying the play is not a factor, but it's a second priority to me.
This cabinet looks stunning.
The artwork on Ems and early SS machines, is that golden era of both artwork and gameplay. My personal collection is mostly games I remember as a child, so I have that connection. A game has to look attractive to be attractive. Sometimes, less is more. Pro Football is VERY basic artwork, but it draws you to the game as you identify it as being a sport themed game. Ro Go is a an average game bordering on mundane. But the artwork is iconic. I own this game and Viking. I don't care how they play, I LOVE the look.
Embryon is one of those games that has stunning artwork and is a fantastic player. Rare and collectible. That's why I have one myself.
Post by: pinball god on February 23, 2018, 03:43:24 PM
Post by: Pinball Pimp on March 08, 2018, 03:00:15 AM
Post by: Strangeways on March 08, 2018, 03:49:41 PM
That cabinet came out AWESOME! Great job! I love seeing my stencil artwork on the actual machine!
Very happy with the outcome - Thanks for the kind words. This Embryon is for a Collector, but I will be repainting my personal Embryon using your stencils. I have a couple more games to start using your stencils and I'll be ordering more very soon. Again - Thanks for your assistance Jeff.
Post by: Strangeways on March 14, 2018, 10:41:24 PM
So we start with the Door. Typical - Coke poured down the coin chute etc etc ..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20641_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20642_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20648_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20651_resize.jpg)
Disassembly - Man that's bad !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20652_resize.jpg)
Filthy, stained and rusted.. Would you beleive me if I told you these will look new once I'm done ? #@#
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20653_resize.jpg)
I usually paint the score display mounts. I'm going to try plating them.
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20658_resize.jpg)
My Chemical Lab is open for Business ! This is the 4 Litre kit - Too small for me nowadays, but I need to use it up before I brew a 20 Liter concoction..
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20659_resize.jpg)
Wind forward - and yes - these are the door parts from the previous photo !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20671_resize.jpg)
Display mounts ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20674_resize.jpg)
More parts - the bracket that goes behind the legbolts ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20675_resize.jpg)
Various test pieces (I'll explain when I update the plating thread).
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20684_resize.jpg)
The PCB brackets that mount the boards in the headbox ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20686_resize.jpg)
More bits from a successful and long session of plating !
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/EmbryonGD/Embryon%20GD%20683_resize.jpg)
Next installment soon !
Post by: oldskool1969 on March 14, 2018, 11:23:24 PM
Post by: bleargh on March 15, 2018, 04:35:24 AM
Ok, now I REALLY want to know how you do zinc plating like that... got a few EM Bingo machines here that could use some shiny love like that...
Post by: Strangeways on March 15, 2018, 01:57:35 PM
Impeccable, is this one coming to WA?
This game is heading to NSW.
OMG that's just GORGEOUS...
Ok, now I REALLY want to know how you do zinc plating like that... got a few EM Bingo machines here that could use some shiny love like that...
I have documented it once before on another thread, but I want to do another guide on home plating as I've modified the technique slightly to achieve the results to a standard I'm happy with. I've previously used a 4 Litre bath, and I need to upgrade to a 20 Litre bath. With this upgrade I will need to replace the DC power supply.
Post by: Crashramp on March 15, 2018, 09:29:50 PM
Post by: Top Card on July 31, 2018, 07:52:32 PM
Awesome as usual. Do you tumble before you plate or do you go directly to the plating ?
Post by: Strangeways on July 31, 2018, 10:22:17 PM
Hi Nino,
Awesome as usual. Do you tumble before you plate or do you go directly to the plating ?
The parts are cleaned under the tap first, then they go in the Ultrasonic Cleaner for 2 cycles. Then soaked in a Simple Green solution. Dried with the air compressor. From there, they are soaked in an anti rust solution. Next they are soaked in a pickle bath (Hydrchloric Acid) to remove any old plating. If needed, I use a wire brush or wire wheel to completely clean everything. It is then soaked in a parts wash solution to prep for the plating process. Finally, when ready to place in the bath, the parts are left in a distilled (or rainwater) bucket. Then the plating starts. When that is done, they are removed from the bath and left in another rainwater bucket for 10 minutes, Then hung out. Four hours later, they go straight into the tumbler with fine media for 2-4 hours.
sounds like a lot of work, but if you are doing lots of parts, and you want everything to look new - it is mandatory.
Post by: Strangeways on August 04, 2020, 05:37:15 PM
Post by: ddstoys on August 04, 2020, 09:36:07 PM
. Sadly our games come last Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Crashramp on August 05, 2020, 10:41:25 PM
Post by: GordonMup on October 19, 2020, 09:11:32 PM
Im picking up my new restoration project tomorrow, which is a 1983 308 GTBi which is currently in many, many pieces
I will be updating this thread as I go, but just thought Id get it started now before I forget
variant4
Post by: Strangeways on October 19, 2020, 11:28:37 PM
Hi guys
Im picking up my new restoration project tomorrow, which is a 1983 308 GTBi which is currently in many, many pieces
I will be updating this thread as I go, but just thought Id get it started now before I forget
variant4
Welcome to thew Forum ! You should start your own thread as each resto has its own thread. This particular resto will not be updated as the machine moved on as per the thread.
I will be starting my own personal Embryon soon, it its own thread as well !
Post by: punkin on October 20, 2020, 05:08:24 AM