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Aussie Pinball Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: Strangeways on April 13, 2020, 03:57:38 PM

Title: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 13, 2020, 03:57:38 PM

This is another restoration started a while ago, but not documented. Now that I have time up my sleeve, there will be a lot of restos posted. It will be a LONG and detailed thread.

Objective

To restore the game as a NIB (Nearly In Box) machine. A High End Restoration that would involve all aspects - playfield, cabinet etc.

Condition Report

Starting base was reasonable for a game that was WELL played.

Cabinet - 5/10 - Paint was faded, minimal damage but missing the original wood "pedestal" between the head and cabinet. Timber was VERY dry and weathered.Playfield - 4/10 - Worn with a patchwork quilt of mylar and some touch ups. Ir is going to @el_timbo86 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=profile;u=772) for a full treatment
Backglass - 6/10 - Presented well from the front, but it has touch ups on the rear. Hopefully CPE make a repro !
Electronics - 8/10 - Altek boards throughout. Just needs some playfield re wiring etc..

Before Photos

In the workshop, prior to commencing. The game played ok, with some faults.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20001_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20004_resize.jpg)

Nice security system on the door !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20003_resize.jpg)


Playfield has various issues, but will be restored to "better than original" by Tim.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20005_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20006_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20008_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20010_resize.jpg)



Interesting "mod" under the apron !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20042_resize.jpg)


Time to label all the wiring prior to stripping the playfield.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20063_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20075_resize.jpg)


Playfield stripped and documented ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20105_resize.jpg)


Moving on to the cabinet. Under the legs is a sample of the correct color for the base. I take the lower cabinet to my paint guy so he can match the color AND finish. This paint is clearly a gray color, BUT, it has purple "flecks" in it that I never noticed. You can see the purple (VERY faintly) in this photo. I could have left it gray only, but adding the purple made a difference when the two colors were next to each other, and it mage the match perfect.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20108_resize.jpg)


Reference photos of inside the cabinet.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20112_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20114_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20117_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20124_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20125_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20126_resize.jpg)


Below is a photo which demonstrates the weathered or "dry" condition of the cabinet. There are parallel lines across the front which are signs of either lower grade timber or the machine was stored on a warmer climate or conditions. There's not much you can do when presented with this type of cabinet, especially when the entire cabinet is the same throughout. A replacement cabinet would be the best and more expensive option, but no one produces Stern cabinets. Another option is to have it sprayed in two pack or use heavy "highfill" enamels - which I'm not tooled up to do, nor do I have the knowledge. I dislike cabinets done with heavy highfill or two pack as they are not original in my view, but perfectly acceptable if it is for your machine. I just won't do it.

So the question would be - "Why not just fill the cabinet with filler" ? Not a good idea, in fact, this would be the worst option. This timer is still "breathing". what that means is that in different seasons and climatic conditions, the timber will still expand and contract. I could use filler and make the cabinet appear like a sheet of painted glass, but in 5 years time, the weather and conditions would see chunks of filler and paint flake off. This is a case where I employ the same methods as any cabinet, and the cabinet will appear "weathered" even after painting. It is the only option for an original restoration.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20127_resize.jpg)


However, scratches and dints are attended to ;

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20140_resize.jpg)


Prepping and undercoating the cabinet ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20142_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20144_resize.jpg)

End of part 1 !

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Ballywannabe on April 13, 2020, 04:14:12 PM

Will be following with interest.  One of my favourite classic Sterns - super quick and great sounds.
Don't forget Pinball Rescue has plastics for this one.
I remember the cab being almost silver back in the day.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 13, 2020, 04:42:54 PM

Quote from: Ballywannabe on April 13, 2020, 04:14:12 PM

Will be following with interest.  One of my favourite classic Sterns - super quick and great sounds.
Don't forget Pinball Rescue has plastics for this one.
I remember the cab being almost silver back in the day.

I installed the Pinball Rescue Plastic set - it was of very high standard and a good color match. This machine is the fastest machine I've ever played - the the point I warned that it might need playfield plastic protectors. Hence the name "Quicksilver". It is just insane.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 15, 2020, 08:16:24 PM

This is a really easy cabinet to paint as there is only one color, so not registration issues to deal with. As mentioned in the first installment, the base coat was modified with the purple fleck, and it was much closer to the original color and finish. The black is just the one stencil. I wait 2 days for the base to cure, and no more than that - even though it is dry (touch dry in 10 minutes), I like to ensure the stencil colors bind before fully cured.


I use @Pinball Pimp (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=profile;u=9348) Stencils, which are tricky with acrylics, but I've worked out a really good system with exceptional results. First I like to trim the stencils and play around with the alignment. I use the blue tape once I'm happy with the alignment.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20146_resize.jpg)


Once aligned, I can start to peel back the stencil. I take my time here, making sure there are no bubbles etc - really easy if you are patient.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20147_resize.jpg)


Don't worry about the unpeeled section rolling up a little. It has been aligned so it will be exactly straight.

Cabinet side is done and ready for the transfer removal.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20148_resize.jpg)


The headbox is prepped and ready to go at the same time. I like to do the color at the same time as sometimes the finish can be slightly different in different conditions. Black can be hard to control if you paint in separate sessions. It is hard to "build up" a dark color.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20149_resize.jpg)


Peel off the stencil, and here is the lower cabinet !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20152_resize.jpg)


Headbox masked off and ready ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20153_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20154_resize.jpg)


The photo below came out well. You can see how light the coat of paint is. This is the first coat after the mist coat. No need to go nuts and this is the secret to using acrylics with these stencils. You can EASILY see the stencil. The thickness of the paint is thinner than the stencil. This stops any edge forming on the stencil that will cause issues when peeling the stencil. This is where you need patience and work with the paint and stencil to make it work.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20155_resize.jpg)


"Less is More" - This is the finish a Stern cabinet should have.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20158_resize.jpg)




(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20160_resize.jpg)


Lower Cabinet ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20159_resize.jpg)


Very pleased with the final result. Around 10 minutes after painting, I use a soft rag to remove any edges. Cabinet is now put aside.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on April 16, 2020, 05:45:41 AM

Nice work as always


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: oldskool1969 on April 16, 2020, 10:31:14 AM

needed a bit more Zipple for the Nipple , ha ha

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 25, 2020, 08:00:34 PM

More cabinet progress. The door was painted, bent and had holes were there must have been a clasp with a lock. Some holes were riveted. The idea is to straighten it out, strip, repair and then paint. I decided I was going to plate the internals, as I've never plated the inside door of a Stern.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20161_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20162_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20163_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20164_resize.jpg)


Strip the paint, remove the rivets and prep to fill those holes.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20176_resize.jpg)


Time to straighten up the door with some clamps and timber ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20196_resize.jpg)


I used a metal putty that was easy to apply and file. I had to do it twice.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20200_resize.jpg)


Prime the inside ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20201_resize.jpg)

First coat of Hammered finish. Much better but still needs work ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20202_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 25, 2020, 08:17:28 PM

Time to collate all the parts that I intend on plating. These are stripped, cleaned in the ultrasonic and put aside while I prep the zinc plating bath. I had to replace the old plating bath contents as it was becoming inconsistent.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20179_resize.jpg)


Those Flipper bases are filthy !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20180_resize.jpg)

Various parts that need repair


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20184_resize.jpg)


I learnt a lesson with plating Stern parts - They are very lightly plated from factory, and the metal is poor quality. It is a softer metal, and the thinner the piece, the poorer the outcome. Thick pieces plated better. I most likely will not plate Stern door parts again as several parts had to be replated several times, and to strip the fresh plating was a nightmare. Thicker parts turned out as expected.
Here are some parts in the pickle (Hydrochloric Acid and water mix). This strips the old plating. Usually, a part will take 15-20 minutes to strip. Stern parts are so lightly plated, it took less than a minute.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20185_resize.jpg)

Here is an example of thicker parts - The flipper bases turned out well. Here is a comparison ;

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20181_resize.jpg)

Slightly thinner pop bumper brackets - Not as good, but better than it was ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20188_resize.jpg)


Coin door microswitch plate - Turned out really good and was clearly a different metal - that's why it was a good result.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20191_resize.jpg)

Coin door bracket - not too bad. Still not as good as a Bally or Gottlieb equivalent, which I've plated several times ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20198_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Ballywannabe on April 25, 2020, 11:09:38 PM

Hi Nino
nice work as usual.  You are right about Stern using crappy quality metal.  Target banks in particular have severe wear when there is metal to metal contact.

They are not your usual Stern flipper base plates - they look like a cross between the 1st generation and the 2nd generation (which they should be).  The gen 2 normally sit off the playfield, and the flipper stroke is limited by a separate bracket rather than the end bent up like the one you have (see https://www.pinballlife.com/classic-stern-flipper-base-sub-assembly-left-or-right-staked.html) .  Wonder if it is factory?
cheersIan

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on April 27, 2020, 04:05:54 PM

Quote from: Ballywannabe on April 25, 2020, 11:09:38 PM

Hi Nino
nice work as usual.  You are right about Stern using crappy quality metal.  Target banks in particular have severe wear when there is metal to metal contact.

They are not your usual Stern flipper base plates - they look like a cross between the 1st generation and the 2nd generation (which they should be).  The gen 2 normally sit off the playfield, and the flipper stroke is limited by a separate bracket rather than the end bent up like the one you have (see https://www.pinballlife.com/classic-stern-flipper-base-sub-assembly-left-or-right-staked.html) .  Wonder if it is factory?
cheersIan

I think it might have been factory, and W1 Bushing used. The owner ordered the W2 (Gen 2) plates and we had the bushings, so it was returned to the factory configuration for the machine. A lot of these parts for Sterns are now available from PBL. I remember making my own kits from various suppliers 10 years ago.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Ballywannabe on April 27, 2020, 04:47:37 PM

Yes, I remember all sorts of bodge jobs #@# We really are spoiled now!

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 02, 2020, 04:54:53 PM

Now that the door is done, I painted the legs, with the same Hammered Finish paint I used on the door. These legs were straight and in good condition to start with, so they came out very nice.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20225_resize.jpg)


The original Pedestal, or the cabinet head mounting assembly, was completely broken, so I made a new one and painted it.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20220_resize.jpg)


I secure it permanently by driving 4 screws into the cabinet.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20219_resize.jpg)


The aluminum backing was polished and came up great. More plated parts installed in the headbox and the boards mounted.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20222_resize.jpg)


Rewire the headbox lamp panel.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20221_resize.jpg)


Rectifier PCB mounting plate is plated and new standoffs installed. Repro Fuse card laminated and glued on to the panel.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20213_resize.jpg)


Rectifier PCB installed ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20214_resize.jpg)


Moving on to the playfield underside. Different screws all over the place !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20234_resize.jpg)


Incredible soldering skills !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20228_resize.jpg)


Time to rebuild the mechanisms. Neglected for so many years !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20231_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 02, 2020, 08:38:37 PM

Wow these had a fuse card hahaha all the sterns I’ve worked on I’ve never seen one


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 06, 2020, 05:48:56 PM

The owner commissioned @el_timbo86 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=profile;u=772) to restore the playfield, and as per usual, the finished playfield restoration is incredible. Remember, this was a well worn original playfield, and the completed playfield looks better than new. Before someone asks -"Why didn't you just use a Mirco ?" - Check the photos.. and I've heard too many horror stories..

All spots / marks / streaks etc are from the overhead fluros.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20235_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20239_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20238_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20237_resize.jpg)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20236_resize.jpg)


Stunning result. Will look great when installed !


The Loom is washed in the Ultrasonic, so that's why it looks new. Some of the Lamps sockets will fail as part of this process, and some will improve with the surface rust and corrosion removed. Time to map out the GI. The #1363 lamps sockets were all replaced in the end.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20240_resize.jpg)

Playfield components such as switches and targets are aligned and positioned. The blue painter's tape with sharpie marks are left untouched by the ultrasonic. Normal tape sometimes does not survive.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20241_resize.jpg)


Plated and rebuilt parts are put into position. The flipper bases are not the correct ones, but they are put there for now.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20242_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 06, 2020, 06:03:26 PM

This generation of Sterns used plastic Pop Bumper assemblies. Don't be fooled, these  surprised me with their action - much better than metal - well in this machine anyway ! The base on one of the white original bases is broken in two spots ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20243_resize.jpg)

On the left, is a used Data East. On the right is a later DE / Capcom version. Only one difference. The original Stern has timber / plastic switch mounting screws, whereas the DE / Sega uses a machine screw arrangement. The originals are no longer available, so to match the playfield, I went with black.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20244_resize.jpg)


I MUCH prefer the original switches. They are slightly different from Bally and Williams and appear to be similar to Gottlieb "high current" switches. I clean these up and replace the switch matrix capacitor. Small detail, but makes a HUGE difference in playability.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20246_resize.jpg)


Drop Target before replating ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20248_resize.jpg)


Test run of plated drop target with the wrong Drop targets (color) - but it came out really good !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20259_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20260_resize.jpg)


Time to replace the black vinyl strips on the ball guides ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20348_resize.jpg)


Remove the old and sand the wood rail ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20346_resize.jpg)

Note I have an old playfield glass as a cutting board.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20347_resize.jpg)


Flatten out the edges and bubbles and it is ready to install !

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 07, 2020, 08:15:31 AM

Still blows my mind they used plastic pop bumper rings they were not afraid to try new things to save a dollar .

     As for the playfield I seen this very early on and cringed at the amount of work ahead for Tim but he pulled it off nicely


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 07, 2020, 08:16:49 AM

You’ve done a great job on the nickel again and that vinyl recovering looks great I bet that’s taken some practice to get that right


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 08, 2020, 04:00:43 PM

Quote from: ddstoys on May 07, 2020, 08:16:49 AM

You’ve done a great job on the nickel again and that vinyl recovering looks great I bet that’s taken some practice to get that right


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It is Zinc plating. Nickel is brighter and more difficult to work with as you need industrial chemicals to strip the old nickel. Pinball machines were originally Zinc plated, which is a thinner plating. People who nickel plate assemblies etc are wasting their time as it affects moving parts due to slightly changing the dimensions. Zinc plating takes practice, but the results are amazing if you are patient and willing to learn. The only issue I've ever had is plating Stern parts. You need room and no kids / animals running around, but it is well worth not taking parts to a plater that could get lost !

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 08, 2020, 04:10:55 PM

You do a great job with it that’s for sure. 


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 08, 2020, 04:24:57 PM

Quote from: ddstoys on May 08, 2020, 04:10:55 PM

You do a great job with it that’s for sure. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheers mate - Probably because I enjoy doing it. If you need anything done - just let me know !

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 08, 2020, 04:45:27 PM

Thank mate


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Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: pinnies4me on May 09, 2020, 08:41:48 AM

Looking awesome as always, glad you left the timber in its natural state, nothing worse than a glass like finish on an old game, makes it look "artificial".

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 09, 2020, 04:53:26 PM

Quote from: pinnies4me on May 09, 2020, 08:41:48 AM

Looking awesome as always, glad you left the timber in its natural state, nothing worse than a glass like finish on an old game, makes it look "artificial".

It can be difficult to explain this, as some collectors expect an almost plastic or glass finish. Even with 2 pack and several coats of clear, eventually the timber will negate the efforts to convert it to glass. The only way to have a perfect cabinet is to make a new cabinet. Even then, the timber will age and cause issues. When I approached this restoration, there was no way I was going to have a mirror finish. I just won't do it, as that's not the intention of the originality of the machine. I spent more time on matching the paint with a purple fleck. It is difficult to notice the fleck, but to me - that was more important as that's how it was originally painted.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 20, 2020, 04:10:59 PM

Here's the original door with the non original paint and rivets ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20161_resize.jpg)


Painted and straightened door with decals from Pinball Rescue. Legs installed with black pincabs and the legbolt protectors ;



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20266_resize.jpg)


Playfield coming together nicely. New posts are placed in position with rubbers adjusted accordingly ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20262_resize.jpg)


The ball guide and baffle were in bad shape. I had to plate the guide several times, but it came out well in the end. Lock down bar assembly is painted with a metal paint that I've found to be very durable.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20268_resize.jpg)


LEDs installed with Pinball Rescue plastic set. I used the factory rubber post caps and the green superbands as they fitted in well. The factory pop bumper caps were used as they looked better than the reproductions.



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20269_resize.jpg)


The apron was originally black, but according to the flyer, it should be green. It was really hard to match the green, as the only pictures were from the internet. Lucky for me, I have a collector who has an original green apron, and the color looked very close to the best photo online. Even more lucky, the collector has an Eight Ball. They are almost exactly the same - which worked out well, as I have the exact Eight Ball apron paint.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20271_resize.jpg)


Playfield really pops with the plastics installed.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20272_resize.jpg)



I don't like the long #6-32 machine screws that protrude from under the playfield and are fixed to the lane guides with a nut. The result is a very long, excessively long, machine screw poking above the lane guide. So I replaced them with standard machine screws, top mounted with T-Nuts under the playfield. Looks HEAPS better !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20277_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20273_resize.jpg)


Just look at this playfield !!


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20274_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20276_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20280_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20278_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ddstoys on May 23, 2020, 08:14:44 AM

Damn that game looks amazing. 

Seeing this game as a blank Playfield my first reaction was what a disgusting looking game but seeing it all pieces together with all the other colours just wow it comes together so nicely


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 23, 2020, 01:26:54 PM

Quote from: ddstoys on May 23, 2020, 08:14:44 AM

Damn that game looks amazing. 

Seeing this game as a blank Playfield my first reaction was what a disgusting looking game but seeing it all pieces together with all the other colours just wow it comes together so nicely


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Most Sterns are like that. The artwork is not as "nice" as Ballys of the same era, but with these games in particular, the artwork was not a priority. Playfield design and the speed of these games seemed to me to be the priority.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Slash on May 23, 2020, 05:10:12 PM

That looks gorgeous!!

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on May 28, 2020, 06:12:22 PM

This is where the fun starts - Play Testing. The playfield has the minimum 2 coats of Wax while I test the game, and the first thing I noticed was how quick the game was. It was ridiculously fast - Too fast in my initial opinion. But is was slowly sinking in that the game was designed to be this fast. I'm glad I did my standard replacement of the switch matrix capacitors, as the switches were responsive, which it needs to be for a fast game like this. The pop bumpers although plastic were responsive and in my opinion much better than metal rod and rings. I had to tune the drop targets, as in some shots, you can know over all the drop targets in the bank with one shot (I used to love this shot in Meteor). Here's a picture of the game with the backglass installed for testing feature lamps (which were disconnected when I received the game).


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20282_resize.jpg)


After tuning it in, I finished off the internals in the cabinet and the underside of the playfield. I printed up tech charts and labels, laminated them and placed them accordingly.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20284_resize.jpg)



The correct Type 2 Flipper bases were used. These are a really good replacement.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20285_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20286_resize.jpg)


Here you can see the difference in plating on the drop target bases. The top left turned out really good, but the bottom right I could not plate to the standard I was expecting. They go through the same steps, but some parts simply did not plate 100%. I think one reason is because they were so lightly plated to begin with, the metals must have been compromised over time and was never going to plate.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20287_resize.jpg)


The Black pop bumper bodies. I think they fitted in well with the black on the playfield.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20288_resize.jpg)


Inside the cabinet - Power Supply board and transformer.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20291_resize.jpg)



Tilt Mech rebuilt - plated metal parts. Turned out nice !



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20292_resize.jpg)



Cashbox and door areas ;



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20293_resize.jpg)



Door Internals ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20294_resize.jpg)



Tech charts always finish off the restoration !



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20296_resize.jpg)


Flipper base plate - the correct type 2 for this title. The flipper kits are the same, but the bushing are different between type 1 and type 2.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20295_resize.jpg)



Lockdown bar receiver and ground straps ;


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20297_resize.jpg)



Under the hood. Very pleased with the way it finished off.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20289_resize.jpg)


 :D

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Ballywannabe on May 28, 2020, 07:27:56 PM

Very nice Nino, so much attention to detail. I am more of an "if I can't see it it doesn't matter too much" type of restorer!
If that is the real high score, it cannot be playing that fast - I struggle to get over 3 million on mine, set at 3 balls !@) .

For some reason Aussie delivered Quicksilver's seem to have the orange apron cover.  I swapped mine out for a Hot Hand which is very similar to the green version you have gone with.

Still waiting for the spinner decals to appear and the correct leg bolts

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: ktm450 on June 01, 2020, 12:31:45 AM

Wow! That looks amazing! Great job as always mate  ^^^

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: mrwolfau on June 12, 2020, 05:31:55 PM

Great Job - looks awesome

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on June 15, 2020, 05:00:37 PM

Restoration Complete and here are the bling photos. The work done by @el_timbo86 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?action=profile;u=772) is simply stunning and the rest of the playfield with the new parts etc really finish this game off. You could be blamed for walking past this game on location, but as you can see, it would have been a really good looking pin as new. But this in my view is the pinnacle of my skillset. I'm really proud of this game.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20298_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20299_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20300_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20301_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20302_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20303_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20304_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20305_resize.jpg)


Those are the original Pop Bumper Caps. The repros were too light.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20306_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20307_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20310_resize.jpg)


Spinner decals were the incorrect version - so the customer added them on later...


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20311_resize.jpg)

 :D

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Top Card on June 20, 2020, 11:01:00 PM

Wow, just wow

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Strangeways on June 24, 2020, 07:28:32 PM

Final photos of completed machine. I've loved restoring this game and it takes the mantle of the fastest game I've played. If you get a chance to play this title - don't hesitate, but buckle you seatbelts !

The machine lit up. The backglass is original and is not bad for its condition but it did have some touch ups on the other side.

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20343_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20345_resize.jpg)


Bling outdoor photos..


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20316_resize.jpg)



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20318_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20325_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20320_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20329_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20324_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20331_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20333_resize.jpg)



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20334_resize.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20319_resize.jpg)



(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20327_resize.jpg)



Thank for following the thread !

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Quench on June 25, 2020, 02:44:46 AM

Quote from: Strangeways on June 24, 2020, 07:28:32 PM

Final photos of completed machine.

Beautiful!
If I may, the flipper return lane wire guides are on the wrong side and need to be swapped. Compare against the pictures of the original playfield:


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20006_resize.jpg)

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/Restorations/Quick%20TW/Quicksilver%20TW%20271_resize.jpg)

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: punkin on June 25, 2020, 05:01:27 AM

I'd be very proud to have that here, outstanding.

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: Mr Pinbologist on June 25, 2020, 09:57:06 AM

Beautiful job Nino.. as usual!

I only ever got to play Quicksilver once in the past and loved the game play, loved the sound too!
It's another game i always thought i'd like to own some day!

Title: Re: Stern Quicksilver High End Restoration
Post by: magic7 on July 18, 2020, 09:28:26 PM

Absolute stunner! Great game which deserves that level of restoration.