The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: MartyJ on October 25, 2008, 04:04:48 PM

Title: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 25, 2008, 04:04:48 PM
Well I just picked up my new Last Action Hero from Mark!  Very happy thus far for my 'as is' pin!

Being a used Data East I am expecting some teething issues but its all part of the fun.  I was well briefed about where to look which was extremely helpful.  BTW everything powers up and a few switches / coils need attention but thats about it, + rubbers, flippers and some globes...

The cab was dirty, drinks, burns and even some blood I think!.  I found a product at Bunnings called Oomph.  On a rag (test spot first) but it removed the gum, grime blood and filth.  Wipe down with clean rag then a light clean with a magic eraser.  Awesome!

My question is the clear ramp at the rear and the clear plastics (ones which sit behind the slings and run down to flippers) and some clear posts has a tint to it...I don't know if its grime or what...I've tried novis but has not really done much.  Is there anything I can soak them in to try to get them back to clear?



Marty
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: markc on October 25, 2008, 07:48:46 PM
thanks mate

glad you made it home ok

now the hard stuff I see   

Nifti  will be your friend ......

should come a treat 

good luck


mark
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 25, 2008, 08:20:33 PM
Hehe, thanks Mark....I'm quite happy doing the hard yards...The cab has come up to about 98%...The headbox still needs a bit more but I will follow your advise on that too...The  PF is coming up very nicely too!  I'm very happy so thanks again.

I'm not sure what has stained the ramps / posts...I know black rubbers can be very dirty...Maybe it was from one of 'those' coffee shops in Amsterdam??!  Lots of smoke stains maybe?...Even the undersides of the sling plastics were brown...They cleaned up nicely though!

So will soaking in nifty clean the ramps?  I'm not ready to try the flame method yet....

Just need to find a decal set for targets / crane!  Marco's had them but none in stock :-(

Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: markc on October 25, 2008, 08:58:05 PM
Hehe, thanks Mark....I'm quite happy doing the hard yards...The cab has come up to about 98%...The headbox still needs a bit more but I will follow your advise on that too...The  PF is coming up very nicely too!  I'm very happy so thanks again.

I'm not sure what has stained the ramps / posts...I know black rubbers can be very dirty...Maybe it was from one of 'those' coffee shops in Amsterdam??!  Lots of smoke stains maybe?...Even the undersides of the sling plastics were brown...They cleaned up nicely though!

So will soaking in nifty clean the ramps?  I'm not ready to try the flame method yet....

Just need to find a decal set for targets / crane!  Marco's had them but none in stock :-(



might have some decals   let me check monday  for you


keep doing the hard yards  it will clean up nice

mark


Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: coolspot on October 25, 2008, 08:59:27 PM
looks ok ive seen it <.> today  :lol
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on October 25, 2008, 09:32:01 PM

Congrats on the new machine - always fun picking up projects.

Try cleaning the ramp with nifti and an old paintbrush for starters.. Then novus 1 and finally novus 2. You should be ok ..
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 25, 2008, 09:40:48 PM
I've spent about 7 straight hrs cleaning today so I'm a little tired.  I was planning to get the ramp out tonight and soak, but there is a little gate thing in the middle which I cant find the right allen key to remove it...Oh well will try tomorrow.

Thanks Strangeways, I'll give it a go.  I tried with a little novis 1 in the corner and my cloth came off black so I think its working....

I reckon its the best thing about buying an as is machine.  Taking something completely filfthy home, spending hrs cleaning it and getting great results..

The worst bit is I cant play it yet....But soon!     #*#

Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: ajlaird on October 25, 2008, 09:45:23 PM
I reckon its the best thing about buying an as is machine.  Taking something completely filfthy home, spending hrs cleaning it and getting great results..

I can see how it could be fun...
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on October 25, 2008, 11:13:12 PM

It is fun.. Well for me and many others !!

Attack the ramp with Nifti first. This will lift most of the crap off. Novus 1 ONLY will mix the crap around like a paste, and it will be hard to take off. Warm to hot water in a bucket with a couple of caps of nifti.. Put the nifti in first, so when you pour the water in, it creates a foam. Drop the ramp in the water and let it soak for an hour.. If it has decals - be very careful, you should not soak.. just attack with warm/Hot water and nifti..
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 26, 2008, 10:48:10 AM
No decals (well none on mine anyway!)

Before:

(http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2339/beforeht2.th.jpg) (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=beforeht2.jpg)(http://img100.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

After:

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4151/afterzr4.th.jpg) (http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=afterzr4.jpg)(http://img247.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php).

Awesome...Thanks again guys.  Great advise!

Can you use Nifty (on a rag) on a PF?  There is dirt the same on upper pf which I think novis will struggle with.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on October 26, 2008, 10:58:26 AM

Are you sure that's the same Ramp ?? %.%

Excellent work..Nifti cleans anything - EXCEPT - Playfield plastics !

Here's a tip - Remove the two metal ball guides, and "regrain" them with 360 grit wet/dry sandpaper and windex.. They will look new. If you have a buffing wheel, polish the four screws - if you don't have a buffing wheel - Grab some Brasso, a couple of drops on a rag and then rub the head of the screw on the rag.... Put it bacj together - Would take 5 minutes  #*#

Never spray anything on the playfield.. First pass of a filthy playfield - Grab a old ice cream container and half fill with water.. Spray nifti 3 or 4 times into the container and dip the rag in to the container - clean the playfield.. This prevents any liquid going directly on the playfield..

Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: ktm450 on October 27, 2008, 05:12:40 PM
Dont be scared to flame polish them, they need to be super clean first, just take your time
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: markc on October 27, 2008, 09:50:18 PM


great work Marty
the ramp looks  fantasic


your parts will be sent 

mark


Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: pinnies4me on October 28, 2008, 07:31:59 AM
They look great, well done!
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 28, 2008, 10:21:34 PM
They look great, well done!

Thanks guys...I've completely stripped playfield, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned again.....I'm about half way cleaning metal guides (not sure what they are called)...I've jiffy cleaned the gunk off them, then used the polishing wheel on the dremel with some of the clay stuff?  The first one came up very nice...

Pop bumpers have been cleaned, mylar installed on centre section of PF - where gold 'admit one' ticket is - as aparently they wear really badly there (slight on mine) down over the top of arnie's chest where there was some small wear as well (as recommended by Ian from Marks).  Second time I have installed mylar and 100% no bubbles, creases and almost invisible.  I've started re-globing the GI on sides of PF, all plastics are like new (novus 1 only) just waiting on rubbers and flippers & new balls (all 6!)

Batteries have been replaced with new Energizer AA's (just need to get the cable tie thing replaced)...The connectors in the backbox all look OK, none burnt.  I have not touched the boards..I'll read up on Marvin's site first but I'll leave them until there is a problem...

I will let the mylar settle for a couple of days (I have been advised this - hopefully correct) then apply maguries wax...

The next step - and my question for the experts here - is I've filled the corners of the backbox and I'm ready to paint.  Mark recommended T8 paint - but I've been to Bunnings and they did not know.  Can anybody recommend what black to use? - I would prefer to brush it on too and is the paint a full gloss, semi or flat?
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: ktm450 on October 28, 2008, 11:22:02 PM
I will let the mylar settle for a couple of days (I have been advised this - hopefully correct) then apply maguries wax...

What is the reasoning behind letting the mylar settle?
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 29, 2008, 08:38:24 AM
I will let the mylar settle for a couple of days (I have been advised this - hopefully correct) then apply maguries wax...

What is the reasoning behind letting the mylar settle?

Well when I purchased it I asked do I need to wait before I can wax entire PF (this was on my last project).. The response was that yes I should wait as it will shrink once applied.
I don't know if this was correct however I can't do too much for the time being until my other parts arrive!
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on October 29, 2008, 01:41:10 PM

Mylar does shrink over time.. Mylar installed near globes shrinks, becomes hard and then yellow - But this takes years..

Not sure why you would have to wait for a patch of mylar to settle.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on October 29, 2008, 02:56:00 PM
Well I shall continue waxing duties regardless then.  I guess once the glue has dried its dried and not going anywhere...

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding black paint for the backbox as this was my task for tonight!
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on October 29, 2008, 03:40:43 PM
Well I shall continue waxing duties regardless then.  I guess once the glue has dried its dried and not going anywhere...

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding black paint for the backbox as this was my task for tonight!

Unless anyone has any ideas - I'd suggest you PM Wotto as he is the master of Cabinet refurbishment  :D
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: ktm450 on October 29, 2008, 04:10:02 PM

Mylar does shrink over time.. Mylar installed near globes shrinks, becomes hard and then yellow - But this takes years..

Not sure why you would have to wait for a patch of mylar to settle.

Yeah, thats what I would think Nino, no reason to wait? once it is down it is down
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Retropin on October 29, 2008, 09:18:36 PM
It does shrink slightly, but youll never notice it - approx 1/2mm at the most, go ahead and wax my man!

Only reason to let mylar settle and stick down properly is if it was applied using the wet method, if done dry, you have nothing to worry about
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on November 02, 2008, 07:50:20 PM
Well playfield is now back together and waxed.  I will post some pics soon!

I have a couple of questions which I am struggling with at the moment...I fired it up to play a game (with magnet aux board out) and I noticed one thing.  When the ball is ready to launch - ie before I pull the trigger if I press either flipper button twice it will launch the ball.  Is this a feature or is there perhaps another issue?

Also secondly - the crane seem to be out of adjustment.  I spent hours once I put it back in for it to be able to touch both microswitches (note the l/h/s has a rubber block on it only).  What happens is on the far right it stops as it hits the microswitch but is about 5mm to shy for the ball to land correctly on it.  Can you extend the travel of the crane at all?

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on November 03, 2008, 01:21:55 AM
Well playfield is now back together and waxed.  I will post some pics soon!

I have a couple of questions which I am struggling with at the moment...I fired it up to play a game (with magnet aux board out) and I noticed one thing.  When the ball is ready to launch - ie before I pull the trigger if I press either flipper button twice it will launch the ball.  Is this a feature or is there perhaps another issue?

Also secondly - the crane seem to be out of adjustment.  I spent hours once I put it back in for it to be able to touch both microswitches (note the l/h/s has a rubber block on it only).  What happens is on the far right it stops as it hits the microswitch but is about 5mm to shy for the ball to land correctly on it.  Can you extend the travel of the crane at all?

Thanks again.

I Think the answer to your first question is that it is a feature.. Some Bally Williams have this feature. Just in case the trigger button fails, the game can still e played..

I can't answer your second question as I've never worked on this machine.. I'm sure Mick will know  ^^^



Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: humpalot on November 03, 2008, 07:47:14 AM
1 yes it is normal for the flippers to also shoot the ball.

2 sounds like the switch is engaging too early and it needs to be adjusted.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on November 03, 2008, 12:55:17 PM
1 yes it is normal for the flippers to also shoot the ball.

2 sounds like the switch is engaging too early and it needs to be adjusted.

OK, one less issue to deal with the flippers!

2.  I cannot see an adjustments.  Both microswitches are fixed and they cannot be moved.  It is only just short.  If I move the actual crane (via hex bolt on the shaft) a few mm, then its too short to hit the switch on the left (blue ramp), but the ball lands on it fine.
I guess the rubber black block on one side of the crane is to allow for this - which is still there I have not removed it.  I can not adjust the yellow wire ramp in top corner either...
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: humpalot on November 03, 2008, 01:46:51 PM
You can adjust the microswitch by bending the metal lever that pushes in the switch, all you want is for the switch to activate a little later than it is currently.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on November 03, 2008, 08:37:11 PM
You can adjust the microswitch by bending the metal lever that pushes in the switch, all you want is for the switch to activate a little later than it is currently.

I have now adjusted these switches as best as possible.  I don't actually think the switches control the end movements of crane.  When the switches were out of adjustment (ie not being pressed at either end), the crane would still stop and the end of its 'stroke' and then return to centre if the switch was not pressed.

It is an absolute pain in the ar$e to adjust, mm by mm.  I have it now so the yellow ramp drops the ball cleanly onto crane, however it stops about 3mm short of the switch on the blue ramp.  Even with the black rubber square its just short.  I think a solution is to get another small square of rubber and put it on top of the other one.  I think perhaps the gear has maybe dropped a tooth or to as it should not be this hard.  I don't know if the rubber square is in fact factory.  If not perhaps the operator did this to compensate.  I don't even know where to find the type of rubber too.. Maybe bunnings..

If the extra bit of rubber fixes it then it will work until I decide to strip the motor and rebuild it..
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: humpalot on November 03, 2008, 09:20:18 PM
The switches tell the motor to stop.  Sounds like you need to adjust the switch on the blue ramp as well.
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on November 05, 2008, 07:37:42 PM
I checked an existing LAH at bumper today.  No rubber on the LHS of crane, so I would definately say there is an issue with the gears as its stopping short both sides..  I will pull the assembly out once I've played her for a bit!
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: MartyJ on November 14, 2008, 09:22:32 PM
My new crane (lower) assembly arrived today.  I pulled the old one out and compared the two.  I could not see anything obvious, however the gear assembly was rotated 180deg.  The housing would have sat nearly ontop of the pop-bumper coil.  Two bolts later and she was rotated the right way.  Put it in, had to just tickle the plastic ramp down a touch so the rear of the crane would clear gate and all good.  Motor travels the full 145deg to both switches comfortably.

Crane is now working 100%

The last thing is the DMD.  Missing 2nd vertical line.  So I will be looking for a replacement at some stage...I've been reading about the PinLED replacements but I think its still cheaper (at the moment) to get a std DMD display.

Thanks to Humpalot for his patience / troubleshooting with the crane too!   #*#
Title: Re: Last Action Hero
Post by: Strangeways on November 14, 2008, 11:49:44 PM

Great stuff Marty  #*#

Well done Mick - Another Pinball will be played tonight because of your assistance..