Gottlieb Canada Dry Restore

[ktm450]

Refresh your browsers if they are not small enough - I've resized and uploaded again - much better 

Thanks very much mate, that has sorted it out 
Heaps easier to read

[ajlaird]

Was there a problem ?

;)

[Strangeways]

Was there a problem ?

;)

I posting links to the larger sized photos. So I downloaded the entire set, resized and then uploaded. So the links were not broken. So created the issue.

[ktm450]

Was there a problem ?

;)

So sorry,
we dont all have cash to throw around on a 'decent widescreen monitor'
 




 

[Strangeways]

Score Reel Rebuild

Often overlooked, and can be the source of simple problems on EMs - especially 4 Player machines. In a typical reconditioning job, they are always overlooked. For this restoration - each Score Reel Unit was cleaned, checked for broken parts, contacts cleaned and adjusted and the coil sleeve was replaced. That's SIXTEEN units. So it is a fair amount of work, but I believe it should be done. Methods was simple - Strip them, soak the parts in a solution of Windex and water. Use nifti to clean the reels, and dry out in the sun and compressed air - rebuild with a new coil sleeve and test.

Here's a stripped unit - the backerlite contact board was cleaned with a scotchbrite and alcohol.  The base is cleaned with a scotchbrite and windex. I place an old towel over the rest of the units so I don't drop parts or fluids as I clean





Parts cleaned, dried and ready for re assembly





Cleaned unit - ready to test;





Credit assembly


The credit unit was in good condition, but was a tad sluggish in its action - caused by lubrication. It will be rebuilt ;





I soak all the moving parts in degreaser. Then I wash with Windex and water and leave in the sun to dry. A drop of machine oil on the shaft, and I reassemble. Finished unit works like a charm and is installed;





Player Unit

Best till last ! They are always tough to rebuild due to their complexity. No short cuts, this will take two hours to do a proper rebuild. Looks like just another stepper unit ;




But it has a cam and 5 banks of switches. Get this rebuild wrong, and the machine will simply not function





Disassembly takes a while and you need to be careful that you understand how it works to put it back together. You should not attempt this unless you either take a lot of photos, or have the schematics handy !





After removing the cam and switches - you have the simplest of stepper units





All parts are cleaned with degreaser - except the back of switches. They are cleaned with a business card and then with alcohol. A drop of machine oil on the shaft and reassemble








So the 16 score reels, credit unit and player unit are rebuilt - almost done !

[ddstoys]

Always look Great Nino   If you have enough photos how about a 101 rebuild thread as its one thing i really dont have the patience to rebuild and do a thread on 

[Strangeways]

Always look Great Nino   If you have enough photos how about a 101 rebuild thread as its one thing i really dont have the patience to rebuild and do a thread on 

Which unit - Player or score ? Happy to do both !

[ddstoys]

Player i think ive already done the score 

[Pinfan]

Love your work mate !

[johnwartjr]

To a SS guy, that looks real intimidating!

[Strangeways]

To a SS guy, that looks real intimidating!

You need to get an EM project for next winter, John. Preferably, a Gottlieb. You will enjoy the challenge !

[ktm450]

To a SS guy, that looks real intimidating!

+1

[shansta]

To a SS guy, that looks real intimidating!

+2 - it looks like the "difference engine"... On steroids...

[Strangeways]

Update - The machine is working to a point. I'll add a tutorial on how to rebuild a "match unit". It plays like a dream but has one small problem - It plays a 5 ball game across all four players. Here's what I mean ;

Press  the credit button for a 1 player game - resets perfectly, and serves BALL 1.
Plays ball 1. Ball drains.
Advances to Ball 2, but the player unit advances 5 times and now the game scores on player 2 !
Plays ball 2. Ball drains.
Advances to Ball 3, but the player unit advances 5 times and now the game scores on player 3 !
Plays ball 3. Ball drains.
Advances to Ball 4, but the player unit advances 5 times and now the game scores on player 4 !
Plays ball 4. Ball drains.
Advances to Ball 5, but the player unit advances 5 times and now the game scores on player 1 !
Plays ball 5. Ball drains.
Game Over

The machine does exactly the same on a 2 or 3 player game. It is acting as if every game is a "four player game". The game plays exactly as it should if you play a 4 player game.

I think the issue is either the coin unit or AX. I will retest tonight

[Strangeways]

Match Unit Rebuild

Often overlooked on EMs, but they are a necessary feature if you want the game to play as intended. The units are similar between 70's Gottliebs and Williams. This match unit is from the Canada Dry and is typically over lubricated and simply not working.

The Gottlieb Match unit is easily removed from the machine - two Jones plugs and it is removed.







A simple test proves it is not advancing. So we first start by removing the two screws - notice one screw is larger as it holds a bracket that is inside the unit. It takes a minute or two to remove the wiper arm etc.








So we are left with the plastic parts that are either worn or over lubricated. Remove the two screws holding the bracket and the unit is disassembled. I usually soak in degreaser and then alcohol.





All the dirty parts have been cleaned, and they are ready for reassembly.





The bakerlite boards are cleaned with scotchbrite pads and alcohol. Plastic parts are checked. If the teeth are worm, they can be replaced. A drop of machine oil on the cog and it is ready to be assembled.





Reassemble the wipers and brackets and test - All good !





Took around 25 minutes to complete.