Bally Fathom Restoration

[swinks]

That looks magic Nino.....

[goodolddays]

Looks great so far  .. Must build myself one of those PF stands ..

[Strangeways]

Well some MASSIVE headway over the weekend. Just about all the parts I need have arrived and I was itching to get started on my favorite part of restoration - Replacing the targets ! NOT.. There's four assemblies to rebuild, and two of them have the extra coils to drop the individual targets - so there's a lot to do !

Here are the target assemblies prior to the rebuild ;





The metal parts needs to be soaked in degreaser, as they were previously lubricated - which is unneccesary. I then wash them with Windex and hot water. Use a grey scotchbrite (from auto shop) to remove any residue. All the drop targets are replaced. I bought the last set from www.rtbb.com.au, and you can see them in the bottom left hand corner of the next picture. The assembly to the right of the targets is currently being rebuilt.





A close up of the targets - and what a huge difference to have new parts installed !





The main bank of Drop Targets - Before ;





After ;





Looking good !






All the target banks fully rebuilt and ready to be installed !






Target Banks installed ;







A "bling" photo taken during the afternoon - look at that clearcoat !





Here's an interesting find. This is NOT the Classicplayfields repro playfield plastics - but a set Greg at RTBB found a couple of years ago and kept for me (as he knew I LOVED Fathom) - I had this plastics set before I owned the game !





I'll install these tomorrow - or when I get time early in the week.

[Ballywannabe]

Hey Nino - you are a perfectionist!  I have to admit while I like my machines to look good, under the playfield there is a lot of ''out of sight, out of mind'' in my thinking (as long as it all works 100%).

Your dedication to detail really sets your restores of the old classics as the 'gold standard' we can all aspire to

cheers
Ian

[Jango]

Looks fantastic Nino..a beautiful machine.  I've never seen a Fathom before but after seeing this thread its one I'd look at buying one day

[ddstoys]

That's one sexy looking game Nino those target mechs look so good.   Can't wait to see it in the flesh

[GORGAR 1]

Looks awesome Nino well done I've never played this title or even seen one gee they must be rare in Australia?

Peter

[ktm450]

NICE 

[MartyJ]

Had the pleasure of seeing this game in the flesh on Saturday.  Everything looks fantastic, from the posts, nuts, assemblies to the brilliant playfield.  Will be a highly sought after machine when completed.

[punter]

How good does that look  ,what a great restore,you have to be proud of the job you have done.This is in my top 3 of all SS games ever made and i would love to own one.

[thefasteddy69]

Thats looks beautiful Nino, excellent work mate. 

[Strangeways]

Looks awesome Nino well done I've never played this title or even seen one gee they must be rare in Australia?

Peter

Yes Peter, they are rare. Took me years to find one, and then I sourced another two in a container I brought in. There would not be many in Australia, but I do know there are a couple hidden in private collections. They NEVER change hands. I should know, I contacted nearly all the registered owners in Australia. Not one of them would let one go. A dealer bought in a couple a few years back, and sold them for a very high price. I did see photos of one of them, and it was in good condition.

Had the pleasure of seeing this game in the flesh on Saturday.  Everything looks fantastic, from the posts, nuts, assemblies to the brilliant playfield.  Will be a highly sought after machine when completed.

Already sold this Fathom. An astute collector has already paid for the machine and has commissioned a few more games from the same era. So there will be some more games documented and restored. Should be ready for a test drive this weekend, Marty - if you are in the area 

[Caveoftreasures]

Impressive work and patience Nino. I take my hat off to you.

Someone is getting a great resto and will end up with an immaculate machine. 

[Strangeways]

Huge Mega Update !

Firstly - the Cabinet work. Earlier on, I mentioned a gaping hole is present on the right hand side of the cabinet. There is also some damage to the rear section where the leg is mounted. I want to repair these areas - knowing it will take time, but I had to have the defects repaired.

I've already plugged up the hole, sanded it flat and ready to apply the primer / undercoat





The rear section bogged and ready to sand and apply the primer ;





Primer applied








The dark blue is a close match, but ended up being too deep and dark after it dried. It was the same paint that I used for the playfield wood guides. I'd say the cabinet WAS this color originally, but it has faded since.





The light blue / green area was matched with the Jo Sonja paints I used for playfield restoration. I ended up masking the area with frisket, and then airbrushing the color. I then remove the mask and it is done !








I then had to touch up the Blue area and lighten it slightly. After waiting for the paint to dry, I deliberately scratched the painted areas with a dental pick to match the reast of the "wear" on the cabinet. I had to do this so that it blended in better. Finally, I sprayed on some Carbothane clearcoat, which is a satin finish which is an absolutely perfect match for the "aged" cabinet. So here are the results !








An improvement on the damaged cabinet 

[Strangeways]

Playfield Update

The playfield is almost done. I need to repaint the spinner and apply a new decal. The lane guides (white) are not original, so I ordered a set from Greg which are a perfect replacement. I've been testing the game, and I've VERY pleased with the way it plays. Here's some "sneak peek" pictures while I was testing the game ;







Here's the Spinner that needs to be repainted ;





Decal has arrived.