Rust appearing on ramp flaps

[intopins]

Just a quick question. I've been looking at adding another pin to the lineup and a few I have gone to look at have shown what appears to be rust around the metal ramp flap.

What would be causing this and can it be easily removed? Is it a sign to stear clear of the machine in question at all?

[pinnies4me]

I have seen this happen on even well cared for games - seems the less played sometimes the more they rust...not sure if that's from *lack* of heat with no lamps etc?

I would not consider this something to judge a game by without other issues suggesting a lack of maintenance or other issues.

Removing will generally remove the blue colour. You can buy re-bluing agents. You can also often buy re-made ones, but riveting can be an issue.

[pinball god]

Happened to one machine of mine. Was renting a small house with evap cooling. Never had evap before and believe the moisture in the air caused the flaps to rust in spots.

[andypinboy]

happened to one ramp i cleaned with a water based cleaner. even though i dried it thoroughly it started to show some rust within days. i think Nick's right - not a huge deal - unless you look under p/f & start to see other, possibly related, probs &/or signs of poor maintenance.

[intopins]

Thanks guys....appreciate the info.

[Caveoftreasures]

Happened to my BNIB ACDC Pro after first 2 weeks.
Was faulty job by Stern ramp flap supplier.
Replaced and all good. Haven't had prob on any other new Sterns.

Change balls regularly or rust appears on anything metal.

[Pop Bumper Pete]

depending on the game, you can buy replacements made from stainless steel

riveting them back on is not easy