This is a title I started 2 years ago, but I've changed the objective a few times which has extended the timeframe. I have a "special" admiration for Wedgeheads, as I remember them from my youth. I remember playing "Jacks Open", "High Hand", "Pro Football", "Sky Jump" and "King Pin" from my youth. I've restored a "Jacks Open" and "Pro Football" to a NIB standard (Nearly In Box) and this machine is gravitating towards the same result.
ObjectiveStarted off 2 years ago as a "reconditioning", but as I started it, I noticed that there were a few issues that I wanted to improve. Starting with the cabinet and then the fiasco with the contact removal. After deciding to repaint the cabinet with licensed Flipperescue Stencils, I also had to address the playfield. More on that later..
Condition reportCabinet - 6/10 - Initially looked reasonable, but then then on closer inspection, there were some structural problems and then the plywood was starting to peel from sections. The more I poked and prodded, the more I wanted to repaint it !
Playfield - 7/10 - Again, looked very good. When I started to remove the contact, I noticed areas had fissures - or small cracks - this is where the paint had separated from the playfield and was being held to the playfield by the contact. Once I started, I had to continue..
Backglass - 7/10 - Some peeling, but better tahn most I've seen. I'll address the issues and possibly touch up some areas.
Mechanical - 7/10 - Corrosion and seized steppers. Some serious relpated needs to be done - which I enjoy doing anyway.
Before Pictures
Playfield looks presentable ;
Interesting application of a "mylar ring" - using contact. Would not surprise me if my father once owned this machine..
The contact has shrunk over time
Contact has lifted in areas - this is one of the reasons I wanted to remove it.
Front Door - Not much can be done here - Replacement ordered !
Some serious replating and polishing inside the cabinet. but first it will need to be structurally repaired.
Mylar removal test area prompted me to work on the first areas with great success (short lived)
Some minor issues - not enough to worry too much about ;
Then the WORST nightmare of contact removal is realized - and NO - you can't stop as you keep thinking " this will surely end.."
The LEFT side is a complete disaster. The right side is reasonable.
Close ups of the really bad areas ;
The result is a reminder that restoration work is not always an exact science. But it represents a challenge to me that initially I was concerned about, but I have several ideas on how to repair the damage (Surf Champ restoration).
Here's an initial pass of color matching and touching up by hand. It looks interesting, but I won't be using this method.
More on the playfield later. It will be sanded to remove any more loose paint and then cleared to lock in the current artwork..
CabinetMany small defects alerted me to the fact that it was better to repair and repaint ;
Layer of timber was slightly lifting the artwork. some call it "character", but a vigorous cleaning of the cabinet light flake this paint off the cabinet !
Paint stripper applied !
Fast Forward to NOWPaint has been removed. Stencils created and posted by Gav at Flipperrescue. Cabinet repairs and prep for paintwork done.
Will most likely lay down the primer undercoat within the next week or so (weather permitting).
End of part 1 !
