pop bumper skirt replacement

[pinball god]

Never done this. Is it difficult to replace these and when should they be replaced?  Is it obvious when a bumper skirt should be replaced and can it cause problems if you don't? Thought this might be a good starting topic for the new year. Happy new year BTW to all

[Strangeways]

Never done this. Is it difficult to replace these and when should they be replaced?  Is it obvious when a bumper skirt should be replaced and can it cause problems if you don't? Thought this might be a good starting topic for the new year. Happy new year BTW to all

The hardest part is the fact that you have to unsolder the lamp socket. Apart from that - they are fairly simple to replace.

[Ballywannabe]

Only a few reasons to replace:

1. Existing one is broken/filthy.
2. Someone has melted the end that sits in the spoon when they were trying to solder the lamp leads
3. The existing one is the wrong colour @#

Otherwise leave them be

cheers
Ian

[illawarra_steelers]

Are you just replacing the skirt or looking at rebuilding the entire bumper? Rebuilding and in the same process of replacing the skirt (a $1.00 part) with a new bumper body only takes 30 minutes and makes your game come to life. While you are there replace the coil sleeve (another very cheap part).

So it you are looking at replacing the skirt, do a rebuild while you have the bumper apart 

On how to replace see:  http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index2.htm#pops

[Ballywannabe]

Why rebuild pop-bumpers when a quick spray of WD-40 will get things going as good as new

Cheers
Ian

(PS, please no one take this seriously, while it is common practice, it leads to much greater trouble in the longer term.  Rebuild with new sleeves as suggested )

[Strangeways]

Why rebuild pop-bumpers when a quick spray of WD-40 will get things going as good as new

Cheers
Ian

(PS, please no one take this seriously, while it is common practice, it leads to much greater trouble in the longer term.  Rebuild with new sleeves as suggested )

Ian - Funny you should mention it - But I "drop" a tiny bit of "3 in 1" oil on the bumper spoon - especially on System 1s.

[Ballywannabe]

yep, good advice, I also use a drop of silicon oil if you get those 'sticky spoons' that won't behave.

[pinball god]

Are you just replacing the skirt or looking at rebuilding the entire bumper? Rebuilding and in the same process of replacing the skirt (a $1.00 part) with a new bumper body only takes 30 minutes and makes your game come to life. While you are there replace the coil sleeve (another very cheap part).

So it you are looking at replacing the skirt, do a rebuild while you have the bumper apart 

On how to replace see:  http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index2.htm#pops

Thanks to all for your responses. I have heard so many times that these are a pian to do and so wanted to clarify whether it was a myth or not. Sounds likes its BUSTED and I won't hesitate rebuilding one when the time comes. Will also check out the above link. thanks