playfield advice

[havoc43]

Hi all I've got a new IPB Addams family playfield. I am planning to swap it over on my machine but I dont know whether to move all the parts over or just buy all brand new parts.

What do you think?

Are there certain things I should definately keep/change?

Thanks for your opinions.

[Caveoftreasures]

you will have to move 90 percent of the parts over unless u want to spend thousands of dollars for no reason.

you can ofcourse do flipper kits, check coils etc etc, but u will need to document where every part comes from with many x many photos, and then bag n tag every part. A very big job if u havent done it before.

The are people on here who specialise in resto work who you may want to contact and get a $$ price/quote from which may be worthwhile in the end.
El Timbo (Tim Reid) from Hot Rod Restorations is one such person who is qualified to advise and quote. (search hot rodded pinballs on this site for Tims details) otherwise you may want to get a friend or other member who may live in your area who can help and give advice along the way if u havent done this before. It is a major job and one you would be best doing with someone experienced.

There are also so many parts suppliers from both Australia and the USA which experienced members have all used before with success. what area are you located in.?  

[havoc43]

I have no problem working on my machines although this is a big job I have certainly changed targets and ramps etc. in the past. It's not that I don't want to pay somebody to do it for me it's more the satisfaction in having done it myself.

[havoc43]

I forgot to mention I'm in Croydon Vic.

[MartyJ]

I have some experience in this area, to date now I've down around 5 full playfield swaps (DMD & 1 SS).

Firstly, if the Addams playfield was purchased locally it is most likely a 2nd (or 3rd).  In good light, make sure the clear is even and has not got 'waves' in it.  You don't want to do all the work then have to restart over.  If the clear is not up to scratch, then HRP (El_Timbo) is the man to contact.

You will be able to reuse most things and no point in buying new brackets etc unless they are stuffed.  You will need the following:

• New pop bumper lamp sockets.  I would recommend replacing ALL pop bumper components (playfield topside) ie skirt, base, spring etc as well as coil sleeve
• New screws for pop bumper brackets (the ones which go through the playfield to secure the bracket)
• New coil sleeves for each and every coil.
• Flipper kits & bushings are a must
• I would suggest new plastic posts.  They are cheap enough to replace esp for a new playfield
• Check your metal kickouts - most likely these will need repair (TIG welding)
• As far as all the underside mechs - fully strip, degrease, clean and rebuild (with coil sleeves) and test each coil as you go
• New nylock nuts (cheap)
• Boards - worth rebuilding whilst the game is in rebuild mode
• New T-nuts

Take lots of photos before and as you progress.  Its very important to keep an eye on the hex screws you take out.  If you put the wrong size in (ie for a #44 globe holder) you'll go straight through your new playfield).

I recommend to separate the looms as you go.  Ie take the solenoid loom off, then switches finally G.I and controlled lamps.  Work in reverse order when re-assembling.

I find it easiest to work on the playfield out of the machine.  I designed, built and copyrighted the following playfield stand http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=67.0   Only kidding Nino is actually the inventor I just built one and use it for every machine I rebuild.  For about $50.00 in materials I find it perfect and much easier than the rotisserie type.

I'm sure you're all over cleaning the other things like ramps, plastics etc.  I also go over the lamp boards (under playfield ones), reflow the header pins and give them a good wash as well.

I'm sure there is stuff I've forgotten....

Greg from RTBB is the man to contact if you haven't already for the parts.  Best prices and service.

[pinballheaven]

The SS Marty refers to is my Williams Phoenix where he did a complete playfield swap replacing everything and although my other playfield wasn't too bad I just wanted it swapped and as usual Marty's work was second to none!! He went over everything!  So for him to say "some experience" knowing what else he has done is a bit of an understatement as he would be the first person to ask!

[humpalot]

I did an TAF swap about 6mths ago, very time consuming job especially so if you are anal about cleaning and rebuilding everything.  I have another one that I'm about to do and I'm NOT looking forward to it.