Post some pics!
I saw you posted on my "Post Time Restore" thread and it looks like you're in the same boat as me. You've got an EM machine, hoping it will be pretty cool, but you don't really know what you're doing??
You haven't posted the game's name yet (I don't think?) so I don't know what your working with.
I can tell you what I've done so far with mine, and so far happy with results:
Been as gentle as possible, but opened everything up. Removed the glass and stored elsewhere, won't be going back on top for a while. Found a bar inside that props up playfield, awesome. Cleaned up all junk inside, but kept most in case I need to refer to it, lot of junk was in mine. Parts pinball, parts kerosene heater. Whatever. Opened the back backbox and just stared at it. Looks neat, don't really know what I'm looking at. Got backglass off (look this up if you are unsure how to proceed. This was tough, backglass had not been removed in years I imagine, and took work to start moving) and stored elsewhere to reduce further damage/flaking. There is a way to prevent future flaking, I haven't looked into this yet.
I picked up this book and read it:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0917510275/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are probably better books, but this was a great book to introduce me to a lot of what I was looking at and going to be doing.
I opened an account at
http://pinside.com/ and started a post similar to the one I have on here in their EM forum. Good knowledge base, nice folks, just like here. My name is Rando there too.
After I determined the machine could likely be brought back, I ordered a tune-up kid specifically for it from E-bay for like $35. Inlcuded all new rubbers specificaly for my machine, type 44 and 47 lightbulbs ball, springs and stuff for plunger, cleaning fluid, maybe another item or two. I also printed out a scan of the orignal flyer, makes me feel good looking at what my game should look like.
I then found a loose wire preventing right flipper from working, soldered it, fixed it. First real accomplishment, feels good.
I then started replacing bulbs. Did the easier ones first, harder ones next, didn't force anything. Machine now looks cool in the dark, makes me feel like I'm making progress. Replaced LOTS of lights by the way, didn't realize but maybe half were out.
Cleaned the deck with the cleaner last night, shined up some plastics, started replaceing some rubbers. Discovered a couple more lights I didn't know existed, fixed those, this thing has lots of lights.
I agree that it's loud, and my chimes/bell aren't even working! My backbox is open though and the deck is usually up. Back closed and up against a wall, and deck down and glass on will make it sound more normal I imagine, but I really don't know, I haven't played an EM machine in years, if actually ever.
But I'm really enjoying this, the game plays pretty good, and I can see the potential fun in it if I get it tuned close to right. I will restate that I don't really know what I'm doing, but as with my MAME cab before, I'm feeling my way around, getting some good input, and acheiving results.
All good!
Good luck!
But dude, post some pics!