Pinball Repair / Upkeep

[HaRuMaN]

My new pin, '72 Spanish Eyes, worked while at the auction, when I got it home, it wouldn't power on.  Took a quick look inside, one of the fuses seems to have blown.  No big deal, my question is can I use the old automotive fuses as long as I match amps?  (The fuses currently in there seems to be the glass automotive type).

Also, the playfield is in pretty good condition considering it's 36 years old, but it could use some love.  The playfield looks to be wooden with paint overtop.  How do I go about cleaning / waxing the field?  The rubber seems to be in decent shape, but I'll probably get a refurb kit off ebay and change out the rubber while I have the top open.

Also, while Somunny was helping me move the pin, we noticed that underneath the legs, the paint is different.  Looks like someone went and painted the body flat black everywhere.  I'd like to remove the black paint and see how it looks underneath.  Any suggestions?

This is our first pin, and its an old one (EM).  Thanks!

[shardian]

You can get most of the fuses you need at Radio Shack. While you're at it, verify all of the fuses are good and of the correct type.

Get you some Novus #2 to clean the playfield. Wax with any automotive Carnauba wax.

Go ahead and change the rubbers. It's only $13. Get a new pinball while you are at it.

As to the paint, that really sucks. At best, you will be able to remove the black to see enough of the original to make a new stencil. Use a mild stripper. I prefer 3m safest stripper, but there are others that will only strip one - maybe two coats of paint at a time.

[HaRuMaN]

Go ahead and change the rubbers. It's only $13. Get a new pinball while you are at it.

Where are there rubbers that cheap??

I'll try that Safest Stripper.  I'll start in the back corner away from view and see what happens.

[shardian]

www.pbresource.com

Where are you considering getting your kit from. On an old game like that, you should never pay more than $15 or so.

[HaRuMaN]

www.pbresource.com

Where are you considering getting your kit from. On an old game like that, you should never pay more than $15 or so.

Bookmarked! 

I was just poking around on eBay.  Very overpriced compared to that link...  thanks! 

[shardian]

Ebay is not your friend in this case. Stick with the reputable pin suppliers.

pbresource
pinballlife
marcospecialties

etc
etc

[D_Zoot]

If you are going to order a rubber kit and pinball,  don't forget to order a couple of boxes of 44 or 47 light bulbs !!

While cleaning and waxing the playfield, you are bound to find at least one or two blown bulbs!


D

[SirPeale]

Likely more than that.  Buy a bunch of boxes.  They're cheap, and you'll use them.

[HaRuMaN]

Will do...

Dumb pinball n00b question...  How do I get inside the machine?  Like under the playfield?  I need to replace the power cord (it looks like original 1972, very frayed) and I think the inline fuse may be blown as well.

[shardian]

Open coin door, pull down lockdown latch, remove lockdown bar, remove glass, lift up playfield, put playfield on prop bar.

[nostrebor]

HarumaN,

Welcome to the madness!

You needs this link: http://www.marvin3m.com/fix.htm

There's all kinds of good info there about pin repair and basic topics on cleaning and such.

Edit: here is the one specifically about EM pins: http://www.pinrepair.com/em/

[HaRuMaN]

Thanks for all the help.  I can't wait to get home and open it up! 

[SirPeale]

And be  V E R Y  C A R E F U L  when pulling off the glass.  It's tempered, and will shatter if you hit it wrong.

Never, ever stand it up on a concrete floor.  Make sure something is on the floor itself.

[Neverending Project]

And be sure to check out this link:
http://marvin3m.com/topcast/vid.php

and watch the two videos at the bottom. There is some good info on removing the topglass, transporting a machine, terminology, etc.

[HaRuMaN]

And be  V E R Y  C A R E F U L  when pulling off the glass.  It's tempered, and will shatter if you hit it wrong.

Never, ever stand it up on a concrete floor.  Make sure something is on the floor itself.

I hear you.  Someone shattererd their glass to their pin before leaving the superauctions last weekend.  Made me a little bit paranoid, but that's probably a good thing!

[shardian]

And be  V E R Y  C A R E F U L  when pulling off the glass.  It's tempered, and will shatter if you hit it wrong.

Never, ever stand it up on a concrete floor.  Make sure something is on the floor itself.

You can take all the precautions you want, but when a 30 year old piece of scratched up tempered glass wants to go, it goes. Been there, done that and now I am gunshy handling my new glass.

[HaRuMaN]

It's alive!

Silly me... after replacing the fuse and turning the switch on the bottom to 'on', didn't realize you have to actually press the start button to get the machine to turn on.

Those videos helped alot, still reading up on the other stuff...

[HaRuMaN]

Question: 

When looking at the Pinball Resource site, I read this about Novus 2:

*Note - We hesitate recommending Novus 2 as a playfield cleaner for Pre-1989 playfields. It's a polish  first and foremost*

What should I use to clean mine?

[shardian]

Question: 

When looking at the Pinball Resource site, I read this about Novus 2:

*Note - We hesitate recommending Novus 2 as a playfield cleaner for Pre-1989 playfields. It's a polish  first and foremost*

What should I use to clean mine?

The general community consensus is that Steve @ pbresource has a stockpile of millwax he wants to sell. When I did my first order by phone, I asked for Novus and he basically chewed me out! I was then strong armed into getting Millwax. Having used both on a late 70's SS pin, I can tell you that Novus +Wax is much better.

[shardian]

I try to give as much money as I can when I have to spend it to vendors that actually appreciate it.  I've been real happy with Pinball Life, everyone else I've dealt with so far has either been obnoxious or stupid.

I've dealt with GPE and pbresource. GPE had great service and was very helpful. pbresource got me what I needed, but the NY bully aspect of speaking with Steve was not pleasant. I've talked with pinball life and liked them. unfortunately, I have a Gottlieb pin so I have to deal with pbresource for my next order.

[shardian]

GPE is good, too, but they only sell components, right?  They won't do the original poster any good.

Yeah, they are for board work. If you need to order chips, it is a hell of alot easier to drop GPE an email as to what you need than trying to build an order at mouser.