Author Topic: Indiana Jones Restoration..."Finished" (Read 40236 times)

koolmoecraig · « **on:** September 17, 2008, 06:57:07 pm »

I recently picked up a Williams Indiana Jones(not the inferior IJ4 by Stern). This machine has been a holy grail of mine since I first played one. Yes, that horrible pun was intended.

It was in good shape with the normal cabinet fading. I was just gonna live with it but decided what the hell, why not do a complete restoration down to the last nut and bolt?

I have stripped the entire cabinet bare and I am in the middle of sanding and prepping the sides for new decals. The original decals came off pretty easily with the help of a heat gun....

I have been patching holes and sanding like crazy. I'm trying to get the sides as smooth as glass for the decals.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2008, 07:02:18 pm »

Here is the underside of the playfield before stripping everything from it. Yeah, I'm pretty screwed with getting this thing back together. Hopefully it looks worse than it is...

I took tons of pictures of the disassembly but something tells me I am going to have some questions during the reassembly.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2008, 07:07:11 pm »

The playfield is in great shape with hardly any wear at all. Since I am going overboard on this restoration, I begged Chris Hutchins at "High End Pins" to restore and clearcoat the playfield for me. He finally agreed to squeeze it in for me.

Before clearcoat:

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2008, 07:11:43 pm »

I went ahead and bought a Berry's tumbler for the metal parts. This thing is pretty awesome. Throw in the parts along with some walnut shell media and metal polish, let it run for a day or so and the parts come out looking almost like they've been chromed.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/82.php

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 19, 2008, 10:32:06 pm »

after you successfully reassemble that machine I am going to have even more questions for you

Wade · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2008, 11:12:57 am »

Enjoy the process while it's interesting. I have only done a few 90's pin shop jobs, but I'm not looking forward to ever doing one again. The end result is nice and something to be proud of, but the time involved is ridiculous unless you really just love to do it. I could do so many bigger, more useful things in the same amount of time. About halfway through, the fun and excitement is over and I just want it to be finished. I guess it was good while I found it interesting, but now it's just a chore. There's my downer for the day.

This should end up really nice. The clearcoat will look awesome. I've never gone that far with a restoration but I see the appeal in the finished product.

Wade

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #6 on:** September 23, 2008, 02:37:47 pm »

Quote from: Wade on September 23, 2008, 11:12:57 am

Enjoy the process while it's interesting. I have only done a few 90's pin shop jobs, but I'm not looking forward to ever doing one again. The end result is nice and something to be proud of, but the time involved is ridiculous unless you really just love to do it. I could do so many bigger, more useful things in the same amount of time. About halfway through, the fun and excitement is over and I just want it to be finished. I guess it was good while I found it interesting, but now it's just a chore. There's my downer for the day.

This should end up really nice. The clearcoat will look awesome. I've never gone that far with a restoration but I see the appeal in the finished product.

Wade

You nailed it right on the head. I'm already over it. I thought posting my progress on here might make it fun again!

I doubt I will ever do one again. The fact that I'm doing this in my 2 bedroom condo without a garage makes it even worse.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2008, 03:27:39 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on September 23, 2008, 03:05:03 pm

Next time do a machine that didn't already start off "fairly new" and "in nice shape".

This one was actually "The best one I've ever seen!"

Wade · « **Reply #8 on:** September 23, 2008, 06:42:43 pm »

Quote from: koolmoecraig on September 23, 2008, 02:37:47 pm

Quote from: Wade on September 23, 2008, 11:12:57 am
Enjoy the process while it's interesting. I have only done a few 90's pin shop jobs, but I'm not looking forward to ever doing one again. The end result is nice and something to be proud of, but the time involved is ridiculous unless you really just love to do it. I could do so many bigger, more useful things in the same amount of time. About halfway through, the fun and excitement is over and I just want it to be finished. I guess it was good while I found it interesting, but now it's just a chore. There's my downer for the day.

This should end up really nice. The clearcoat will look awesome. I've never gone that far with a restoration but I see the appeal in the finished product.

Wade

You nailed it right on the head. I'm already over it. I thought posting my progress on here might make it fun again!

I doubt I will ever do one again. The fact that I'm doing this in my 2 bedroom condo without a garage makes it even worse.

But on the other hand... You'll have a super nice pin, if you can just keep it and be happy with it and don't sell/trade it for something else that needs work then you'd probably end up happier in the long run. That's part of my problem, I tend to give up good games and pick up more projects. I've decided the best thing would be to just keep 1 or 2 super nice pins and be happy. Fix what breaks and wipe them down occasionally. Get "new game" kicks by playing other collectors games or going to shows/arcades.

Wade

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2008, 10:17:32 pm »

After tackling this project, the $2-$3000 that High End Pins charges for a complete restoration is flat out cheap.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #10 on:** September 24, 2008, 06:12:50 pm »

I just got finished with the shooter gun assembly.

I always thought having the gun plated looked lame so I had the gun powder coated satin black. I then masked off everything but the handle with liquid mask. Finally I shot it with brown Krylon. I think it turned out pretty damn sweet.

solid187 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:02:15 am »

Easy

...I'm one of those idiots. I actually bought my machine restored and the rails, lockdown, and gun were alreadybrass z-plated. But I agree, the gun above looks tits. Nice job.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:55:51 pm »

I am getting the side rails and lockdown bar brass plated. Gives it that Ark look.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2008, 02:17:40 am »

He said it looks tits, haven't heard that in so long............gonna work that into my vocabulary tomorrow somehow for sure.

I have never played a clear coated machine, does it play different than factory "diamond plated" machines?

StephenH · « **Reply #14 on:** September 29, 2008, 03:28:31 am »

Here is some technical restoration info for your Pinball System:

http://www.pinrepair.com/wpc/index1.htm#list

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #15 on:** October 24, 2008, 06:01:46 am »

I installed the front and right side decal tonight. They turned out really well. The only trouble I had was right near the start button. A piece of my dogs hair got under there and I had to slice the decal to get it out. Luckily it's barely noticeable.

Everything all primed and ready to go. I didn't paint it black underneath like some people cause I think that the black paint can have a dulling effect under the decal. I used Kilz primer sanded smooth with 400 grit.

First I measured and marked the center on the cabinet. The center coin door bolt holes are dead-center so I just marked straight down from the middle of them. I put a little mark with a pencil on the bottom of the cab.

Next I trimmed down the bottom and sides of the decal. Trimming the side before install doesn't really matter but it's much easier to center when you have the bottom perfectly set how its going to be by cutting it with a t-square beforehand.

Front decal lined up and clamped.

Decal installed.

Side decal clamped.

Installed.

I'm really happy with everything so far. I will never do one of these again though. It takes so damn long and it's a bottomless money pit. Being close to done with the tedious cabinet work is something to look forward to.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:39:48 pm »

Quote from: pinballwizard79 on September 28, 2008, 02:17:40 am

He said it looks tits, haven't heard that in so long............gonna work that into my vocabulary tomorrow somehow for sure.

I have never played a clear coated machine, does it play different than factory "diamond plated" machines?

I've never played a clear coated pin either. It will be fun finding out.

StephenH · « **Reply #17 on:** November 04, 2008, 04:31:50 am »

Here is some technical info for your Pinball:

http://www.pinrepair.com/wpc/index1.htm#list

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #18 on:** November 04, 2008, 01:01:45 pm »

Quote from: StephenH on November 04, 2008, 04:31:50 am

Here is some technical info for your Pinball:

http://www.pinrepair.com/wpc/index1.htm#list

Yeah, you said that already.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2008, 06:54:41 am »

Made some progress...

I finally got the cabinet up on it's legs.

As you can see, I painted the inside of the cabinet a satin black.

The legs are brass plated, highly polished legs from Pinball Life. The finish is awesome. I used some clear "Pincab" protectors to keep the legs from damaging the new decals.

Yummy...

Installed the shooter gun...

I installed all new grounding braid as well...

After installing the wiring harness I installed some side board decals from Treasure Cove.

The quality of the decals is is great. A little pricey though...

Also installed a Pinball Pro Subwoofer...

I went a little crazy and got all of the carriage bolts brass plated. They turned out incredible!

After the Bears beat the undefeated Titans today, I will be installing the backboard head decals. My playfield is coming back from clearcoat next week. All of the cabinet work has been time consuming and nerve wracking. I am looking forward to repopulating the playfield.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #20 on:** November 09, 2008, 09:00:15 pm »

OK, so maybe the Bears couldn't handle the Titans today...

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #21 on:** November 11, 2008, 12:05:43 am »

Had the lockdown latch brass plated and installed new "shop out" decals.

I used Plasti Dip to redo the handle.

shardian · « **Reply #22 on:** November 11, 2008, 08:18:03 am »

Wow, this thing is looking incredibly sharp! Since they are from treasure Cove, I am assuming those side skirt decals are completely aftermarket created? Either way they are really neat.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #23 on:** November 11, 2008, 01:22:59 pm »

Quote from: shardian on November 11, 2008, 08:18:03 am

Wow, this thing is looking incredibly sharp! Since they are from treasure Cove, I am assuming those side skirt decals are completely aftermarket created? Either way they are really neat.

Thank you.

Yeah they are custom made. Here is a pic of them installed. Pretty sweet.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #24 on:** November 14, 2008, 08:39:16 pm »

I got the playfield back from HEP today and it is simply stunning. It was touched up around some of the inserts, minor repairs to the eject and saucer holes and clearcoated.

Perfection!

Shooter lane is perfect.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #25 on:** November 14, 2008, 08:45:32 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on November 11, 2008, 09:51:20 am

Needs an Inspected by J. E. Santiago sticker

Definitely.

Have a source for any?

SirPeale · « **Reply #26 on:** November 15, 2008, 12:46:52 pm »

Holy carp...I can't believe how shiny that is.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #27 on:** November 19, 2008, 01:27:18 pm »

It took a long time but I finally finished polishing all of metal for my playfield. It's not brushed like stock but all of the older machines used to use highly polished pieces and it looks incredible. The mirror-like reflections really give the playfield an open feeling. Plus they probably only stopped using it because of cost.

I'm waiting on my rotisserie. Once that arrives I can begin reassembly.

JeepMonkey · « **Reply #28 on:** December 02, 2008, 03:59:46 pm »

Beautiful work so far.

I myself have only attempted a topside playfield teardown, clean, and reassemble. This looks like a fun, albeit difficult, project.

Was the bronzing or clear coating expensive?

shardian · « **Reply #29 on:** December 02, 2008, 04:20:04 pm »

That clearcoat is amazing. I'm working on buffing a clearcoat right now. While mine may be shiny, it is not even close to the same league as that perfection your is.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #30 on:** December 02, 2008, 06:25:00 pm »

Quote from: JeepMonkey on December 02, 2008, 03:59:46 pm

Beautiful work so far. I myself have only attempted a topside playfield teardown, clean, and reassemble. This looks like a fun, albeit difficult, project.

Was the bronzing or clear coating expensive?

It really is a pain in the ass. So much to do and the costs keep adding up.

The clearcoating wasnt cheap. For the playfield touch up and clear it was about $600.

The brass plating wasn't too bad. I used a local place.

2PacMan · « **Reply #31 on:** December 03, 2008, 02:58:26 pm »

Wow, this looks great so far. I think i'd be too scared to even play the thing when it is all finished.

Mauzy · « **Reply #32 on:** December 03, 2008, 11:13:50 pm »

AWESOME!! I would love to do something like this, but my luck says I would spend all this money on clear coating, brass plating, and decals only to blow up the board set putting the thing back together.

shardian · « **Reply #33 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:41:39 pm »

Quote from: Mauzy on December 03, 2008, 11:13:50 pm

AWESOME!! I would love to do something like this, but my luck says I would spend all this money on clear coating, brass plating, and decals only to blow up the board set putting the thing back together.

My luck would have me drop that restored playfield and ruin it.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #34 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:00:31 pm »

I decided to go with blue bumper skirts instead of the red or yellow that everyone usually uses. I think it picks up with the rest of the blue nicely...

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #35 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:10:10 pm »

The polished metal parts REALLY "extend" the playfield. Of course, most of them wont be visible when everything is installed but they sure look pretty now! The ones that are visible are gonna look great with light bouncing off of them.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #36 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:31:52 pm »

Check out the ceiling fan reflection

Hockeyboy · « **Reply #37 on:** December 07, 2008, 03:17:58 am »

Your pinball machine just keeps looking better and better! Thanks for the update.

Man, I loved playing IJ pinball too...but there's no way I could devote the time you have to a project such as this...

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #38 on:** December 07, 2008, 04:34:33 am »

Quote from: Hockeyboy on December 07, 2008, 03:17:58 am

Your pinball machine just keeps looking better and better! Thanks for the update.

Man, I loved playing IJ pinball too...but there's no way I could devote the time you have to a project such as this...

I hear that. This has taken quite a while. I started in May.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #39 on:** December 12, 2008, 03:21:38 am »

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #40 on:** December 27, 2008, 01:20:50 am »

More...

Boz · « **Reply #41 on:** January 24, 2009, 01:28:23 pm »

Other than elbow grease, what did you use to shine your metal parts, ramps, etc.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #42 on:** January 24, 2009, 08:34:22 pm »

WOW! First I have seen this post, amazing job bro!!!!

I see you install the plastic protectors, doing so today here with my MB. Where did you order yours from, they look nice?.

Sooooo... I got to ask, how much you got rolled into this pin?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #43 on:** January 25, 2009, 02:41:13 am »

Quote from: TheBoz on January 24, 2009, 01:28:23 pm

Other than elbow grease, what did you use to shine your metal parts, ramps, etc.

A Dremel with some polishing rouge followed by Mothers aluminum wheel polish and about 100 cotton rags.

Boz · « **Reply #44 on:** January 25, 2009, 12:38:50 pm »

Quote from: koolmoecraig on January 25, 2009, 02:41:13 am

Quote from: TheBoz on January 24, 2009, 01:28:23 pm
Other than elbow grease, what did you use to shine your metal parts, ramps, etc.

A Dremel with some polishing rouge followed by Mothers aluminum wheel polish and about 100 cotton rags.

A Dremel. Damn. Never even occurred to me.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #45 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:12:24 pm »

koolmoecraig....

No reply to my questions?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #46 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:38:45 pm »

Sorry man. I replied last night but I guess it didn't post...

Thank you for the kind words.

The protectors are from orbitpinball.com. They have lots of great products.

I've saved all of my receipts basically treating this thing like a car restoration. I haven't sat down added it up but I figure it's probably close to $2000 in parts, clearcoating, brass plating and WAY too much time. The machine itself was $3000.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #47 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:17:43 am »

NP... Yeah I spoke to Frank on the phone the other day from Orbit Pinball, nice guy with great products... Same place I got my protectors too.

I think the game is worth it, I mean it looks amazing and the $$$ adds up easy especially with small parts. Hell I think I just blew about 100 bucks on LEDs alone!

I'll have 5g wrapped up in mine soon enough.

metahugh · « **Reply #48 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:40:07 am »

WOW, incredible restoration. You definitely went further than I did with my IJ restoration.

So how did you get HEP to CC your playfield? I am doing a similar restore on my AFM with a brand new playfield and I would love to get HEP to re-clearcoat my new PF.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #49 on:** January 26, 2009, 11:17:08 am »

I kinda wish my MB was CC since it is in such good shape but I am hoping if I keep after it, I would imagine it will hold up well.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #50 on:** January 26, 2009, 03:44:22 pm »

It will hold up just fine in a home environment.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #51 on:** January 26, 2009, 10:15:36 pm »

I want to make out with this machine.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #52 on:** January 27, 2009, 07:09:55 am »

Quote from: pinballwizard79 on January 26, 2009, 10:15:36 pm

I want to make out with this machine.

You'll have to wait in line.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #53 on:** January 28, 2009, 10:13:29 pm »

Left ramp in. I customized it with a little cobra.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #54 on:** January 28, 2009, 10:17:07 pm »

More Cowbell · « **Reply #55 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:57:24 pm »

I wish I had your patience. I end up doing everything 80% so that I can get it done.

Flake · « **Reply #56 on:** January 31, 2009, 12:33:33 am »

Mmmmmmmm.....................Sweet loking Indiana Jones.............Aaaaarrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh..........

Only in my wildest dreams.........

Zero_Hour · « **Reply #57 on:** February 02, 2009, 01:33:13 am »

The polished ramps are just stunning, as is the rest of the machine. Nice work.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #58 on:** February 03, 2009, 08:42:32 am »

How does the game play with the PF cleared? There is a thread over on RGP right now with a few people stating how bad they dislike the play.

The look is certainly amazing though...

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #59 on:** February 03, 2009, 02:04:58 pm »

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 03, 2009, 08:42:32 am

How does the game play with the PF cleared? There is a thread over on RGP right now with a few people stating how bad they dislike the play.

The look is certainly amazing though...

I don't know if you have noticed but my game isn't finished yet.

I am looking forward to finding out how it plays though. I imagine it's ridiculous until some rubber builds up to slow down the field.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #60 on:** February 03, 2009, 02:43:36 pm »

I guess I really didn't take notice that it was not completely done.

What's all left to do at this point?

Cyberflexx · « **Reply #61 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:50:40 pm »

Quote from: koolmoecraig on January 25, 2009, 10:38:45 pm

I've saved all of my receipts basically treating this thing like a car restoration. I haven't sat down added it up but I figure it's probably close to $2000 in parts, clearcoating, brass plating and WAY too much time. The machine itself was $3000.

DAMN!!!! Are you going to play it when it's done or just look at it?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #62 on:** February 03, 2009, 08:32:07 pm »

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 03, 2009, 02:43:36 pm

What's all left to do at this point?

I'm waiting for the side rails and wireforms to come back from being re-plated. I wasn't happy at all with the original plating job.

Once I get the side rails back and installed, I can put the back board on. Connect all the wires, get some playfield glass and I'll be good to go. Assuming I didn't muck anything up during the tear down and rebuild.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #63 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:21:25 am »

Wiring... Won't that be fun!

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #64 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:35:43 am »

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 04, 2009, 07:21:25 am

Wiring... Won't that be fun!

Naaa, everything on the playfield is pretty much all connected. By wiring I meant putting the plugs back on the PCBs. I THINK I marked everything correctly so it should go smoothly.

For some reason my biggest concern right now is mounting the side rails. Ya get one shot and I fear im gonna muck it up.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #65 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:50:01 am »

Quote from: koolmoecraig on February 04, 2009, 07:35:43 am

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 04, 2009, 07:21:25 am
Wiring... Won't that be fun!

Naaa, everything on the playfield is pretty much all connected. By wiring I meant putting the plugs back on the PCBs. I THINK I marked everything correctly so it should go smoothly.

For some reason my biggest concern right now is mounting the side rails. Ya get one shot and I fear im gonna muck it up.

Just take your time and I am sure you will be fine. I wish I lived closer, I would love to help out on a project like this. I really enjoy the pictures, keep up the good work!

I would besure to stick those side rails on there real good.

BTW... What other pins do you own, if any?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #66 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:30:02 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on February 04, 2009, 09:40:49 am

Are you doing the display panel and lost mines mods? I don't care for IJ but those both look pretty neat.

http://www.orbitpinball.com/proddetail.asp?prod=IJ-DMDPanel-MOD

Do you mean the "Lost Plastic" mod? I did install that. You can see it in the pictures. I did get the display panel mod from Orbit. I'll be installing that when I get to the backboard.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #67 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:36:12 pm »

BTW... What other pins do you own, if any?
[/quote]

I just cleaned house actually.

I had a Baby Pac-Man that I just sold along with a Getaway pinball machine. Right now I am down to the Indiana Jones here, Attack From Mars and my Q*bert Mame machine that I built a few years back. I would like to have a Cactus Canyon someday but the cost is just too much.

Visitor Q · « **Reply #68 on:** February 05, 2009, 07:19:23 am »

Is your AFM in this good of shape?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #69 on:** February 05, 2009, 05:34:20 pm »

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 05, 2009, 07:19:23 am

Is your AFM in this good of shape?

No. It's in excellent condition but nowhere near this thing.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #70 on:** February 05, 2009, 05:39:37 pm »

Got the apron back from being re-powdercoated. New decals installed.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #71 on:** February 05, 2009, 05:45:13 pm »

Decided it would be cool to light up the "Path of Adventure". I mounted 6 SMD LEDs that will be powered off of the 12vdc that goes to the Path's motor PCB. It turned out great. The LEDs are held in place by some clear RTV sealant.

Crotch shot

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #72 on:** February 05, 2009, 08:17:24 pm »

please stop posting this machine

it hurts me to see something so freaking nice that isnt mine

custom leds, repowder coated what & clear coated by HEP?

whats next: a date eating monkey as a topper?

be my friend, move to STL & travel a lot so I can spend alone time with it

the house next to me i s for sale (the entire neighborhood is actually :-))

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #73 on:** February 05, 2009, 09:22:52 pm »

What makes you think I can afford a house after becoming enslaved to this thing?

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #74 on:** February 05, 2009, 10:06:20 pm »

Straw buyer it up, HELOC it out & then foreclose away!

Kidding about that, I dont need any more deprecation.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #75 on:** February 05, 2009, 11:05:51 pm »

Installed the Path of Adventure and the outside ball return slide...

Visitor Q · « **Reply #76 on:** February 06, 2009, 07:15:58 am »

You a big Indy fan? Why the special treatment for this game? Not saying Indy is not a good game, it's a great game but I was just wondering while you picked this one?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #77 on:** February 06, 2009, 04:47:53 pm »

Quote from: Visitor Q on February 06, 2009, 07:15:58 am

You a big Indy fan? Why the special treatment for this game? Not saying Indy is not a good game, it's a great game but I was just wondering while you picked this one?

Indy and The Getaway are the first two pins that I really got into. I just really liked the game back in the day. If I had my Attack From Mars before I started on this restoration I might have done it to that instead.

I did it basically because I wanted to give myself a little project and to tell you the truth, I find pinball machines a lot more interesting than video games now.

Zero_Hour · « **Reply #78 on:** February 06, 2009, 06:30:36 pm »

Quote from: koolmoecraig on February 06, 2009, 04:47:53 pm

I did it basically because I wanted to give myself a little project...

I shudder to think what you consider a major project. Cant wait to see youpost some pics when this one is finished and all lit up.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #79 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:54:35 am »

Quote from: pinballjim on February 07, 2009, 12:57:44 am

Unbolting parts, sending them to someone else, and bolting them back together is not a major project, Zero_Hour.

The only parts that I sent out were the playfield and brass. Doesn't my cabinet work, metal polishing and mods count for anything?

Jeeesh.

RichSorr · « **Reply #80 on:** February 08, 2009, 01:13:37 pm »

cannot even begin to tell you how jealous i am. looks incredible, i wish i had the time and money to do something like that.

studmuff · « **Reply #81 on:** February 12, 2009, 09:55:20 pm »

I like how I can see your camera reflecting off the mirror finish you have on the ramp leaving the PoA. Very Nice job. Hope you enjoy playing it after all that work.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #82 on:** April 08, 2009, 01:38:20 am »

99.9% done. Just need to install the air planes. I think I'm going to leave off the bi-plane. I like having the playfield less cluttered.

Flake · « **Reply #83 on:** April 08, 2009, 09:59:28 am »

Damn that thing is pretty.

shardian · « **Reply #84 on:** April 09, 2009, 09:32:57 am »

It is absolutely beautiful!

I have to say that you are in for a very depressing moment soon. After I finished my resto, I was convinced it would stay beautiful for quite some time. For the last 2 weeks, we have played the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- out of the game though, and it shows.

Zero_Hour · « **Reply #85 on:** April 09, 2009, 11:48:12 am »

Nicely done.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #86 on:** April 10, 2009, 01:21:38 am »

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #87 on:** April 10, 2009, 01:29:12 am »

Went a little crazy with the brass plating...

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #88 on:** April 10, 2009, 01:31:53 am »

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #89 on:** April 10, 2009, 02:01:32 am »

Ahem, your Qbert cabinet is all scratched up.

Flake · « **Reply #90 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:17:38 am »

Quote from: pinballwizard79 on April 10, 2009, 02:01:32 am

Ahem, your Qbert cabinet is all scratched up.

But seriously.....absolutely beautiful. Make me feel better by telling me you have about $6000 in this.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #91 on:** April 10, 2009, 11:47:11 am »

Its cool how when the light hits it just right you see it glowing with money & obsessive traits, awesome!

Trash pickup is today, I need to throw away my pinball machines now so I gotta go

Do you happen to have the first pic on flickr but larger?

Because man that's so cool I want it to be my PC's wallpaper till my GF changes it.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #92 on:** April 12, 2009, 08:59:12 pm »

Thanks for the kind words.

I don't think that I will ever tackle a restoration like this ever again.

More pics:

JonProphet · « **Reply #93 on:** April 12, 2009, 09:19:28 pm »

Ok, we have to know. How does it play?

Or is the thing to damn pretty to send a chrome plated steel ball down it?

It is now just a piece of art, u may as well take the legs off put a frame arond it and just marvel at it!

-JD-

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #94 on:** April 13, 2009, 06:03:36 pm »

Pft, whatever.

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #95 on:** April 13, 2009, 06:57:34 pm »

I only have about 20 plays on it but it plays incredible.

Fast but not too fast. Smooth as hell and the ball still bites. Doesn't just float on the surface.

I'm really happy with it. I wish someone would make white rubber rings that are more firm like the black rings. The white ones play too "softly".

Wade · « **Reply #96 on:** April 14, 2009, 06:42:12 pm »

Why did you install dirty flipper rubbers on it??

That game looks incredible. I don't know if I could enjoy playing a game that nice. Might feel guilting walking it across the floor with slam saves.

Seriously! That game looks so nice I'd feel bad putting fingerprints on it. Honestly, I would sell a game that nice if I could break even. It'd break my heart to see things wearing on it.

IJ is one of those games that's REALLY easy to do saves on the right outlane. Bump it at the right time and you'll save the drain 90% of the time. I've had a couple marathon games on IJ before. Once you get into the zone it seems like you just can't drain...

Most people like the bouncier white rubber and slippery balls, I'm surprised you like the black better! You can always put black rubber on it. In my experience, black rubber doesn't make all the black dirt/dust like so many people say it does. I think the black stuff comes from the other metal parts more than the rubber. I've had freshly shopped games with black rubber and never had a problem with dirt building.

Totally jealous!!

Wade

JonProphet · « **Reply #97 on:** April 14, 2009, 09:27:43 pm »

Still very nice. Congrats on the nice work.

-JD-

Silas (son of Silas) · « **Reply #98 on:** May 04, 2009, 02:55:48 pm »

Good Skills....

Jeff AMN · « **Reply #99 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:52:46 pm »

I just saw this and I'm blown away. This is great work.

I thought I was awesome for disassembling my dad's pinball machine, waxing it, rebuilding the flippers, and changing out his bulbs for him. Now I just feel...weak.

JonProphet · « **Reply #100 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:51:54 am »

Thanks for bringing this to the top. Now that I have an IJ and I will be restoring it with a CC'd PF (not from Chris) but I won't be going over board as you did. I have been going back and forth on applying new decals. I like the gun though....

-JD-

Jeff AMN · « **Reply #101 on:** October 07, 2009, 01:06:47 pm »

I'm picking mine up on Saturday. I'll be doing my gun like yours. MUCH better than the brass treatment.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #102 on:** October 28, 2009, 01:36:15 pm »

Stunning. Really amazing attention to detail. Fantastic job.

You just got a mention in the Dec GameRoom news section. You earned it big time.

Enjoy your beautiful new machine.

KevSteele · « **Reply #103 on:** October 28, 2009, 05:50:56 pm »

Quote from: MameMaster! on October 28, 2009, 01:36:15 pm

Stunning. Really amazing attention to detail. Fantastic job.

You just got a mention in the Dec GameRoom news section. You earned it big time.

Enjoy your beautiful new machine.

Yeah - nice job! Heck, you've got some great photos of every step of the way -- any way I could convince you to chronicle your adventure as an article for GameRoom Magazine?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #104 on:** January 03, 2011, 03:00:04 pm »

Thinking about selling if anyone is interested...

Jeff AMN · « **Reply #105 on:** January 04, 2011, 02:11:53 pm »

I know somebody looking for one. Have a ballpark price range?

koolmoecraig · « **Reply #106 on:** January 06, 2011, 05:59:31 pm »

Around $7k

Shoot me a PM if interested.

Thanks!

Pinball Wizard · « **Reply #107 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:15:01 pm »

I'd feel horrible selling such a nice machine! Knowing that someone else will own a holy grail of yours and will wear it away to nothing hurts. About to give a similar level treatment to a Centaur but I'm undecided on wether or not to strip and repaint the cabinet or not.

TechDante · « **Reply #108 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:41:06 pm »

nice work seeing this remids me of an old arcade i used to visit was easily me favoite pinball machine beutiful restoration


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news