Complete Bally Minizag 1968 shop log - The final furlong

[Ashbo]

The new nozzles arrived... SO MUCH easier to use than the stock nozzles!!!!!


So after work, I've sanded, masked and applied two light coats. A slight edge where I have masked. If it's that much easier to stay, I may sand the whole side back and do it again.

Did I say how much better these nozzles spray???






The finish is not perfect....but from where I was to now, it'll do for now, tomorrow we move to the front.

 

[AlanJ]

Yep montana nozzles are brill. so is their “gold” range of acrylic paints. it’s my preferred option now over painters touch

 

[Ashbo]

Yep montana nozzles are brill. so is their “gold” range of acrylic paints. it’s my preferred option now over painters touch

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be looking at other options when the next project comes along. Ive learned enough about painters touch to know I'm probably not compatible

 

[Ashbo]

Every element of working on pinballs is a learning experience, that's why I love it so much. Even in the darkest days when everything seems to go wrong there are wonderful people in this community that share hope, positivity and incredible insight and experience. I am extremely grateful for the support provided by everyone. Thanks so much.

I have said it a few weeks ago, but have to remind myself again, perfection is extremely difficult, but measurable improvement is reward enough. I could point out everything I'm not happy with so far, but take a step back....chill out Ash.

 

[kev a]

Yeah man, half the project is improving the machine, the other half is learning and improving skills.

And you've given it a second shot, kinda mad to think of, but these old EMs have a decent chance of outlasting us.

 

[Ashbo]

Decided not to paint today, so time for some elbow grease on the side rails. They are in a shocking state.

Bear in mind, I'd already spent hours on these last year, don't think these will ever be mint, but got the sandpaper out, 60,80,120,240,360,600,800,1000,1500,2000,3000 whilst using some turtle wax metal polish and cleaner.


Four hours of work on the right hand side only, removing the rivets to the glass trim too.



It is covered in small freckles where the deep pitted rust was. Still a lot of work to do on this rail alone, then the left rail and rear bar to go. Must be three more days work to go on these bits.

Better than expect though and this was the worst piece so rock on!!

 

[AlanJ]

hand sanding or electric?

 

[Ashbo]

hand sanding or electric?

Hand...but clearing the rust with electric orbital

 

[AlanJ]

phew that's lot of work, I'd just go full electric !!!!!

 

[Ashbo]

phew that's lot of work, I'd just go full electric !!!!!

Would an orbital be ok, mine leaves a swirl pattern, figured it would be best to sand in one direction for smoothness? Happy to be corrected...

 

[AlanJ]

Would an orbital be ok, mine leaves a swirl pattern, figured it would be best to sand in one direction for smoothness? Happy to be corrected...

yes, I've mirror polished side rails using random orbital.

 

[Ashbo]

yes, I've mirror polished side rails using random orbital.

Great, I'll give it a go, thanks @AlanJ

 

[AlanJ]

Great, I'll give it a go, thanks @AlanJ

go all the way up your grits, 60-3000. Even 40 for really badly pitted metal

 

[Ashbo]

Sanding with the orbital sander is awesome, but living on top of neighbours I'm opting to do it in short bursts (thanks to the family for reminding me to be considerate to others )


Got the primer and several coats of white on the other side of the body at the weekend. This evening saw some masking and spraying...no drips....nearly there...

 

[Ashbo]

No drama, hopefully the penultimate coat on this side

 

[Ashbo]

Dragged the pin body in last night as I found out Sorcerer may end it's long journey to me on Thursday (get in!!!), and had a panic that it wouldn't fit....it should do, so admired it for 24 hours then back in the shed now. I need to paint the inside this weekend.

Original colour is white, but thinking of going dark blue gloss. I'll see how I feel tomorrow afternoon....

 

[kev a]

Looking good! Its hard to move away from factory colours but with the outside being mainly blue would tie it all in, or light blue as a bit a compromise?

Second thoughts... put three cans on the floor with dog treats and let the dog choose? looks like he wants to get involved.

 

[Ashbo]

Looking good! Its hard to move away from factory colours but with the outside being mainly blue would tie it all in, or light blue as a bit a compromise?

Second thoughts... put three cans on the floor with dog treats and let the dog choose? looks like he wants to get involved.

Good idea, he always wants to get involved

 

[Ashbo]

After tea, decided to strip down the coin door for a bit of cleaning, polishing and repainting.

It's not to rusty, but it really smells!!!!

I think I'll try sanding the start button, surely this ain't right?




I'll also get the ultrasonic cleaner out...

 

[Ashbo]

I love the smell of burning sandpaper and Turtle Wax polish in the morning

 

[AlanJ]

Bally coin door refurbs are one of my favourite jobs. i really like em. i’ve got a couple of spare, very manky coin doors for that rainy day when i’ve got nothing else to do………

The inside of the cab will be best in the dark blue colour. Generally, I would avoid light colours because they show all the dirt up, which gathers naturally as a game is played. (unless you’re the sort who likes to vacuum his cabs out regularly)

 

[Ashbo]

Bally coin door refurbs are one of my favourite jobs. i really like em. i’ve got a couple of spare, very manky coin doors for that rainy day when i’ve got nothing else to do………

The inside of the cab will be best in the dark blue colour. Generally, I would avoid light colours because they show all the dirt up, which gathers naturally as a game is played. (unless you’re the sort who likes to vacuum his cabs out regularly)

I'm not allowed the hoover anywhere near my manky cabinets.....so only do it when I'm home alone

 

[Ashbo]

Sanded off the original black paint on the coin door, then and a quick inspection of the state of the metal below. It was a bit pitted and dented. Decided to keep on original paint scheme and repaint, so a coat of primer ready for black later.

 

[Ashbo]

The winner is ... Dark blue ...

Not happy with the coin door, will do that again....

 

[Ashbo]

And back in again, original legs back on for the first time since I bought her. that's me for today

And yes, sneaked in the hoover

 

[astyy]

I'm glad you left the inside, factory oversprayed like that, personally I think it suits this era of machine. I'm not sure, but would it have been Bally "splattered" that's the fun and nerve racking bit after all your hard work.

 

[Ashbo]

I'm glad you left the inside, factory oversprayed like that, personally I think it suits this era of machine. I'm not sure, but would it have been Bally "splattered" that's the fun and nerve racking bit after all your hard work.

Deffo Bally splattered, and hell no, I've come too far to risk it now

 

[Ashbo]

Stopping for heat break. Coin door frame, lockdown receiver in, motor board, playfield all in. Ordered some new flipper buttons.

Time for lunch and a siesta

 

[Ashbo]

Door back on...power on, no longer playing, will need a good check through....not today.

Side rails still need more work so won't complete this weekend.

 

[Ashbo]

What I didn't photograph and document yesterday,

Had a fiddle, back working, but...

the home made playfield protector was bulging in places and made it unplayable.

Last night stripped the playfield down and removed the protector. Pain in the ar5£