In Progress Gottlieb Rock Star Full Restoration

[DAW6205]

We have come into possession of a rare EM Gottlieb Rock Star, made only 269 units, unfortunately in terrible condition.
The cabinet needs to be redone and the backcabinet was even from another pinball machine originally.
The playfield is worn from gameplay, all the metal parts, both external ones like legs and the coin door, and internal components ,are all rusted , the backglass is also gone, it will have to be redone.

 

[DAW6205]

The first step is to strip down the pinball completely to begin its restoration . The empty cabinet and back cabinet , the entire playfield exposed from every angle, wiring and mechanics, all metal parts removed from their mechanisms, the coin door disassembled, all metal prepared to restore its original shine.

 

[AlanJ]

All credit to you for taking that level of resto on. Nice backglass art

 

[DAW6205]

All metal parts have been processed through electrolysis and sandblasting, and the result was amazing.

 

[DAW6205]

The treatment is different for some metal parts that need to be very shiny

 

[DAW6205]

Bank Reset assembled

 

[DAW6205]

The next step is its playfield. Stripped of all its parts,

 

[DAW6205]

Work done on the playfield for its restoration:
- Scanning
- Digital touch-ups and creating a file.
- Testing on a board to see if the colors match the original artwork, and most importantly, if all the holes are centered.

 

[DAW6205]

When everything is ready, the artwork is digitally printed onto the playfield.
Where the playfield was stripped down to bare wood and all its old inserts were replaced.
And the result has been excellent. On the left, the old refurbished playfield, and on the right, a new old stock (NOS).

 

[VeeMonroe]

All metal parts have been processed through electrolysis and sandblasting, and the result was amazing.

How do you do the electrolysis and sandblasting? I have an ultrasonic bath and a walnut tumbler for metal parts (not competing with you folks, I'm a hobbyist... ).

 

[DAW6205]

Now it's the turn of the cabinet and back cabinet. Strip them of their old color, touch up and putty where needed, given the background color.
After the background has been given its color, and on top of it, the dots as in the original.

 

[DAW6205]

How do you do the electrolysis and sandblasting? I have an ultrasonic bath and a walnut tumbler for metal parts (not competing with you folks, I'm a hobbyist... ).

I brought all the metal parts to a company that specializes in electrolysis and sandblasting.