Has anyone got any advice on removing inserts?

[Mark]

I'm planning on removing the inserts on my Cyclone so I can clean them with fine sandpaper and put on the new decals I bought from USA.

Am I right in thinking I can heat the insert from top/bottom with a hairdryer and tap them out? Is this easy to do?

The last thing I want to do is crack an insert!

Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[Carl Spiby]

The theory seems sound, but this is 20 year old plastic we're talking about

 

[Steve]

Here's some good advice:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/to...-inserts-from-a-playfield-if-you-dont-have-to

Even the seasoned restorers are scared of removing inserts. I'd practice on a few knackered playfields first before having a go on your one.

 

[Carl Spiby]

Do you really need to remove the insert to apply a new decal?

 

[Mark]

Hi Carl, exactly, that is what I was worried about.

Hi Steve, thanks for the link - I notice it says several times not to attempt it if you don't have to! My situation is that my Cyclone is generally nice, the inserts are all level, however the insert decals are a little worn or missing. I've bought a new set from USA, however if I simply put them on top of the old ones I feel it will not look that good as you will still see the "old" decal underneath.

I am wondering now if I could use a dremmel type polisher to polish and clean the inserts while they are still in the playfield. I don't have a dremmel, but does this sound possible?

Cheers, Mark

 

[Pin Muncher]

Make sure you use a piece of wood to knock the insert out as you can mark the inside of the insert easily, especially if you use a socket extension. Once the glue is softened they come out easily, but there is a risk that some of the surrounding art might chip off.

Ive used window privacy film on the inside of an insert that i replaced to make it look more opaque as the new artwork will look very clear compared to the old one.

David

 

[Carl Spiby]

Couldn't you reduce the risk of removing art by running around the edge of the insert with an x-acto or similar?

 

[Pin Muncher]

As long as you can see a hairline edge around the insert and take it slowly it should just come out, my fishtales video mode insert came out with no force at all just some gentle tapping.