Mirror blades question - The Bally Gameshow 1990

[Djrouge]

Hi all, I'm considering fitting Mirror Blades on a lovely Bally Gameshow I recently acquired, I watched a video online where someone fitted some mirror blades (different pin and manufacturer) but had issues with the playfield catching the blades pretty bad when lifting the playfield.
Has anyone fitted any blades to their Bally of a similar age that can put my mind at ease or is there something I need to consider?
I've never fitted any before so any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[AlfonsoB]

It'll depend on each machine probably.
Take a look and see what gap there is each side between the playfield and the box.

The Mirror blades are 0.6mm. An old credit card with raised text should be a similar thickness.
A quick check on the first one I picked out was 0.65mm
if you slide it in (including text) and run along the length of the gap easily its a rough guide
of if the mirror blade has room to fit.

If there are curved marks on the side of the box where the playfield swings up will
give you an idea if there is going to be interference when the miror blade is fitted.
This doesn't necessarily mean the mirror blade won't work but means more care should
be taken opening an closing.

Mirror blades can be polished if scratched

 

[Djrouge]

It'll depend on each machine probably.
Take a look and see what gap there is each side between the playfield and the box.

The Mirror blades are 0.6mm. An old credit card with raised text should be a similar thickness.
A quick check on the first one I picked out was 0.65mm
if you slide it in (including text) and run along the length of the gap easily its a rough guide
of if the mirror blade has room to fit.

If there are curved marks on the side of the box where the playfield swings up will
give you an idea if there is going to be interference when the miror blade is fitted.
This doesn't necessarily mean the mirror blade won't work but means more care should
be taken opening an closing.

Mirror blades can be polished if scratched

Thanks, I'll check that.

 

[Marvello]

I'd highly recommend getting some side art protectors to prevent any damage, assuming you have enough space either side to fit them.

Interior Cabinet Game Blade Protector Set

Interior Cabinet Game Blade Protector Set Work like a professional! Protect the inner cabinet sides and the side rails of your pinball machine by using this set of interior cabinet game blade protectors. When the playfield is raised or lowered, scratches can easily occur on the interior...

retroarcadespecialists.co.uk

 

[s000m]

A lot of old Bally/Williams have warped cabs. Some games will fit fine. Others won't even take the blades at all.

 

[Silverpaolo]

What he said

 

[Djrouge]

Good call on the blade protectors, I've seen people with those and was going to search for some if the mirror blades fit so I don't scratch them up. I'll check clearance on my cabinet and keep my fingers crossed the blades fit, And yes, over the years I would imagine a bit of warpage might occur. The game really pops already so it should look great with mirror blades installed. Thanks for the advice so far.