Removing side rails?

[Mark]

Hi guys,

I'm planning on getting the legs powder coated on my Mario Bros pinball machine, and would like to get the lockdown bar and side rails done at the same time.

However, although it is easy to remove the legs and lockdown bar, I have never removed side rails before. I have attached a picture of what I talking about.

Does anyone know how I can remove these side rails. Do the studs just pull out? And how to I put them back?



I would like to make a nice job of this, and want to make sure I can remove and replace the side rails as cleanly as possible!

Thanks in advance,

Mark

 

[dave]

Had wondered about this a few weeks ago.

 

[Mark]

Hi Dave, thanks for that - very interesting! I hope mine come up as easily as that, I will give it a try shortly and let you know how I get on!

Any idea how you would replace them though once the side rail is ready to go back on? Do you think you would screw them back in with the nippers the same way they came off? Also, any idea where you can buy those type of screws in case I wanted to replace them old ones with new when the side rails go back on?

Thanks again, Mark

 

[dave]

Haven't attempted it yet! sorry. But if they come out clean, straight, surely they pop back in the same way?

I think it'll be an easier job getting them back in than pulling them out.

Many people here would've done this a few times, perhaps there is some more tips other than the video. Good luck!

 

[Poibug]

That will be twist nails as it's a Gottlieb.

Removed a few,I have found a couple of good stainless steel decorators scrapers and a pair of side cutters work best.
Lever out twist nail slightly by sliding under the rail(that is better rather than going straight for the head),and getting cutters under the head of the twist nail to pull out,using other scraper,if required to prevent damage.Similar to how he does it in the vid

I have always changed to self tappers rather than put them PITA things back in

 

[Poibug]

Incidently the one near the flipper is probably a nut and bolt

 

[Mark]

Thanks Poi, sounds like good advice!

What sort or self tapper do you replace them with when you put them back - something with a round head or a normal Phillips type head etc?

Cheers, Mark

 

[Poibug]

your call mate
i prefer dome headed philips self tappers