In Progress Rollergames

[Jetsetron]

Here’s a quick mini-log of my return to pinball after 8 years away, and after a virtua-pin I built didn’t scratch the itch.

Purchased a Rollergames off eBay, generally quite solid without much damage to the cabinet. However the backbox lighting didn’t work, the 3rd flipper was lazy, some rubbers and plastics were worn, and a previous previous owner had hand painted the cabinet. Legs were pitted as usual.

 

[Jetsetron]

Started with the backlighting. Found a burnt connector and damaged header. Replaced the connector and still no joy. Then noticed the loose connectors on the backboard. This forum came to my rescue, a relay was missing. The seller sent me a nice one.

All worked briefly but with uneven illumination. Replaced the connection header and upgraded to LED’s. There was another connection getting v hot to the main playfield GI, which cooled after the LED. The seller sent me a decent 11C board from a different game which is being altered to work. For now the existing is holding on LED’s.

 

[Jetsetron]

Decided only way after t-cut, paint stripper etc was to redecal.

Watched some vids and was quite daunted by stripping everything out the cabinet. I know I’m going to get stick for my lack of professionalism ?. Redecaled with the machine upright and playfield in. Took various brackets and bolts off, all repainted in satin black.

Sanded, filled, primed each part of the cabinet, and sprayed satin black on the edges of each side.

Applied the decals with great car with lashings of soapy water, a squeegee and window cleaning sponges.

Came out virtually creaseless and with only a tiny number of small bubbles.

 

[Jetsetron]

Cleaned the legs with coke and kitchen foil then machine polished them. Fitted new leg levellers. They’re far from perfect but a big improvement.

Machine polished the lock bar and side trims.

 

[Jetsetron]

Rerubbered about 75% of the playfield. Will remove the ramp at some point and replace the last ones and for new lane dividers.

Bought all new pop bumper caps.

The multiball drop targets were badly worn, bought new targets and decals, fitted, and mylar’d the decals for protection.

Bought a flipper refurb kit and rebuilt the 3rd flipper and adjusted it. Rollerlocks are now a lot easier.

 

[Jetsetron]

To finish off I fitted lithium batteries, got a new set of balls, pin guards and gold leg bolts.

Machine looks a huge amount better and plays nice.

 

[Jetsetron]

Probably not the most comprehensive job or most interesting log, but I tackled everything with no previous experience (my machine back in the noughties never needed anything).

I really enjoyed working on it and learned a lot. This forum has been absolutely brilliant and extremely helpful.

Pick up a SST tomorrow. Really looking forwards to it and have some mod plans.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Vimtoman]

That looks really good.
I dont think I'm going to do the decals as I dont have a garage to do the work in.
I've also gone for standard bulbs.
Not sure if that good or bad? There seems to be mix views on led's.

 

[Jetsetron]

Personally I think LED’s really suit this machine. Also helps reduce the loads by a big margin on the creaky old circuit boards.

Any pics of your new machine?

 

[Vimtoman]

It's in pieces at the moment.
The case is pretty rough.
I think it's been in an out house for 20 years.
Playfield is OK . Has some marks but not to bad.
I'm just cleaning the playfield and working out what bits I need to order.
Some plastic is chipped and broken with some decal warping.
but its half the fun.

 

[Jetsetron]

Sounds like a good restoration project look forward to hearing how you get on. If you don’t mind what did you pay for it?

 

[Vimtoman]

I wouldnt go as far as restoration.
I'm just cleaning it up changing the rubbers and then playing it.
I ended up paying £1000.
Impulse buy whilst browsing ebay

 

[Jetsetron]

Cliffy’s fitted to protect the pit and wall

 

[Vimtoman]

Looks good.

Ordered a set for mine