Replacing nails in new cell

[Bouye]

Just a thought. I was looking at cell someone replaced. It looked great,but. When the light reflected you could see impressions around every nail, giving it a lumpy look. Do you think heating the nails SLIGHTLY would allow the nail to slide through the plastic easier. Avoiding the lumpy look?

[mudfud]

can you post a picture of what you mean?

I don't think that heating a nail would be helpful, but I can't quite picture what you're looking at.

[Bouye]

It's an old thread from microbus99. I think it may have been his first cell replacement back in 09. I will try to find the pics again

[Microbus99]

It's an old thread from microbus99. I think it may have been his first cell replacement back in 09. I will try to find the pics again

Yes, that was my first cell replacement which was entirely an experiment.

Before using adhesive backed Mylar on other machines I just relied on the nails to hold the Mylar in place in this case. It is a little lumpy but it doesnt affect gameplay at all.

That machine is at my Mothers place and it plays very well. It was a fun project!

Since then alot of us have experimented with different materials. I'm always thinking of new (custom) cell ideas but just need the time.

[Bouye]

I think it looked great. I just happened to see it in that one pic. I'm sure that your much like me and try new things to make these machines next to perfect it was just a thought, but now I know why it looked like that. A sticky cover would avoid that issue. Hope to do my first cell soon on my 50s single. Let you know how it comes out.

[mudfud]

I tried a self-adhesive mylar on my acrylic powerflash, and in retrospect, I wish that I had not. the adhesive led to a lot of artifacts in the background, and I would just as well have wanted it clear and not sticky.

the piece that I purchased was designed for a pinball wood, so it's quite durable and probably supposed to be laid down on top of a painted or patterned background, not a transparent one.

besides, a little raised area at the base of the nail won't affect the balls, and I think that most of the vintages get that way with time anyhow.

[emmadog]

I've used adhesive Mylar with great results on two machines. You just have to go slow and use a little pressure as you apply it. As long as you're not putting it on a clear background as Mudfud did, the artifacts shouldn't be a problem.
Prior to that, I experimented with non-adhesive Mylar initially but couldn't get it to lay down flat enough. It wouldn't have affected play I don't think but I didn't like the appearance.