How on earth do you get the front panel off?!

[Julia Batt]

Hi all,

After over a year just staring at my pachinko machine, I have finally committed to getting on with the renovation!

I've spent a year mostly either ignoring it, or taking photo's of all the parts and working out what they all do. Today I finally plucked up the courage to start taking it apart.

Sadly - I'm stuck already

My pachinko machine has no glass and I've decided that's my first project. I've removed all the screws from the front (which has taken nearly all day as they're so rusty or the heads are worn) and have gone to lift the frame out. However, whilst it lifts easily around the top, bottom and key side. It's clearly wedged on some sort of lip on the other side. I don't want to force it and break something unnecessary. Can anyone tell me if I need to unscrew anything from the back or is it just a case of pulling?

All help much appreciated,
Julia

[Card Shark]

I think if you post a few pictures, there will be an easy answer.

[hanabi]

I think it may be this one

Ebay Auction: Vintage Heiwa Pachinko

[Julia Batt]

It is! I'm just trying to find the cable for my camera to pc so I can upload some close ups! Thanks both

[Julia Batt]

pachinko.jpg

oh goodness. I can't get them any bigger
Can you see these?!

[hanabi]

oh goodness. I can't get them any bigger
Can you see these?!

No problem, I made the pics bigger for you within your post

[Hope Chest]

There's a latch on the (I believe) right side of the back of the machine that pops that open. Might be a bit tight, but moving it up / down will swing it open.

[Julia Batt]

I thousand thank yous! I found the latch long thing running down the right hand side of the back picture gave it a tug and the glass panel popped open. A bit of jiggling after that and the front panel is off.

Thanks to everyone for their help tonight - it's much appreciated.

I'm now off to buff up before I take it down the framers for a re-fit!

Thanks again,
Julia

[Julia Batt]

Here's my update on what I've done today for people like me who are new to this! Begin, do stuff, end.: October 2012

Thanks again for all your help - it's much appreciated,
Julia

[Drunkenclam]

Don't forget we're always here.

There is a great little shop near me to get stainless steel replacement screws. Margnors in Guildford. They do mail order too.

[CarlW]

I did take apart a very similar model, the back is more of a challenge than the front.

Too late now... BUT when I run into screws with stripped heads like yours, I use wire cutters and just grab and twist the whole thing. The screw is already no good to re-use, so go ahead and damage it. Last resort is to drill it out. Oh well, too late for this advice on your front.

Unsolicited advice for the back of the machine... the clear blue plastic is very stiff and easily breaks. Predrill as many holes as you can before the staples are removed. Cut the staple in the middle with wire cutters, bend each half up to get a better grip and use linesmen pliers to lever out the staples. This probably doesn't translate to the UK...

[DrDark]

Try a cheap, retractable ballpoint pen (like the banks give away) spring to replace the lower door hinge spring. Just bend the ends with a pliers to match the existing one.

[Julia Batt]

Great tips thank you!

Have now got acrylic glass in the front so I can play with it. Tulips aren't working so I've started taking the back apart. Did nearly break a piece of plastic last night but just managed to pull out using wire cutters (by chance as I hadn't seen this tip!).

Great plan on the pen spring front - will definitely be down the bank later!

I'm pretty certain that the thing that's not working is the see-saw bit but I haven't worked out exactly what should happen. Basically - as soon as a ball hits the see saw it moves down, but I can't work out what's supposed to get it back up ready for the next ball. Perhaps a part is completely missing (a spring maybe?) or maybe I just need to think about it a bit more...

You guys rock!

[pachiwall]

You should be able to remove and troubleshoot tulips from the front. However if "bonus" linkage is not causing the lowers to open on a center hit...for example, then removal of the back will be necessary. BUT, that is part of the fun!