Vintage Machine Cleaning/Restore - First for me

[WranglerDanger]

Hey, everyone. Picked up a ~1971 pachinko machine a week ago and I'm heading down the path. Just in a few days of beginning the disassemble/cleaning process I'm hooked.

This thread will detail my efforts for this first machine. I'll post as many pictures and details as possible, and I'm open to all requests for pictures/info. I firmly believe in learning with others and I'm already really impressed by the experience and knowledge level in this forum. Thank you all ahead of time for your assistance.

[Moparformances]

how is it going??

[WranglerDanger]

So I started my cleaning. Easy stuff first like just brushing the dust off. First time, so I'm scared that I'm going to break everything.

The plexiglass is broken on two corners so I ordered a new piece of plate and another of plexi locally. My son (5) will eventually be playing so I'll probably want both.

Note: I'm trying to upload pics but can't. Am I stuck in n00b status until I make ten posts or somesuch?

[MrGneiss]

Pics can be weird sometimes.. See if this helps!!

Here's a link to a posting pics how to!!

https://www.pachitalk.com/How-to-Post-Pictures

[WranglerDanger]

I figured it out. My popup blocker was suppressing the upload that refreshed the little picture window. Pictures inbound!

[WranglerDanger]

Initial pictures:
face angled.jpgblueback - back full.jpgcracked plexi.jpgfront center.jpgfront bottom.jpgfront lower.jpgpatina and scratched detail.jpgroller and tulip.jpg

[WranglerDanger]

Here are the hidden treasures.

As the rest of the machine is in pretty good working order, I'm guessing these are the reasons they stopped playing it and moved it to storage.

hidden treasure 2.jpghidden treasure.jpgtreasure 1.jpgcrusties 1.jpgtreasure 2.jpg

[SibSr]

yeah, these kind of objects will definitely hinder operation.
Nice machine...those upper holes are interesting. To have yellow graphics that are still visible on the background is impressive.. too bad about the water stains.

Looks like your missing the track cover, (which is very common) on an otherwise complete machine. I make 3D copies of that part, and you will need one to play it.
If you didn't remove it and don't have it, I'll send you one for $10 or less depending on shipping.
Looks like your rebound bumper at the top of the playfield is cracked, I'll throw one of those in the box too if you end up being interested.

[takethecastle57]

Old machines are like a box of cracker jack . There's A "Prize" inside

[WranglerDanger]

If you didn't remove it and don't have it, I'll send you one for $10 or less depending on shipping.
Looks like your rebound bumper at the top of the playfield is cracked, I'll throw one of those in the box too if you end up being interested.

I'll take you up on a pair of those because I'm already shopping for my next machine. PM to arrange the arrangements?

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[WranglerDanger]

The tray and first feed ramp were exceedingly dirty so I took those two off separately and soaked them in warm water. They cleaned up a treat. Next phase is to remove the staples holding the rest of the mechanism on, drill out the holes for screws and remove the main back face.
top half2.jpg

[WranglerDanger]

Also, I've already removed the front face components/fascia and gave those a once-over scrubbing. The spring in the ball dump cleaned up with just a little soak in vinegar. The plastics took a bit of scrubbing, but the aluminum face was pretty darn clean.

front components.jpg

the plastic fascia around the launcher/thumb rest has a hairline crack, but I don't think it'll bother me enough to do much about it besides seal it on the back. If anyone has any better guidance please let me know.

plastic right face detail.jpg

the bits behind the lower door mechanism cleaned up well with minimal work.

[WranglerDanger]

The back mechanism came off fairly cleanly. Only lost one small corner to a deeply embedded staple. Had a small crack due to another, but It came off well.


The bulb mount appears to just be a soft plastic grommet, I'm assuming I can find one easily.


The launch mechanism is pretty dirty so I'm going to work on that this weekend in between cooking and whatnot.


I'll clean what I can on the plastic back mechanism. I'd rather not completely strip it down if I don't have to, just because I'm scared cracking more plastic.

back center piece.jpgback components.jpgcomponents off back.jpgbulb mount.jpglaunch mechanism 1.jpg

side note: yes I wear camo crocs in my shop.

[sparky kilowatt]

I've purchased LED's and grommets from this seller on ebay multiple times.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32324893962...wAAOSwHaBWhiN8

[Wayne-Ooo]

I get the rubber grommets at Menards. They are in the nut and bolt section and also in the section that has shrink wrap, wiring connectors, etc..

Size:3/8x1/2x1/16 SKU# 2020096

[SibSr]

The track covers and playfield rebound bumper should have arrived yesterday

[WranglerDanger]

We didn't get to the mailbox, I'll go grab it first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you!

[WranglerDanger]

for my next question: the glass frame on front has a lot of patina and a ton of rust. While I'm not trying to make this thing brand new and over-reach on my first efforts, I don't like rust at all.

Should I just remove the frame and soak it in CLR? Recoat after that? I'm not sure how to proceed because I know the frame will get looked at far more than the back side. Whatever gets done here will also get done to the launcher mechanism as it's pretty rough too.

Pics of concerns:

rust 3.jpg rust 2.jpg rust 1.jpg rust 4.jpg

Thanks!

edit: those white things in the last pic are just threads from Q-Tips

[SibSr]

That's what I do with the frames when they are heavily rusted. I bought a shallow plastic tray that goes in the bottom of a large dog cage. I fill the tray with CLR and place the frame face down in it for an hour or so. If the rust is heavy I may use some #0000 steel wool on the frame to help things along. When finished, rinse with water and my next step is to use compressed air to remove all remaining moisture.

Then lightly sand any chrome surfaces to help the paint stick. You want to get the raw metal covered with some paint as soon as possible, as CLR removes everything and surface rust starts quickly.

Pits from rust will remain if it's bad. I guess you could use metal body filler to fill them, but I haven't so far..my surface is "textured" instead of smooth.

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[sparky kilowatt]

I've had fairly good success using chrome colored Krylon Premium Metallic spray paint. I probably should have tried SibSr's method of rust removal, I spent way too long with a wire wheel and sandpaper. Couple of coats of primer did help smooth over some of the roughness.

Couple of pictures of mine painted.