1. Playfield Restoration:
- Cleaning:
- Initial Cleaning: A thorough vacuuming removes loose debris.
- Chemical Cleaning: Specialized cleaners, often citrus-based, are used to dissolve grime, wax, and oxidation.
- Scrubbing: Gentle scrubbing with soft brushes removes stubborn dirt and residue.
- Repair and Replacement:
- Plastics: Cracked or broken plastics are replaced with new or restored originals.
- Rubbers: Worn or missing rubbers are replaced to ensure proper ball bounce and game flow.
- Lamps: Burned-out bulbs are replaced with new ones, often with LEDs for improved brightness and longevity.
- Hardware: Screws, nuts, and other hardware are inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Refinishing:
- Mylar Application: A thin sheet of mylar is applied to the playfield surface to protect the artwork and provide a smooth ball path.
- Waxing: The playfield is waxed to enhance its shine and provide additional protection.
2. Cabinet Restoration:
- Cleaning:
- Exterior Cleaning: The cabinet is cleaned to remove dust, dirt, and grime.
- Interior Cleaning: The inside of the cabinet is cleaned to remove dust and debris.
- Repair:
- Wood Repair: Scratches, dents, and other minor damage to the wood are repaired using wood filler and sanding.
- Metal Repair: Rust and other damage to metal components are repaired or replaced.
- Repainting:
- Stripping: Existing paint is removed using chemical strippers or sanding.
- Priming: The cabinet is primed to prepare the surface for painting.
- Painting: The cabinet is painted with high-quality automotive paint to match the original color scheme or a custom design.
- Decals:
- Removal: Old decals are carefully removed using heat and solvents.
- Application: New decals are applied, ensuring proper alignment and adherence.
3. Electronics Restoration:
- Testing:
- Power Supply: The power supply is tested to ensure it provides stable and safe voltage.
- CPU Board: The CPU board is tested for proper functionality and any signs of damage.
- Switches: All switches, including flipper buttons, start buttons, and game switches, are tested for proper operation.
- Solenoids: Solenoids that control flippers, bumpers, and other mechanisms are tested for proper activation and deactivation.
- Repair and Replacement:
- Components: Faulty components, such as capacitors, resistors, and transistors, are replaced with new ones.
- Wiring: Loose or damaged wiring is repaired or replaced.
- Upgrades:
- LED Lighting: Incandescent bulbs may be replaced with LEDs for improved brightness, reduced heat, and lower power consumption.
- Sound Enhancements: New speakers or sound boards may be installed to improve the audio quality.
4. Assembly and Testing:
- Reassembly: The machine is carefully reassembled, ensuring all components are properly installed and aligned.
- Testing:
- Gameplay Testing: The machine is played extensively to ensure all game functions are working correctly and the ball path is smooth.
- Diagnostic Tests: Diagnostic tests are run to check for any remaining issues.
- Adjustments: Fine adjustments are made to ensure optimal gameplay.
5. Final Touches:
- Cleaning: The machine is given a final cleaning to remove any dust or debris from the restoration process.
- Quality Control: A final inspection is conducted to ensure the machine meets the highest quality standards.
By following these detailed steps and employing the necessary skills and expertise, pinball and arcade machines can be restored to their former glory, providing years of enjoyment for players of all ages.
