We started stripping everything off the playing field and I decided it would be a good time to work on the graphics we will have to recreate. I started with the rollunder spinners. The bottom of the spinner is worn and the top is starting to rust slightly. We will have to completely strip the paint and sand away the rust. This means the little graphics will have to be completely redone. As Amelia pointed out, I will be using Inkscape to create the stencils for the graphics.
The decals on the round targets, as well as the drop down targets have to be tentatively redone. I am constantly looking for original decals all over the internet, but I have so far not found anything. If I do not find them, I will eventually scan them in and restore the color and detail. Then I will have to find out what I should use to stick them on there.
All for now!
This blog was set up to chronicle the restoration project of our family's 1985 Williams Sorcerer pinball machine.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
The weekend ahead
Hey all, Amelia here...
So as Zach pulls things out of the machine I thought I would drop a little line about what I see. We are currently working on getting all the parts out of the machine and are being VERY careful with making sure we know where everything goes for when we put it all back together. I was hoping to clean my apartment this weekend, but it seems that we will be cleaning the pinball machine in stead.
Another thing we are going to work on (starting as I type) is to scan and re-do the graphics on parts of the playing field. Specifically the spinners and the targets that are worn. We will scan the image and then use inkscape (similar to Adobe Illustrator) to design exact replicas of the current image.
So as soon as we get EVERYTHING off the playing field we will take some goo gone and some elbow grease to the Mylar and get it off...hopefully.
So as Zach pulls things out of the machine I thought I would drop a little line about what I see. We are currently working on getting all the parts out of the machine and are being VERY careful with making sure we know where everything goes for when we put it all back together. I was hoping to clean my apartment this weekend, but it seems that we will be cleaning the pinball machine in stead.
Another thing we are going to work on (starting as I type) is to scan and re-do the graphics on parts of the playing field. Specifically the spinners and the targets that are worn. We will scan the image and then use inkscape (similar to Adobe Illustrator) to design exact replicas of the current image.
So as soon as we get EVERYTHING off the playing field we will take some goo gone and some elbow grease to the Mylar and get it off...hopefully.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Rainy Days
After careful research and consideration, I have decided that we will remove the protective mylar coating on the playfield. The mylar is basically a clear plastic coating that helps prevent wear. Our mylar is bubbling pretty badly and needs to be replaced. The bubbling will cause extra wear and tear, as well as affect ball trajectory and game play if not replaced/removed.
We have also decided that instead of putting mylar back on, we will instead put a clear coat of lacquer on it. This is to increase the playing field's life and reduce maintenance. However, this diminishes the collecter's value of our machine slightly. But not a significant amount and would extend the life of our playfield by at least two decades. The tradeoff is well worth it in my opinion, but I welcome comments/suggestions. You could also drop me a line.
I thought I had found the replacement display for our fourth player but someone outbid me. :( I could just buy a new board, but it would have been $20 cheaper if I would have won the auction. Regardless, I am constantly seeking out new resources and the glorious internets and have learned an immense amount.
Back to the playfield, I hope to strip it completely this weekend to remove the mylar. I hope to take more pictures while we are doing it. Also, I will get to inspect the target assemblies to decide how many need to be fixed or replaced. A preliminary check shows only one to be replaced. The side rollunder spinners are showing wear on the paint. I am debating whether to retouch the paint, completely repaint by hand, or to paint the spinner black and use a decal to place the graphics. Thoughts?
We have also decided that instead of putting mylar back on, we will instead put a clear coat of lacquer on it. This is to increase the playing field's life and reduce maintenance. However, this diminishes the collecter's value of our machine slightly. But not a significant amount and would extend the life of our playfield by at least two decades. The tradeoff is well worth it in my opinion, but I welcome comments/suggestions. You could also drop me a line.
I thought I had found the replacement display for our fourth player but someone outbid me. :( I could just buy a new board, but it would have been $20 cheaper if I would have won the auction. Regardless, I am constantly seeking out new resources and the glorious internets and have learned an immense amount.
Back to the playfield, I hope to strip it completely this weekend to remove the mylar. I hope to take more pictures while we are doing it. Also, I will get to inspect the target assemblies to decide how many need to be fixed or replaced. A preliminary check shows only one to be replaced. The side rollunder spinners are showing wear on the paint. I am debating whether to retouch the paint, completely repaint by hand, or to paint the spinner black and use a decal to place the graphics. Thoughts?
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