Help: Guide to applying decals

[r3zon8]

some say 'wet' is easier/better/faster, but that 'dry' gives better results...are there guides/howto's available for this? i really dont want to screw up the decals on my first try.

anyone have pics on machines that you applied decals to? did u go wet or dry?

also, all the restore pics i see, when they were doing the decals, the cabinet was completely torn down. playfield out, backbox dismounted...do i really need to go that far?

[micksimmonds]

I would say 'wet' its far easier and from my exp, seems a lot quicker, easier to do, and gives a far better finish, I know Thomas used the wet method for his pin, I used it on some Full sideart for Vid's, I used a spray bottle with a little drop of washing up soap, and a rubber squeegee thing (used for tinting windows) remove the sticky backing, spray with liquid, do same to cabinet, slap it on and position, then squeegee out from the middle to edges etc, trim and use cloth to absorb liquid near edges and should be good. Im sure someone else can probably give you a better how to thou, 

[Krazy Bastard]

some say 'wet' is easier/better/faster, but that 'dry' gives better results...are there guides/howto's available for this? i really dont want to screw up the decals on my first try.

I do dry just for the decrease in leg wrinkle and the ultra smooth look.  It is difficult.  One mistake and your done.

My AFM was a dry application.

also, all the restore pics i see, when they were doing the decals, the cabinet was completely torn down. playfield out, backbox dismounted...do i really need to go that far?

No,  its part of a disorder that alot of pinheads have.  You have the machine apart so why not go all the way?

I just finished the painting of a MM cabinet today.  It is bare and will decaled in the starting in the AM.  Feel free to drop by.

KB

[ibis]

They can be done with the pin intact but it makes it harder.  KB can verify, but with the pin torn down you can turn the cab on its side.  Also, at the very least you need to remove all the cab bolts, top rail and back box bracket.  NO WAY can you do a decent job with all that in the way! Curly will also put them on for you.  Call him and ask a price.

[r3zon8]

ok..so how do i remove the playfield...i know i need to disconnect all the wiring from back box...then what?

[Miracleman]

ok..so how do i remove the playfield...i know i need to disconnect all the wiring from back box...then what?

Hold the game upside down and shake.

After you wake up from the concussion, your playfield will be the thing next to you with blood on it.

[Mole]

Hold the game upside down and shake.
After you wake up from the concussion, your playfield will be the thing next to you with blood on it.

Boy, you are real helpful!

Video tape the next time you take a playfield out then post here so we can all have a good laugh!

[tbecu1]

I have only ever done it on a Pin 2000, but the playfield just lifts out. I would think that it is pretty much the same on regular machines. Disconnect all the wires in the back box and then lift the playfield out....

CAUTION: MAKE SURE YOU LABEL EACH PLUG AS TO WHERE IT GOES. Putting a cable back on the wrong plug can cause problems.

I hope that helps more than Miraclemans post......

[Krazy Bastard]

ok..so how do i remove the playfield...i know i need to disconnect all the wiring from back box...then what?

First disconnect all the wires from the backbox.  Label them if you want or just take a high res photo.

It takes two people.  One on each side.  Lift it straight up and push in the catch mechs, then lower it down and out.   Make sure you have a place to set it down before you start.

KB

[r3zon8]

thanks all.

i never would have thought just lifting would remove it. i figured it the mechs also served as a 'lock'.

[Miracleman]

I hope that helps more than Miraclemans post......

KISHMABUTT THOMAS!!!
YOU'RE THE BEST!!!
 

hows this......
http://www.robertwinter.com/pinball/restorations/ft/backbox/index.html
http://www.mantisamusements.com/projects/mb2.htm
http://www.videoengine.com/pins/tz/tzpix/pix12.htm

[r3zon8]

I'll definitely start with the back box first..seems to be the easiest to do first. i figured ill just-

1. take many pics of inside backbox
2. disconnect all cables from the boards
3. unbolt backbox, remove backbox
4. remove boards
5. remove decals, sand, clean sawdust, varathane
6. apple decals, Wet Method
7. trim
8. done!
...easier said than done

Varathane(im assuming this is a wood sealer) seems to be a brand..which of their products do i use?

http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGBrand.asp?bid=12

[Miracleman]

If I were you I'd contact Curly and see how much he charges.
I don't think I'd have to the b@lls to try it myself, especially having never done it before.

[r3zon8]

i figured id have fun doing it on my own, hopefully i dont break anything along the way. i ordered just about all the parts ill need to get it in shape today, ill enjoy it until the parts come in before i start working on it.

i believe he charges $300, if he was closer i would consider having him do it.

[micksimmonds]

the wet method gives you a little room for error to reapply and lift etc, and at least you would learn something in the process and save some cash, its actually easy, start with the back box which is nice and small and go from there