Clear Ramp FLAMING ???

[pinballpimp]

Does anyone out there do or know of anyone who does Clear Ramp FLAMING I want to buy NEW ramps for my TOTAN but mine are still really nice and I think a FLAME JOB would be sufficient for the time being before I drop $350 on ramps. I just spent $160 on an entire new plastics set at Curly's this past weekend and already bought new side rails, coin door and decals so trying to save a few $$$$$ at this point! If anyone knows, shoot me a PM.

Thanx... Pimp

[bjones]

flaming ramps is super easy, i have a little experience with it now.   Really a fairly low flame with a fairly quick wave over the plastic to clear it is all it takes.  a whole ramp can be done in minutes.

[TheBatman]

I watched Curly's brother Rick do it last time I was there....you could have asked him and Curly while you were there!

[0geist0]

it is easy just make sure all wax and dirt are washed off before doing it

[Mamushka]

I have done a few. You really need to practice on a few junk ramps first. I would say the easiest way to screw them up is to not let them cool down between passes, it is surprising how much heat they retain. When you put the flame on a cool ramp it will clear up, when you put the flame on a hot ramp you will get blisters.

[ibis]

Not hard to do, just know when to say "when".

[Catch33]

it is easy just make sure all wax and dirt are washed off before doing it

+1
Any dirt left on them will embed into the plastic, so cleaning them properly first is VERY important!

[dug]

In of of the This Old Pinball videos he goes over flaming ramps and shows how to do it.  He also mentioned the importance of making sure it is really clean otherwise the dirt will be one with the plastic.

For those who aren't aware, This Old Pinball are really good videos for repair advice (generally aimed at the novice to intermediate pin restorer.)

http://www.pinrepair.com/top/

[pinballpimp]

any idea WHICH video the flaming tutorial is on?

[Mamushka]

any idea WHICH video the flaming tutorial is on?

Looks like #7

This old Pinball #7

[dug]

I'll have to double check but it should be one of these two as they are the only ones dealing with DMD games.

TOP #3 - "Lost in the 'Zone" Restoring 1993 Bally Twilight Zone. Updated & Improved, New Material.
TOP #4 - "Pinball Ain't Dead, It Just Smells Funny" 1990s Williams WPC repair.

Of course, I've enjoyed all of them and would recommend both, but I'll load them up in a little bit to see for sure which one it is.

[dug]

Ok, that didn't take long at all.  It is TOP#4

To summarize:
1. clean with windex, novus, etc. to make sure all dirt is gone.
2. He used a bernzomatic torch to flame his and moved it over the area for just a second or two at a time.
3. Don't stay on too long or you will get bubbles in the plastic.

[pinballpimp]

Thanks guys... I think I have that video of theirs. I will look tonight. I don't think it will be too hard for me to master!

Pimp

[good2go]

Something I noticed on the video. He starts the torch off of the ramp and quickly passes it over the ramp. Only a fraction of a second. If need be, he performs the operation again.

[ibis]

Something I noticed on the video. He starts the torch off of the ramp and quickly passes it over the ramp. Only a fraction of a second. If need be, he performs the operation again.

Yes, it is not a long exposure time.  Also, you need really good light to see what you missed.  It is not easy seeing all the subtle changes flam polishing can do and it can look good until you see it in a different light.