(Topic ID: 287791)

Alternative to replacing all discolored inserts in playfield

By wichitakid71

3 years ago

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Latest reply 3 years ago by wichitakid71
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Strato-Flite Williams, 1974

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Hi, I just picked up a mostly complete Strato-Flite EM with only one thing noticeably missing: one of the inserts atop the playfield. It is one of 5 blank inserts, but the playfield has a number of similarly-sized inserts with some decals on them. Photos of both are attached.

My question is what is the SOP for insert replacement? If you replace one, do you replace all? Or is there a way to achieve an "aged" look with a new insert? I think changing one will result in it sticking out like a sore thumb. Changing out the other 4 shouldn't be a big deal, two are loose already. But now I'm thinking 5 white ones at the top won't look good with 16 yellowed ones in the middle of the playfield. But then I would need to place decals on them and . . . you see where this is going.

I'm not looking to restore this to pristine, flippable condition. The playfield has some planking and I plan on cleaning and waxing and playing as soon as I get the mechanicals to cooperate. But I don't want this thing to be an eyesore either.

Just looking for some advice from those that have been here before. Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks.

Scott

playfield 1 (resized).jpg

playfield 2 (resized).jpg

Head to the " Seeking parts" in the EM section and ask if anyone has a spare one. Nice folks you can usually find one

I'd try to find a replacement from a trashed playfield.

Replacing just one with a brand new one would look odd, and replacing them all with brand new stark white inserts would look a bit odd.

If worse comes to worse and you end up needing to replace all five inserts, you could always try to "age" them to make them look appropriately yellowed and grungy and match the rest of the game.

This is the method I once used to "age" white volume/tone knobs for an old guitar; no guarantees with a pin insert but I think it should get you in the ballpark (though you might need a bit of trial and error to fine-tune the look):

1) Thoroughly scuff the inserts with high-grit sandpaper (2000 worked for me).
2) Put them in a sealed container (preferably with a clear or translucent lid) with coffee + grounds; if possible, add about a tablespoon of finely-shredded cigarette tobacco (pipe tobacco is too moist to easily shred).
3) Place the sealed container in direct sunlight for a couple of days (you want both UV and heat, so add a heat lamp or other source if it's cold outside).
4) Remove the inserts, then coat them with brown shoe polish.
5) Leave that to dry for about two hours, then buff out the shoe polish with a paper towel.

Thanks for all the tips. I’ll try the want ads and experiment with ways to yellow the white inserts. I figure it’s probably worth the effort to make or find a single acceptable replacement than try to replace them all.

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