This thread will document the Cheetah I'll build from scratch. Playfield/plastics from CPR (thanks for making these). I do have a backbox from a Hot Hand, but l will build lower cabinet.
Ill be making pf wire harness from schematics. Hopefully rest of harness from Third Coast (if he is caught up by then).
Got lucky with NOS backglass from Mayfair.
Excited to get moving with this project. Goal is to be able to bring to LAX next show.

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Shes got a fairly serious case of manleg.

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Not so on backglass.

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They are there.

Had to add some outriggers to the rotisserie to handle this beast.

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Yoppsicles (product of the year) in place.

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1/2" solid oak strips cut for rails, ready for semi gloss black paint.

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Cheetah takes 3-3 drop units and 1 5 drop unit.
Glad I have some extras

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Since tractordoc made some drop target decals, I'll be able to use these chicklet style targets on this machine.

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With the box of drops I bought from a guy down south.
I have found that you can sand the newer style drop targets to match the chicklet style.
This was a new style Seawitch target.
Once you sand the "crown" off, it is pretty much exactly the same. Then, just spray satin white, and apply decal.

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Wait til u see my reach around

Lower cabinet pieces cut/notched. Ready to put box together.

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Just because i have a bunch, and have been wanting to use them.
Cabinet made from 3/4" baltic birch, corners glued and screwed.
Diagonal braces put in place to keep box square until the corners set up.

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Bottom of cabinet finished

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Interior complete.
I'll get the exterior ready for paint next.
Probably going with the blue version of Cheetah on this.

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Quick test fit just to make sure all is good.

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Best to have donor machine(s) for parts. Alot of these parts are not available.

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Good to hear. Thanks.

Honestly I have no experience with them, but look forward to trying.

Cabinet smoothed with Dolphin glaze, ready for primer/sealer.

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Nice to be able to take advantage of a warmer than usual December, and paint outside.
Primer applied.

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That is a pretty blue.

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First stencil applied, ready for yellow. Im using automotive base/clearcoat on this.

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Couple areas need minor touch ups, and I'm ready for clearcoats.
I'm really happy I went with blue version.

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Legs and coin door stripped, painted, and cleared same time as box.

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Thanks tractordoc for the drop target decals. Nice job.

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Im tired of playfields destroying the new paint on the cabinets when raising and lowering, so im adding an aluminum strip to protect.
I'll do this on all classic Sterns I do going forward.

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Getting things fitted up top.

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Nice layout, Mr Williams.

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Inlane guide tips very vulnerable. I sanded the petg washer to fit, and shortened that post a bit.

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Yeah, they arent backlit, so that would be an option.
It is just the tip of the inlane guide that tends to break, so Im thinking my fix will strengthen it enough. Time will tell.

5 bank in place. I'll start wiring the underside next.

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First lighting

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Thanks. I get the feeling this wont be the last Cheetah I do. So glad CPR made the pf, and opened the door.

Very happy with them on my Stargazer.
They are pretty perfect. Its a great alternative to crappy old lamp sockets.
Love them.

Old Hot Hand backbox will be recycled for this machine.

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2 of the 3 insert light harnesses in place.

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Thank you

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Ball guides made by djblouw from my specs.
Great job, thanks for the help. I was not looking forward to making these myself.

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Thanks.
Swich harness, and all 3 insert light harnesses complete.
I'll make the coil harness next.

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Coil harness installed. GI and insert bus run. Just have flippers and trough to finish up.

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You are welcome. I appreciate what you do.

When replacing the transformer harness, I've found an easy way to keep the wires neat, and the correct length (they are just rough cut from 3rd Coast). Solder them to the transformer, then zip tie in approx location. Lay the new rectifier board face down, and cut at locations shown on schematic.

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Weebly mpu and recapped sound and driver boards installed.
Siderails, lockdown bar, etc installed.
Hoping to drop playfield into the cabinet next weekend.

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Thx emsrph for providing layout of lamp/display panel. Makes it alot easier.
It can be found on tractordoc's Cheetah thread.

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Tractordoc listed msmnts from his original display locations that matched right up to yours.
I still need to clip the lower corners, will do once paint has dried.

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Thank you.
Installed new lamp sockets and wire harness in insert panel.

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Going with original displays and 2smd GI bulbs

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Time to address the apron

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I was able to get this made from my last apron decal from pinball rescue. Its even trimmed around design, instead of on that crappy clear sheet.

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For widebodies, its the same decal, just cut into 3 pieces.
I'll show that tomorrow, once the painted apron is dry.

Couple areas to clean up, but overall, looking pretty good.

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I have a local vinyl sign shop that has a very good graphic designer. He scanned a QS apron decal to make this. Now that he has this file, I can get any color decal made.
I simply cut the standard body decal into 3 pieces to create the wide body decal. Since the design is trimmed around the artwork, I simply apply to painted apron.
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Totally dig this thing.
Had no idea how well designed this layout is, until I spent the time on it.
Thx

Powered up.

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Coin door bezel just got here from Chris @ Hot Rod Arcade.
Beautiful

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Game almost 100% (thx snyper).
Going thru game adjustments, will be ready to ship to its new home in a week or so.
Hate to see this one go.
But I will build another.

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Thanks. I appreciate that.

They are printed on metal.
Pinsider Djsolz (solzballs)