I like what Jason43 has done here with the 'picture' on the backplane of the playfield, anyone know where to get this?

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/comet-any-fans-out-there/page/4#post-3889806

Welcome to the club it is such a great game that i'm sure you will come to enjoy. You are going to want to contact Mr. Clean though and see if he has some free time to swing by and help you clean cause that puppy it is beyond filthy. Too bad you are way across the globe I have an extra display that I would send your way to help get her up and running. I'm sure if you put out an S.O.S call over there some fellow pinsider would have some parts to help you out.

I dont have those files any more. My Comet's been at my uncles for like 7 months, I finally have everything settles enough to get it and Hollywood Heat back.

any chance you still have the image file? i would love to print one out for my comet

Did a little bit more work on the technical side today. The drop target wasn't going up anymore, the solenoid did it's work, but no movement. As suspected a piece broke, adding a picture of the part, the metal tab broke off. Since it's not an easy part to get, I decides to make a quick drawing and 3d-print it, this worked perfect. How can I add the stl file in case someone else needs it. Next thing was the bumper next to the flippers, they are kinda weak. Turns out that on both sides the capacitor that is connected to the activation switch was broken on one side. replaced the 22uf 25v cap on one side, and this fixed it so I will do the other side too. One problem I still have that annoys me is that the GI in the backbox goes dead. After messing a bit with the solenoid on the inside of the door behind the backglass it works for a while but always fails again at some point. Any suggestions beside replacing the solenoid?
Still hoping someone can take a picture of the wiring on this door in the area of the comet eyes, since mine is definitely wired wrong.
The cycle jump is in good condition, but has one crack in the usual area between the first and second hole. So I'd like to keep it. To prevent it from more damage I'm thinking of drawing up a support and 3d print it, any other suggestions on how to keep it in good shape? Another thing that I'm afraid of is damage to the comet ramp. It's in good shape now, but has no ramp flap (was never installed, there are no rivet holes). My thought is that it will be ok without ramp, but I would like to install a protection for the sides. I have seen them installed on some other comets, but I can't find what part this is or where they got it from.

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One more question, I have received parts to rebuild the flippers. Mine don't have capacitors connected and the EOS switches do spark a little.
Should I install them, if so what are the values and does anyone have pictures of how they are installed on their machine?

The previous owner of my Comet made a cutout from some black plastic that covered the whole cycle jump. It wasn't noticible unless you really looked for it. I still replaced it with a freeplay40 ramp though.

I'd take filpper pics for you, but Comet is at my mom's house. Sorry.

Let the club know how you like the new cycle jump. Ours is shot and would like to get one in the near future. Looks like Starship has theirs back in stock, curious to see how freeplay's ramps might compare.

Freeplay's red one looks awesome. I also bought a black one of the tougher material, but will stick with the red as long as it's good. Also note, even the red one is a lot thicker than the original.

Cool. We'll probably stick with the black. Nice to know it's kaydex. Side note, we got the original cycle jump penciled engineer drawing and want to put our actual cycle jump in a shadow box with itShould look pretty neat on the wall next to the game.

Man, you guys are making me think that i'm going to want to keep one of the comets that i'm restoring...

Why wouldn't you keep one? It's an endlessly fun and changing game in it's simplicity. The music and call outs are unmatched for it's time... let alone 33+ years later. Plus Python's artwork. C'mon man! I have a feeling ours might be bolted to the ground.
-Chrissi

Just in case any Comet fans have a few extra $ they want to get rid of...

ebay.com link: The One and Only Original 1985 Williams Comet Pinball Backglass Art

Restoration is coming along nicely, but this pinball really needed some tlc! Here some pictures of the almost empty playfield, gives you an idea about the state of the machine. All part are cleaned piece by piece, playfield cleaned and waxed, all sleeves replaced, flippers rebuild, lightbulbs replaced with leds, leds in the pop bumpers etc etc...
Will post some pictures when finished...

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That looks great. Yea it's dirty but don't see a lot of planking. Should clean up nice

Marco has those new. My Comet had a homemade one and I ordered one this fall when I was going through my machine

Was tired of looking at the scratched sides on my Comet. Tried this adhesive mirror decal from Amazon. Think it turned out ok for $12. Was a little tricky getting it in place with the playfield up.

Kind of a cheap mirror blade. Wouldn’t use it on a more expensive game but ok for a Comet.

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Not too bad. I've been thinking about the same for my Getaway as I need to replace the ratted out homemade ones I have (dozens of times lifting the playfield has put scrapes all over them). Trying to decide if I just want to replace with the same or do a poor man's mirror with vinyl.

Also, you did peel off the protective clear layer, right (assuming it has one like the test vinyl I bought)?

Gotta get some of these if you install any type of side art/blades...

https://www.pinballlife.com/interior-cabinet-protector-blade-set.html

Also not bad to use to just to avoid scratching a bare cabinet.

Those are a good idea. Since tearing mine up, I also applied adhesive felt along the entire edge of both sides of the playfield which seems to help.

Not sure I would use this on a Getaway. The mirror blades are pretty cheap and a lot nicer. They also go on sale every so often. I did my Shadow and Dr Who with mirror blades recently and they are a lot nicer.

So these are only used when lifting the playfield? Surprised they would fit with the clearance so tight once mirror blades are installed. Thanks.

Yes, you only put them in when lifting the playfield. I only have decals in my RCT, so still plenty of room. But yeah, I guess it could be pretty tight with mirror blades.

I think I'll defer and take your advise on not using the chrome vinyl on any of my games. Just wishful thinking that it performed better.

I got so far in restoring it, and my kids have played it quite some time now.
Was just about to post some pictures and yesterday they called me saying something bad had happened.

I guess the rebuild put some power back into the flippers, and now a piece broke off the center ramp!

I noticed earlier that some of these ramps have a protector, and some don’t. Mine doesn’t and was already thinking of getting one but just could not find it. Now it’s too late...

I guess I can try to glue it back, I am looking for the best glue for this, because you only get one shot, after that the glue remains of the first try will make it impossible. I think the best option I have seen for now that I can get here is acrifix.

Also looking for that ramp protector, but can’t seem to find it. Anyone know where I might be able to get it?

Also freeplay40 will make a new ramp soon I read so this might be an option if all else fails.

Any suggestion are more than welcome, the kids can hardly wait to play it again.

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https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/best-solvent-to-repair-pinball-ramps-and-plasticsend-of-story

This a great product to use to fix ramps and plastics.

Yes luckily Freeplay40 will be making the center ramp in the near future so that's good.

on the ramp protector i got lucky and mine has it. seems like its up in the air about how these came about either a after market but early mod or a later factor mod. i asked about it a while ago also, seems almost 50/50 on Comets with vs without the protector. Mine has no damage at all so i would assume it's always been on. I will still buy a Freeplay40 ramp just because his ramp will be super clear and a lot stronger.

Could you post a photo of the ramp protector installed. Thanks.

Part of the issue with these installed is there cover the start of the Comet decal on the ramp.

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Id rather have the logo covered than the ramp be broken.

Thanks, I think I have this installed.

Super big thanks goes out to @yaksplat for sending me this little missing plastic by the entrance of the cycle jump ramp. I've been looking for this piece for 2 years and now finally my machine is complete. Cannot say enough good things about so many people on here who have sent me missing parts or offered advice. This is such a good community of guys and gals and i'm glad to ne a part of it. Thanks again @yaksplat

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Can't have a machine with a missing piece when I had extras. Glad I could help complete it! Props to the USPS for not ruining it.

I did find this post, and looked at getting this, but it seems it is not sold in the Netherlands (where I'm from).
So I am looking for an alternative but I find a lot of glues, and just don't know which one to get. Maybe I can find someone that can ship the weld-on glue to me....

I may end up with two extra main ramps in good condition in case anyone is looking.

Finally got my minty backglass that a friend picked up for me in KY. Seller was super nice. He had posted it for sale on craigslist a hile ago and somebody posted it on pinside (thanks!). The seller held it for me until Christmas week when my friend would be visiting my in-laws. Super excited!

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Your Comet looks Great. The Red jump ramp looks good

Agreed. Had Comet and Cyclone side by side. Comet is still here. It's that good.

Thanks, I figured it looks almost exactly like yours, but you have a much nicer cabinet.

That backglass is gorgeous! Congrats!

-Paul

Looks great, Jay! We played the snot out of ours tonight! It's always exciting and brutal, a perfect pin! Congrats!
-Chrissi
quick edit- Paul broke more of the cycle jump on a shot, looks like freeplay40 is in our future..

@jaytrem your comet looks clean and smooth The new backglass is the final touch

After a lot of thought and many trail fits I fixed the ramp of my comet, and wanted to share it so maybe other can fix or prevent breakage of their ramp.
I glued the ramp with acrifix and although this holds up reasonable well, we all know it will break again eventually, so I looked into making the metal ramp protector. After getting some quotes, I realised I would be better of making it myself.
i designed it in fusion360 which has a sheet metal function that works really well, and also designed it the 'normal' way. 3d printing the model worked well, but I'm not sure it would have the same strength as metal, although you can add some nice touches with 'modding' the protector, it definitely helped in finding the perfect size. I cut the metal design out with a dremel, bended it using a small vice, and I was surprised how good that worked out so I decided to go that way. I added a small lip on the sides of the entrance to prevent ball damage and protect the ramp, these I left a little longer at first to make bending easier, after bending I cut them to size. Regarding de screw holes, I drilled them out quite large since the screws have to sink as far as possible, then I put the screw in, lay the ramp down with the screw in a hole and gave the screw a good tap with a screwdriver and a hammer so it would dent the metal and sink into it, then when needed I used the dremel with a sanding wheel to remove excess material on the bottom where needed.
One of the disadvantages of the metal ramp protector is that it covers the decal, so I looked into 'fixing' this too. I took a picture of the bottom part of the ramp and traced it to vector and cleaned it up. Printed it on sticker paper which I then laminated. I stuck this to the ramp, and I think it looks quite nice, we'll see how it holds, but the laminating I use is quite thick (like mylar) so I think it will be ok, and reprinting one will be very easy if it wears.

Time will tell how it holds up, but I think it looks ok again and the kids can finally play again...

I added a pdf of the sheet metal design for those interested.

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Ramp protector sheet metal Drawing v1.pdf

Next projects, finding/making some replacements pastics, and making new (led) score displays and ball/credit display (unless I find the old plasma's for a reasonable price).

That looks great Patzik!

Great idea. Love to see it once installed. Are you going to be selling these?

CPR does make the plastics set. $129, but maybe not worth it if you only need 1 or 2.

Selling what?

I should have included the file for making the ramp decal for those interested. I thought it would be best to use pdf format so there won't be issues due to scaling.

Comet ramp decal GIMP.pdf