The smell has got to be awful! I just wonder how you are going to air this one out so it doesn't smell like mouse turds every time you open it up.

Try giving the apron a good whack from the screw side.

--Jeff

Such a shame, glad you are willing to take on this daunting project. I love that game. I have use testors white enamal to touch up the apron. If it's too far gone, Pin Rescue has decals after you repaint the white. Keep us posted on your progress.

FUUUUUUUUUU.....!!!!

You couldn't pay me to touch that biohazard, lol.

It's not so much the turd that is the problem, but the piss. Mouse piss will eat metal up like no tomorrow. Most likely the metal bits that hold the apron down are corroded to the apron itself. Might take some brute force and some swearing to get it off. Other than the mouse mess it looks like the PF is in really nice shape- no insert/pop bumper wear or anything.

Agree, I looked at the larger pics and you can likely just paint the vertical surface where the ball rolls. Also agree the rest of the field looks excellent well worth the effort to endure the pee. There are certain things that can neutralize the pee (do a web search). How is the rest of the cabinet/back glass?

You'll want to wear gloves and a mask. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hantavirus

I was just going to post what Johninc said. I'd treat it as an extremely bad health hazard until the mouse workings are cleaned up.
If it were my project there would be no question about it, I'd get it cleaned up and the original paint fixed best as possible then seal it all in clear coat. I'd also plan to remove the stainless cabinet rails so the plastic glass guides can be thorougly cleaned and disinfected along with the whole area under the stainless rails.
The area is very close to the lock bar, where people put their hands to play the game. Then their hands eventually touch their face.

While it is fairly gross there has apparently never been a reported case of Hanta virus in Mi.
http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/surveillance/reporting-state.html
Not to say it couldn't happen but I think the risk of being the first is pretty slim.

Congrats, I bet it will clean up to be nice machine. There are a lot of guys that would love to get their hands on a free Abra-Ca-Dabra. I know I'd certainly endure a little yucky clean-up to have one.
Alex

You got that right!

I've got a music server in my shop and mice pissed all over the inside of the powersupply and motherboard.

Killed the whole thing dead.

All I can figure is when I would shut if off, it would still be warm for a few hours and those SOBs though it was a good place to hang out.

I've got the replacement hanging by threaded rod and the mice have not figured out how to navigate over to it, yet.

That is a nasty mess but worth it for a nice pin. I recently picked up an Abra Ca Dabra of my own that needs some minor repairs. Thankfully I have not had any pins that had that level of mouse infestation. I do have a project pin that a cat peed on the playfield... Yuck...

-- Shawn

That sounds like the typical Gottlieb 'webbing' of the era (less scratches/dirt shows)

To remove apron, remove the 2 screws closest to the coin door. Remove 2 screws on the top of the apron. You will have to pry the apron from the coin door side, and slide it towards the flippers at the same time. There are 2 slots right behind the flippers that have metal retainers. The apron slides onto them. Be careful not to scratch the playfield. They shouldn't be a problem. The mouse crap will act as a shield.

Please keep us posted on the clean up, and progress of restoring this Abra Ca Dabra, post more photos.

That makes me sick. Both the poopiness and the fact that a game like that got so destroyed. Good luck with the restore though. Abra-Ca-Dabra is one of the games I'd clean mouse turds off to play!

I've seen far worse cabinets.

That pin is going to clean up nicely.

I've seen far worse cabinets in my house.

Roger that!

You ought to be able to use a toothbrush and a shop vac to get the mouse crap off of the playfield.

One of the best wedgeheads, maybe the best! Love this machine!

Mouse piss/turds aside, it's in nice shape! The glass looks perfect, and the reds and purples often flake off!

Good stuff! Make sure and do a final picture update when all's cleaned and sparkly!

I think the playfield will look great when you finish cleaning it...at least it doesn't look to have any wear around the flippers which is always a plus. I love the original cabinet artwork with the webbing!

Pinball Resource.
http://www.pbresource.com/

On most games I would caution the use of stronger coils on the flippers due to the possibility of plastic and drop target damage. But with the playfield on this pin it's probably ok due to the layout. You want to verify the inserts aren't cupped so bad that they can launch the ball off of the playfield. This could cause the ball to catch one of the plastics.

I would also see if PBR has new drop targets with the proper decals. You may not need them but you won't know how brittle they are until they take a couple of hits. I've also heard people will fill the upper back side area of the drop target with silicon(?) to help prevent breaking.

Some will aslo suggest trying the high tap prior to installation of stronger coils.

I would also get new pop bumper coils and verify the sleeves are nice and clean or replace while you're at it. Looking at the playfield, I bet a bad shot on the pops is going to cause a pretty quick ball drain.

You can also high tap the transformer to give some zip. I would rebuild the flippers. If the coils test out fine, it's likely the linkage that has slop causing the weakness (also end of stroke switch contact/operation). But at Garrett pointed out, PBR is the source for all things Gottlieb.

I'll probably get shot down for this but I think you're better off with the standard A - 5141 flipper coils which I think have plenty of power in them if they're working right.

My concern would be damaging the drop targets with the over-powered flippers...especially if they are a little bit brittle from age and the elements. They're a pain to replace especially when you've got 10.

No, I think you're right 4horse, I rarely replace coils, but do high tap. Since the targets are farther away on this game, I don't think breakage is such an issue. High tap also gives better pop bumper response and sling shot action. Steve young doesn't have a problem with this improvement, though others frown upon it.

I agree with the caution, but the drops are at the top of the table. Old targets may crack pretty easy, but new ones can take a pounding.

If it were me and hell bent on putting in yellow dot flipper coils, I would replace all the drops if PBR has them in stock, may or may not have decals.

For the record, I don't high tap or install stronger coils. I like to keep the pins stock.

I agree with stashyboy. A flipper rebuild may be all that is needed. Also as mentioned check the EOS switch adjustment. I don't know how many games I've brought home that simply needed a proper switch cleaning and adjustment to go from nearly inoperable to responsive.
Alex

I agree with you guys as well. But I'm afraid the OP is going to compare rectified table play to older non-rectified. Big difference in gameplay and ball speed.

When you say the linkages look good, have you checked the amount of play in the pivot points? That's what's really important. If the linkages are original, they should be replaced (as well as coil sleeves). Very inexpensive and will make such a big difference. Another thing to check is the return spring tension. It should be just enough to return the flipper, but no more. Adjust as needed, by moving it to another screw on the bushing. While we're at it, those bushings should also be at least checked for play with the flipper axle. There will be some, but not too much. Again cheap to replace. PBR has all those parts in their rebuild kits. I usually buy just what I need to save a little.

This will help with the flippers -> http://www.pbresource.com/rebuildk/pcqsc.jpg
Indexing the spring is one key to flipper performance.

Looking good on the cleanup so far. PBR will have what you need.

Looking good. Way better already than you thought it would be by now I'm sure. So terribly envious. Glad it's working out so far.

If you don't have the correct socket for the return lane posts, I use a Crescent wrench (very carefully of course).

The playfield is starting to look considerably better. Some Novus #2 should help get the rust stains off. Use some Brasso on the ball guide rails to get the rust off of those.

Steve Young told me the right hand linkage is usually worn out more.......Most players are right handed and tend to slap the flipper button harder! I took a deep well socket and drilled out the depth another 1/4 inch to fit the posts. Took some time and effort, but worth it!

This is the right course. Most weak flipper issues come from making sure the linkages are smooth, return springs are not too tight so the coil doesn't have to fight it, and most importantly make sure the "End of Stroke" switch is adjusted properly. An "EOS" switch that opens too early robs power from your flipper.

I took another look at your pics, if you can do it, remove everything from the top of the field for the best cleaning. Switches and targets are pretty easy, just unscrew from back side. If you choose to remove the lane guides, be careful about pulling out wood/paint. I use a small block of wood with a notch cut at one corner that I put around the wire. Then I use a claw hammer to gently work the wire out alternating from one side to the other. I wouldn't advise this if you haven't done it before and don't plan to do any touch ups. There is always a little paint loss. your paint looks to be in very good shape. The two wires that are just below the flippers (to prevent bounce backs) can be taken out with a thin pry bar. They are easier to remove as they don't have the nubs that the lane guides have. Would be good as they can be cleaned up better with the mouse poop/pee damage in that area. New flipper 'Islands'-PBR term, can be had and are pretty cheap. screw onto the existing flipper axle. Seeing your game makes me regret selling mine as I really enjoyed the art package and game play. Keep the updates coming!

Hows the resto going? This morning I was able to find an Abra-ca-dabra for a good price from a local guy that I know. I am about to check it out now. From what I could see in one picture the playfield is easily a 9/10 and he says the backglass is extremely nice and does not need to be replaced. I get to pick it up May 15th and bring it home. I will post a few pics on this forum when I get it. I am so excited right now.

Dan,
Im glad you grabbed that up from Ken before me. I have no room

You have no idea how stoked I am to get this machine. I will eventually have it repainted, everything chromed, new coin door etc.

good to see it being restored, abra-ca-dabra is one of my favourite pins. The artwork just clicks for me and I'd love to find one here in Aus as I've only been able to play the virtual pin and drool over photos and videos