San Diego, CA
Remove the strike plate altogether and put a piece of foam on the rail behind hole. Lower the saucer a bit with washers, problems solved. Moving the strike plate back for me didn't work. This technique seems to work best for most.
(Topic ID: 68869)
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Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure
Williams, 1993
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Quoted from per3per3:I put a piece of dense foam (drop dead foam I think it's called) on the strike plate behind the saucer and it helps a lot...but doesn't fully solve the problem. How many washers did you use (how much should the saucer be lowered)? A pic would be awesome.
Just use a regular washer size thickness.
Get rid of that worthless strike plate. It only causes problems. I tried modifying mine, enlongating holes etc. Just remove it and the game will play as it was meant to. I just put a piece of two way tape on the rail behind it. That tape is foamy. Just don't peel off the tape backing on the side facing out. Don't want your ball to stick to it, lol.
Quoted from Dr-Willy:wanted to give a shoutout to indypinhead. I bought his full lit drop target kit for my indy and they look great. One thing i also noticed is airballs of the drop targets have lessened tramendously. Not sure if its do to the harder plastic so they bend less thus not flinging the ball back as much or if its just cause they are new and not broken in, but i was getting a ton of airballs off that front set of drops.
Where can I find this kit?
Quoted from Pinzap:I took some slow-mo video of the drop targets to see how they were occurring, but already pretty much knew the answer before as you had stated. The drop targets are bending back upon impact more than they really should and creating a slingshot effect for the ball once they rebound. Check out the video on youtube. Sorry for the poor lighting as the slo-mo on the phone greatly reduces the exposure aperture or something along those lines. Also planning to replace target stickers soon... but now that there is positive feedback about the lighted polyacrylic drop targets, I might have to look into a full scale replacement.
» YouTube video
Also... I cut a small lexan shield to put over the drop target bank and it has eliminated airballs completely for me so far, though I've only had it installed for a few days. Not too unsightly, but the thicker replacement drop targets still might be nicer (albeit much more expensive).
Can you take a pic of your shield?
Quoted from FlippyD:Are you guys replacing just the single drop target or the 3-bank too?
All four.
Pinzap, I copied your mod and it works perfectly. Not one airball. Amazing the difference it makes. I might have these professionally cut and I wonder if there would be a market for around $12 shipped? The edges would all be rounded, etc. Wouldn't be as blocky as mine. I would remove as much extra material as possible. Added pics of my other mods. Clear post with mainly trans rubbers. Yellow and orange pops, those were a pain to install, gold flipper bats.
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Quoted from Pinzap:Glad it worked for you. I have already been in discussion with someone that has contacts at a company with laser cutting abilities to see if we can get these professionally laser cut and what he cost would be. I would not want to make any money (because lord knows it would be peanuts) but would definitely like to provide it as a service to other IJ owners. I guess it was dumb of me to post it before we finished the design process, but I'm naive that way.
I would ask that you not offer these for sale since it was my mod originally (at least as far as I can tell). Ok, there's no rocket science behind the idea and my thought was that anyone could make it for themselves (thus, no profit to be made). But I would still like to see the design process through myself as a service I was hoping to offer for those that don't have the ability to cut and shape themselves.
Not a problem, like you said, it probably it would be for peanuts and I most likely have better things to do with my time. My suggestion is in your design you round the corners and maybe cut in on the other side of the hole entrance so it looks more like a backwards L. Might be more visually appealing as opposed to one solid square of plastic. I'm going to tweak mine after I get my new drop targets. I'll post a picture. I'm just happy I have no more airballs. It was a great idea. Simple but yet perfect.
Quoted from KornFreak28:Would target foam work for the strike plate issue?
I just removed my strike plate to see if the foam method works best. The only issue is that, upon testing with a ball by hand, the ball does seem to jump A LOT when it hits the hole to the point that it sometimes crosses the rail and goes back there! I'm afraid this would make the ball hit the POA during game play. Does this happen to any of you? Thanks!
It won't once you install the playfield plastic.
It's amazing the amount of discussion this topics gets. I have only had and IJ for two weeks an was able to remedy and forget the problem.
1. Remove plate.
2. Place foam on back rail.
3. Add tape under cliffy
4. Enjoy play
If you can't take apart the mini playfield you have no business owning an IJ. You don't even need to remove it, just move it to the side to get at the mode hole. It is a simple process.
I'm literally tempted to make a tutorial on youtube even though I have already done mine just to kill this topic.
Quoted from lanfeust:Here is what I did, I straightened the strike plate, and stuck a rubber pad on it.
But if you just use this piece, the ball will keep do a rebound, you need to slow down the ball.So, I use a piece of foam that I cut in a triangle form, and I stuck it under the plastic as shown.
At this point, the foam needs to be big enought to slow the ball, but also not too much to allow the ball to be ejected.
When in place, the ball is never rejected again! And you almost don't see it because there is the mini playfield above.
here is a cheap and effective way...
No offense but this looks like shit. Just remove the plate.
The cliffy is an option. I bought cliffys before I knew of this mode hole issue. If you have a cliffy the strike plate holds it down, when you remove the plate u need another method to hold cliffy in place. I recently bought mirror blades and they come with thin two sided tape. Any hardware store should have this. Apply it to cliffy if you are using one. The tape is thin so it will fit flush. If not using a cliffy, ignore. Remove the strike plate, put foamy two way tape our some sort of cushion on rail behind. Put the playfield plastic back. It is held on by two screws in the front. Go on eBay and type in Indiana Jones mode hole plastic and one will pop up most likely. You don't need to modify the plastic by putting foam shit under it that looks guady as shit.
Quoted from KornFreak28:Thanks for the explanation! I will follow this instructions to the letter.
Do I really have to lower the saucer hole in order for this to work?
I don't know, I just did it. I'll get some pics tonight after wife goes to bed.
Okay, here are pics. Your manual tells how to remove mini playfield. As you can see I have two way tape in back. I bought a blue bumper pad from pinball life maybe I'll use in future. The tape works fine now. Washers are standard size. You can see I tried the elongated holes on my plate. Didn't work and it's going in the trash after this post
The double sided tape was all I had laying around. I think I doubled it up. Just leave the paper on the side facing out. Don't want ball sticking to it. I'm sure pad will work fine also. I wonder if it will act as a bumper though. You want it to deaden the ball, not bounce it.
Quoted from beelzeboob:To be clear: It was dead drop foam from Pinbits, and the double-sided tape to hold down a Cliffy (which is a misnomer because it's all like one sheet of adhesive) is from Pinrestore.com.
Technically I'm using double sided taped for both. Foamy tape for rail. Super thin stuff for cliffy. If you don't have cliffy you don't need thin stuff. If you ordered Pinbits foam you don't need my make shift double sided tape
Quoted from Ericpinballfan:Did the same thing last night. Started replacing a few rubbers, next thing you know, machine half torn down replacing posts and bulbs.
1am had to call it done for night.
I hear you. I'm neurotic and don't stop till it's finished. Working till 2am up at 5am. It's a serious problem. Searching for shit during work, researching issues, etc. Sometimes I think I need to sell them all before I get divorced or lose my job. No joke, I often think to myself, this is what addiction feels like. I know it's wrong, I just can't stop. Doesn't help that my machines have to be perfect. Every bulb. That's hard to do with pinball but somehow I managed on five machines.
Quoted from KornFreak28:Good thing you mention this. Maybe you can help me by telling me the correct size and type of screw for the captive ball cage? Please see post 1305. Thanks!
Isn't it the same as the three that attach the bridge to the back? Take one out and see. If so, take it to hardware store. They look identical on mine.
Quoted from KornFreak28:On mine, those are too small. I'll just try the hardware store I guess. Thanks!
You mean short? I'll look at mine tomorrow.
Quoted from KornFreak28:Yeah too short sorry. Thanks!
Take other bolt in. Get longer one with nut. Done.
2 weeks later
Has anyone had issues with their three bank drop target solenoid being unable to lift the targets? I recently swapped out my drop targets for the lit target mod. They worked fine all day yesterday and towards the end of the day they were struggling to lift. You would hear the solenoid fire but it didn't have enough power to raise the targets. I realigned the bracket to make sure they weren't catching on the playfield. They raise now during play but it seems the solenoid has to fire twice. I will hear it fire, you can see the targets twitch and then after it fires again the targets pop up. Do the solenoids get weak over time?
Quoted from KornFreak28:I did a full 3-bank drop target upgrade a few months ago. My middle target would not stay up. Turns out it needed a need target (replaced all 3 of them) and also had a bend lift plate. I decided to replace every single part (including brand new springs) since I had the whole assembly out of the game. Put everything back in the game and sure enough, My targets would not engage, the coil would fire a couple of times to get them to stay up but they wouldn't. Turns out the new springs were SUPER tight. Put the old springs back in and problem solved! My 3 bank drop targets work perfectly now. Maybe something you might want to look at.
Thanks, now that you mention it I put a strong spring in the single drop and it wouldn't pull it up. Maybe I can swap out the three bank with flipper springs, they might be weaker.
Quoted from KornFreak28:Yes, that should take care of your issue. Either a flipper spring or just use one of the old springs you took out from the 3 bank drop targets. That's what I did. Works like a charm! You can probably change springs without having to remove the whole assembly. Let us know if it worked out for you. Good luck!
Swapped the springs, works like a charm. Someone else asked me to post pics of my lit drops. See below. They are good quality construction wise. The light looks more like a mode hole light as it is more lit at the bottom as opposed to lighting up the whole drop target. Thought maybe the whole drop target would glow. I took the pic to with all the lights in the room off and no flash. Maybe I should try pulling the GI light out from behind the drop on the left. Overall they are cool.
Try polishing those ramps first. I was going to have mine plated and I polished with brass cleaner and they came out great. Save money. Also, order some skinny post rubber for your poa ramp. It's a bitch to hit and it opens it up a bit. Still a tough shot.
2 months later
Did the guy ever finish making the drop target deflectors to stop airballs? I made a set and they work great, game is so much better with no airballs. I was going to make them but he told me to back off because he was going to, so I did. Then radio silence. These would be very easy to mass produces and an asset to ij owners.
Quoted from Pinzap:DJ... sorry, my initial text wasn't intended to be harsh (as in "back off" as you mentioned), but I noted that my drop target broke after I mounted the small acrylic plate above them and wanted to hold off before putting something out there that indirectly caused other problems. I replaced all 4 drop targets and have been watching for wear, so far with positive results. I agree that this mod is nice to basically 100% eliminate air balls in my case. So, feel free to distribute as you see fit. It's just a piece of plastic with a couple holes and easily produced by anyone with a few minutes.
Not worried about IP theft so to speak, so distribute as you see fit. Might be nice to give me a bit of credit for the very minor idea I had to create this (I have so few great ideas), just as I gave maffewl credit for his original idea for a similar deflector on potc. If you somehow get super rich off this be sure to invite me for some champagne on your new yacht!!
Sorry, you weren't harsh, just typing from my phone so was brief. I didn't feel you were rude at all and it is your idea. Just wondered if you lost interest. I don't have any plans and would have to contact some suppliers. Time isn't a luxury I have so probably won't even happen.
Quoted from Pinzap:Sounds like we have similar lives!! Ha. Tell you what... I'll race you to see who can get them drawn up and converted to CAD the quickest for mass production. You give me a two month head start and we'll call it even... GO!
In reality, I would like to see others benefit from this so I may give it one more college try this week before giving up if you're not already working on it. PM me separately if you've already started down that road and i can hold up. My intention is not to delay what might be a useful mod for others, even if only to a few.
Lastly, I've heard others mention that simply changing to newer, stiffer drop targets may be sufficient to eliminate many air balls because the older ones flexed too much due to age (acting as catapults on rebound so to speak). Have no idea if this is true, because I put my deflector back on after replacing my drops. Might play around with that also in all that abundant time I have on my hands.
I haven't even begin to start. Go for it. It's not a priority for me. If I'm bored in a month or two maybe. I bought new custom lit targets that are stiffer. Didn't help
3 months later
Well, I made them and they are available to you. NO MORE AIRBALLS. These are laser cut to perfection and predrilled. Simply bolt on and you will NEVER have an air ball again.
$25 shipped for both pieces.
To order send regular paypal payment to [email protected] (underscore between "r" and "b" "mr_b...."). The link underline hides the underscore. Include your address and a reference ij airballs mod.
Quoted from msj2222:Are these in the marketplace?
Yes
Quoted from msj2222:They offend everyone!
So do airballs! Stop them!
Quoted from Soulrider911:Hey guys, Where can I get those amazing illuminated drop targets!! Those are awesome
TKDalumni makes them.
Quoted from Soulrider911:peterg your right, I think the tendency is to go into "mod mode" as I think we can all fall victim to. Yes this Indy is amazing, and i want to keep it as original as possible.
When I purchased my INDY all I intended to do was the following
• Clear playfield and deep clean.. ✔DONE
• Add leds, ✔DONE
• New Balls and Rubbers, ✔DONE
• Add a brass kit, which I have..., ✔DONE <-Should I NOT install this? Really all it needs is new legs
Thanks for putting me in check, I think the airball protector is the one necessity, and exception.
Obviously I am biased because I sell them. However, this "MOD" isn't a toy. It serves a purpose. Airballs are a common issue with IJ. Game plays sucks with them and they can cause damage. Broken plastics, etc. For $25 you get to preserve the game and improve game play. No brainer. I would have sold my IJ by now if I didn't fix the mode hole and airballs. They practically ruin the game. It really is a must have compared to other mods.
In reference to the custom drop targets, it's a bolt on. You keep the OG stuff. It isn't going to hurt the value. When you sell it you have all the original stuff and you can put back to OG if you feel it should be marketed to a purist.
Quoted from Soulrider911:djshakes 100% agree, what did you find worked best for the mode hole? I ordered some dead drop foam and was going to modify the ball guide deflector>
I tried modifying the deflector. I elongated the holes and bent it up. Worthless. Remove it completely. I then install the thick blue rubber bumper used on ramps directly behind the hole on the rail guide (see link). I installed regular foam on the rails on the side of the mode hole. It is recessed deep enough where you don't see the foam. After removing that stupid deflector and applying foam I can stick the hole 85-90% of the time.
FYI regarding airball mod. I was told that if you have the lost plastic it pushes pieces around the single drop target forward making installation difficult. If you have a lost plastic on your back board please specify and I will modify the single drop piece to accommodate.
$25 both pieces. [email protected]
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Quoted from Soulrider911:djshakes shoot I just got mine, and yes I have the lost plastic, can I just sand it a bit? ALso thank you so much, question... I have not tried to install yet, but the plastic is super thick, do I need new hardware to attach?
No hardware necessary. The plastic isn't much thicker than stock pinball plastic. Here is what I would recommend if you have the lost plastic. See picture. Do you have a dremel tool? Just notch the screw holes. This way you don't have to take the nuts completely off either. You could also drill a hole in the center on the rear edge between the two holes to accommodate the wire ramp. You can see in the pic that a customer with the lost plastic sent me the wire ramp is just a tad too forward to allow the piece to drop on. You should be able to modify easily. Let me know if you can't do this or screw it up. I'll send you another that will work.
Post pics when you get it on.
I will ask any new buyers if they have the lost plastic and send one that will accommodate.
Again, all this is necessary only if you have the lost plastic backboard.
Quoted from Averell:The mod is a good idea, but faulty in the area of the hidden ramp thru the lost treasure lane.
If a ball gets airborne it has so much energy that the plastic on the left and right will be damaged very soon.
You should modify the clear plastic on both sides, so the the ball couldn't reach the plastic!
"If a ball gets airbone"?? This mod will stop all airballs guaranteed. There is no if. I have used this mod (my prototype) for almost a year. No issues. If by some stroke of pure coincidence your mod breaks I will replace. It won't happen though.
No offense, but I put a lot of effort into getting these made and you throwing around the term "faulty" without using or owning is strong terminology that could taint potential buyers. So far, all that have purchased have been extremely happy. I stand by my product.
1 week later
Quoted from Bos98:681 plays in 4 days. Airball deflector did not survive.
I'll get a new one to you asap.
3 months later
Quoted from Psw757:Thanks - I’ll start with this.
I never really noticed when the next games were added to be sure but seems like an easy possible cause.
I’ll let you know
You'll know if you enter a high score and it double up an initial.
4 weeks later
Quoted from Djshakes:I have about four airball mods left and after that it's all done.
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/58067
I have one set left for $20 shipped. I also have three extra single bank protectors for $12 each shipped.
8 months later
1 week later
Quoted from KornFreak28:More shatter proof? Did people have issues with your first run of protectors?
I had a couple that broke. Games that were routed, etc. Keep in mind you are talking about a piece of plastic that is being repeatedly slammed by a metal ball. Nothing will last forever, just like playfield plastics that don't get nearly the abuse. However, for $25 it they last you a couple years that is a minor investment for such a drastic change in playing experience. Let's face it, without this mod the game is frustrating to play.
2 weeks later
THEY'RE BACK. GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN!!!!
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/70818
Orders go out next day.
3 weeks later
It's a nice design. Better than mine looks wise. Would be curious to see how the plastic holds up as it is thinner. Also doesn't remedy upper single bank target whereas mine you get the set. I would think for the collector machine with minimum plays this would be better because more aesthetically pleasing. For consistent play mine might be better for durability. I guess it all depends on the cost considering artwork, shipping, etc. I still have about 40 sets left of mine. If yours are superior I'll pass the baton to you.
How much are yours going to cost Davi?
I have about 40 pairs left. Maybe I just blow them out if you are going to start making them. I don't plan on making another run and my sales have slowed down significantly. I remember the last time I did it they slowed down a lot. Only so many people on pinside and I haven't sold one on ebay like I used to.
2 months later
Quoted from 2Fun:Amazing. Quality. Great job!
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
Is that my old machine?
Quoted from 2Fun:I don't believe so. Bought it in northern california almost 2 years ago.
Huh, mine went to NorCal. Does it have clear star posts? Custom planes? I had those targets. Not many people have those. Just curious. No biggee.
6 months later
Is there still a need for airball stopper mod? I know someone improved my design and incorporated the plastic with graphics into the mod. His looked better than mine but I don't know if he's still making. I was maybe thinking of making a run again if no one is making.
1 month later
Quoted from Averell:They are custom made.
There's no official dealer who sells them.
Looks like there is enough demand again. My sales dropped off quite a bit towards the end of my last batch. I'm going to research plastic companies to see if they can cut. The one I used previously is out of business.
Quoted from paynemic:Agreed. No offense to shakes but the ones I bought from him broke very quickly
I think you got my first batch. Second was
pet-g. No reported breaks.
1 week later
Quoted from Jimmyhonda:That is good to hear. My old one from you broke in a day. Pretty disappointing to say the least. I wish I knew the first one wasn’t pet-g before I purchased. I guess you should never assume. Good luck with the new version.
Why didn't you contact me? I would have issued a replacement. In a day? That thing must have gotten nailed pretty good. I only had to send a couple replacements from both batches of over 200.
1 week later
Hi All,
Airball mods are in production. Only making 25 sets. $22 a set shipped. They are made of acrylic and not PETG. My guy couldn't get PET-G. The funny thing is I realized my first sets were PET-G and I had more breaks. The second run was acrylic and I don't think I had any breaks. The acrylic is slightly thicker, maybe that is why? Regardless, you are buying a low cost mod with a purpose of taking slams from airballs. They will not last forever (maybe they will) but even if you get 3 to 4 years out of them for $22 with significantly better game play and protection I think it is worth the investment. PM me if you would like to get on the wait list. I think they are being delivered around Nov. 6th. Once I have them and verify the quality I will collect payment and ship.
2 weeks later
Airball mods ready. Pms sent last night to those interested. Only made 25.
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/87609
1 month later
It was one of mine. Bought over two years ago. I had them made in pet-g and acrylic. I've had both crack occasionally over time. Funny thing is pet-g has cracked more. People think pet-g will never break and they are wrong. I don't know why pet-g has as it does a counter intuitive but I stopped making them in pet-g because it wasn't worth the extra cost. My latest version is thicker than the ones made two years ago and so far none have cracked.
I haven't had to replace many but I have had to replace some of the older ones. People need to understand you are only paying $20 for a piece of plastic that is intended to take hundreds, if not thousands of slams from a metal ball. It is impossible for it to last forever. However, if it has improved game play for a couple years at such a nominal cost, isn't it worth it? It's like replacing rubber over time. It's a consumable product.
I'm not saying anyone in particular is complaining but I have had people expect it to last forever. It's just not realistic.
3 months later
1 week later
Quoted from Fremen:I purchased 2 sets of these about year and half ago and was best buy i ever made. I am still using my first set. Never an airball, easy to install and you dont even notice they are there. If you dont have any installed, get em!
Thanks friend!
1 week later
1 month later
Quoted from AaronZOOM:I have tried both EVA and neoprene closed-cell foam in different thicknesses.
Neoprene is rubber, dense, and very durable. EVA doesn't hold up to abuse as well long term.
Both are available on Amazon, but obviously my recommendation is neoprene.
Remove the mode hole stop, then put that stuff on the ball guides behind. You have to remove the mode hole stop of you wanna stick the shot constantly.
1 year later
Quoted from Manny65:Davi and Djshakes have previously made airball protectors for the single drop target and the 3 drop target, however Davi recently posted that he doesn't have any left. The other thing is maybe post a wanted ad in the Pinside marketplace, you never know someone maybe holding a spare set.
Hey guys. I have been out of pinball but just reached out to my fabricator and might have 25 sets made.
1 month later
I swear Davi and I an not competing or colluding and I am no longer into pinball so I don't check here often. I also just had 25 of my airball mods made. I probably wouldn't have if I knew Davi was. Mine are clear. His look much better than mine. Mine are just clear laser cut plastic. I'll give props when they are due. By the time I receive mine (in production now) his may be sold out. Prices on everything went so mine will be $30 a set shipped.
What are the odds we both made ours at same time? Davi, honestly, I would have waited if I known you made yours. I hope yours sell out.
2 weeks later
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