(Topic ID: 219484)
Linked Games
Straight Shooter
Gottlieb, 1959
Topic Gallery
Springfield, MA
You'll need to loosen the inserts in order to put them back in their correct position...
The first method would be to try and "tap" the insert out using a dowel or socket. Find a dowel or socket slightly smaller than the insert and lightly tap the insert from the underside of the playfield. You'll need to be very careful using this technique, because if you tap too hard, it could crack the insert. The glues they used on inserts in 1950s and 1960s machines degraded over time, so this tap method should work on this era of insert...
The second method would be to heat the insert with a heat gun and then try to tap out the insert.
The third method, if the other methods didn't work, would be to "cut out" the insert using a fine blade knife or X-acto blade type knife. This method will usually cause slight damage to the insert hole and it will need to be repaired with some type of glue filler or wood filler, and some paint touch up...
I usually use Elmer's white glue to secure the inserts. You can use a straight edge or ruler to position the inserts so they're level with the playfield...
Fred gave great advice. vid1900 has a playfield restoration guide with more good information.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vids-guide-to-ultimate-playfield-restoration
I just popped out and reset every insert in my recently acquired World Beauties.
I didn't break any, even a little. Some were in tight. I have used the dowel/socket/hammer method in the past and broken inserts.
My latest method uses a smallish socket of the type you whack with a hammer on the underside. On the top side I use a very oversized socket with an ID larger than the OD of the insert. Then, and this is the important part - I PRESS it out with a 12" c clamp. This provide a measured, constant pressure and works quite well. Since the clamp is so large, it can reach. Also, it has some spinginess to it, so it sort of stores the clamping energy and releases it with a small pop.
As I mentioned, 100% good to date.
Linton
Quoted from EMsInKC:Heat them up, tap them out, sand smooth, polish, reinstall
I have a GTB Silver to restore later this year. A couple of the top numbered inserts need to be re-seated but, their numbered lettering is very worn and they have 'saucered'. Any tips to restore the lettering? PBR can supply new inserts but plain only [ I too use the heat and tap method, no issues with that method].
Quoted from Vintage-Pinball:I have a GTB Silver to restore later this year. A couple of the top numbered inserts need to be re-seated but, their numbered lettering is very worn and they have 'saucered'. Any tips to restore the lettering?
Make a decal to replace the lettering.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vids-guide-to-ultimate-playfield-restoration/page/6#post-888283
Quoted from Vintage-Pinball:I have a GTB Silver to restore later this year. A couple of the top numbered inserts need to be re-seated but, their numbered lettering is very worn and they have 'saucered'. Any tips to restore the lettering? PBR can supply new inserts but plain only [ I too use the heat and tap method, no issues with that method].
http://www.pinrepair.com/restore/jopf.htm
Waterslide decals are another method.
Funny thing on mine (I haven't tried any method yet) is that someone used Scotch tape as a shim on the some of the inserts. Oye
Quoted from YeOldPinPlayer:Make a decal to replace the lettering.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vids-guide-to-ultimate-playfield-restoration/page/6#post-888283
Great tip, thanks for that.
Quoted from EMsInKC:Heat them up, tap them out, sand smooth, polish, reinstall
I just did this on a Night Rider and it worker great.
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