Agree EM,
Capt. Card and Pro Pool were both games I used to own that were hard to get that center hole (though isn't that suppose to be part of the game challenge?) I don't use the hot coils, but I do use high tap on the transformer. It can make a game play harder as well since the slings will now be more powerful, but so will the pops. Some folks like that, others don't. I also steepen the pitch as I like a fast playing game.

I asked Steve Young about the effect on coils longevity. He said it is not a factor. High tap is only adding a few volts (24 to 28 or so) it depends on the game maker/era. He also has suggested removing a few layers of wire on some coils (Tim Arnold/Clay Harrell suggested this too for knockers) to make them more peppy. I agree with some that plastics/drops might be at risk, but have never had a problem with these mods.-so far.

Good idea about the washers, it raises the shields a bit so as to be less prone to chipping/cracks. Speaking of which, I have used those washers as a repair for broken plastics as a quick fix. They can be cut/filed to fit-esp. on the lower slings. One can even use acrylic craft paint to mimick the artwork. Looks pretty decent if done well.

Here's a pic of a former game I restored. I found part of the broken plastic inside the game and then did the above technique to salvage the unobtanium elephant plastic. The washers are super glued on to the plastic above.

princess.repair.jpg

Hey Gerry,

What EMs have you worked on/owned? I just looked at your history and don't see any? (I too like an agressive EM!)

Hey Otto!
You sound more like Homer on that Central Park video, really had to chuckle at all the groans! Looks like many ways to lose the ball down there.
Gerry, I used to own and love my World Series, found it at an antique guy's place who had stored it for 20 years, almost brand new looking! Check it out here: https://picasaweb.google.com/113822175696968990275/WorldSeriesSold
(sorry If I'm off topic here! )

Pretty sure those 70's Gottliebs all had plastic sleeves, at least the dozen or so I've owned have.

I have never used hot coils, as SDM said above, try high tap (yes, another great debate, though I've never had a problem). Rebuild them properly, etc. It may be possible to remove some wraps of wire on the flip (heavy wire) side of the flipper coils, but I have never tried it. Maybe try that with a spare coil first as an experiment (have done that for single power coils with good results)

I got that, wasn't stating the obvious that anything PBR markets as their own custom product would be hard to find elsewhere. Was offering in house solutions for you......