I just finished the playfield restore on my Stargate. I cleaned everything above and below the playfield and did a clear coat on it. I have one possible issue though. I'm not sure if it is a real issue or if Stargate just preforms like this so maybe someone with some experience with a Stargate and how it plays can give me some advice.

The only thing I have an issue with right now is I have a hard time making it up the right ramp from a dead stop on the flippers. I can make it if the ball rolls down the lane guide and has some momentum, but not from a dead stop. I don't know if this is normal for Stargate or not? I don't mind picking up a flipper rebuild kit (although I cleaned and polished all the flipper mechs spotless) but first I want to see if it is actually an issue at all and if there is another way to fix it. I have read on other forums that even after a flipper rebuild kit the flippers are still weak and it had something to do with the contact point or some diode or something like that. I want to make sure it is not another issue before I purchase the flipper rebuild kit.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Like I said I cleaned and polished all the flipper mech parts so the left ramp is a breeze to make every time from the upper flipper. But the two lower flippers seem weak. I pressed my finger against the flipper while it was in the up position and it just pulses and makes a weird sound and is pretty easy to push down with my finger.

Yes, I cleaned the plastic sleeve as well.

Also just to note, I don't know if this makes a difference, but when I bought the machine the previous owner was a walking chimney and to get rid of the smoke smell I painted the inside of the cab black but I forgot to cover the flipper button leaf switches. When I put the machine back together the flippers didn't work at all. Then I sanded the contact points on the leaf switches and cleaned with alcohol and the flippers worked after that. Just wanted to note that the leaf switches were covered in black enamel paint in case it made a difference.

I tried the baking soda in the cab and it didn't do anything. This guy lit one colt after another. And they weren't cigarettes they were those mini cigars with the plastic tips it reaked. If you have other tips to get rid of the smell I would appreciate it. I also bought a Dr. Who from the same guy and it smells too so I was going to paint the inside of it black too, but haven't yet.

I didn't replace anything in the flipper assembly, just cleaned everything really well. It seemed to make it up the right ramp no problem before the restore?

Thanks for the help. I checked PBR rebuild kits and they don't come with the coils. Should I just get new coils too for the heck of it?

pics of the restore.

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mine was plagued with spider cracks too before I started. Just do a restore and it will look beautiful.

How do you up the coil strength? A new stronger coil? And I do have mine steep, I like my games fast.

I'm no professional so don't take my word for it ask a professional. But the cracks seemed to be in the factory clear only so I sanded the PLAYFIELD down VERY carefully and slowly so I wouldn't sand down to the paint. I sanded until the cracks just started to disappear, then I ran a wet towel across the Playfield so I could see what it would look like when cleared and boom, no more million spider cracks! so I just did my touch ups from the mylar removal then put a bunch of coats of clear on and it looked brand new.

I don't think I've ever seen a "really nice" one for sale at all. But it is a TON of work to restore, there are so many parts on and under the playfield on a Stargate. I started the restore in February I think and am just finishing now . I don't know how people like HEP, Kruzman and Mccune who do high end restores make any money, it takes sooooo long to do. But I guess they are professionals so they can do it faster.