Hello everyone! I have decided to add a playfield protector to my 1991 Data East Ninja Turtle playfield. This will be the first time I remove much of the playfield plastics, ramps, and other items to prep and clean the playfield. My goal is to remove as few of the items as needed to add the protector. Does anyone have experience adding a protector to this machine? I'm not planning to remove the mylar. Yes, I know this topic is controversial regarding the protector vs. clearcoat vs. mylar removal.... I'm just looking for tips or guidance on what items (flipper bats, ramps, sewer) to remove first, what to pay special attention to and so on. Let's assume I have have default connections to the playfield. I plan on taking pictures of everything as I remove each piece, screw, nut, wire.

As always, I apppreciate your support. I've only had this machine for 9 months.

Screenshot_20180514-135402 (resized).png

I am so close to getting the playfield clear. I'm stuck on the flipper bats. I am unable to get those allen wrench nuts/bolts to budge. Anyone have tips for loosening them? I'm at a loss.

Thanks

20180518_233754 (resized).jpg

20180518_233807 (resized).jpg

20180518_234128 (resized).jpg

CRC freeze spray not working. I applied 4 times at 10 seconds each. Waited 2 minutes per application. I'm stumped.

Thanks for the tip. Vice grips just couldn't get it done. This is my first true challenge as a pinball owner. Maybe I need to drill it out or dremel?

20180519_090156 (resized).jpg

20180519_090206 (resized).jpg

Another challenge to add. Trying to remove man hole cover without taking entire assembly. One thing leads to another.

Getting closer. Bearing removed.

20180519_093749 (resized).jpg

20180519_100308 (resized).jpg
20180519_100301 (resized).jpg
20180519_100229 (resized).jpg

20180519_102215 (resized).jpg

Manhole removed!

Now back to flipper bats.

20180519_103158 (resized).jpg

No nut included. It's just a stubborn ass allen bolt. I tried drilling through with no luck. The bolt is starting to get the best of me. One last hurdle!!!

20180519_143724 (resized).jpg

20180519_144027 (resized).jpg

I bet it is locked in place. I'm going to try your method and pry with a flathead. This is getting ridiculous.

No luck with prying the clamp with a flathead. I bet it's either locked in place with an adhesive and/or threaded clamp. I bought some smaller steel drill bits and hope to make progress, slowly and carefully.

Wise advice. Thanks for your help! I like the rebuild option. Otherwise, I will waste too much time with this mess.

I saw a rebuild kit through Marco pinball. Is it possible to cut the flipper bat shaft at the playfield and then remove remaining pieces for the rebuild? I'm worried the allen bolt and clamp will be unfixable, and wasn't sure this needed to be intact for the rebuild. Maybe I can remove all items, including solenoid, from the coil? This new project requires more planning on my part.

I appreciate the feedback.

Screenshot_20180519-182559 (resized).png

20180519_182253 (resized).jpg

Ok, so it looks like cutting the flipper assembly and buying new assembly is my only option. With that being said, would you guys use a dremel to cut the flipper bat shaft at the playfield or at that clamp? Is the clamp or shaft called a pawl? I'm still trying to learn some of the terminology, especially for ordering new parts. I believe the marco flipper assembly referenced above will be adequate. I'm assuming my clamp with the allen bolt locked in place is useless at this point. That's why I'm hoping the marco flipper assembly has a replacement for that part.

Thanks again!
Kevin

Cut the flipper bats off at playfied without any damage to playfield. Moving on!

20180520_095254 (resized).jpg

20180520_095259 (resized).jpg

Making progress.

20180520_152706 (resized).jpg

Replaced flippers, flipper assemblies, and flipper coils! I am still struggling with solder. My iron must take a while to heat contact surface, or I'm not tinning properly. Anyway, job is complete for now. I just need to tie up loose ends.

20180524_200527 (resized).jpg

20180524_200610 (resized).jpg