I'm replacing the GI braided wire under the playfield. But I'm also about to the the playfield clear coated. Should I replace all the wire first? Just worried about the impact of the stapler hitting the back of the playfield causing the clear to crack on the front. Or is this not an issue?
Other than the wire I guess I'll be stapling in new light sockets too, so seems like I'll have to staple one way or another after the clear coating anyway.
It would seem to me that the wood would diffuse the force to a fairly even vibration so the force of the staple gun isn't entirely reaching the surface above, and it would be less than what comes from the shaker motors built into some pins. I'd think it's low risk. Sounds like you'll find out anyway.
If a hammer putting t-nuts in the back of a play field doesn’t crack the clear.. (it doesn’t), you’re good with a stapler!
I replace the braided wire sockets with the newer two wire sockets when I restore a game. It’s safer as you don’t have a bare wire that can get shorted, doesn’t pop out when you change a bulb (like stapled ones can sometimes), and the bulb can sit lower to the playfield like the newer games.
...unless you’re a purist and want to keep it original. If so, I would do it while the clear is still “soft” (after a couple of weeks) vs 6 months later.
Quoted from Damonator:I replace the braided wire sockets with the newer two wire sockets when I restore a game. It’s safer as you don’t have a bare wire that can get shorted, doesn’t pop out when you change a bulb (like stapled ones can sometimes), and the bulb can sit lower to the playfield like the newer games.
...unless you’re a purist and want to keep it original. If so, I would do it while the clear is still “soft” (after a couple of weeks) vs 6 months later.
You got a pic of this I can see with the 2-wire set up?
I would think that if the constant impacts of a heavy steel ball hitting it directly doesn't hurt it, the click of staples going in on the other side wouldn't.
Quoted from mrm_4:You got a pic of this I can see with the 2-wire set up?
Not on my phone - I’m travelling...but I’m sure someone else can help out.
One other thing I didn’t mention - you can only replace a stapled light from the top (unless you unstaple) - whereas lights with a screw can be replaced under the playfield.
I do have a recent pic showing old style socket height to new style. The new style allows for more light spread.
I personally would hold off on clear coating until you have done all the other work to the underside of the playfield. Your taking a chance on scratching or damaging the new clear coat otherwise...My experience has been that stapling under a freshly cleared playfield does not damage the clear however I am usually only stapling a few wires.. not an entire harness.
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