Years in the making!

I've always enjoyed reading through other's restoration projects. So, when I set out several years ago to completely restore a WWF Royal Rumble to better than new condition, I decided that I would take pictures of the process for others to see. I tried to remember to take photos as I went, but unfortunately didn't get all of the shots, but enough to describe my processes.

That said, it's finally finished, and this thread will hopefully help demonstrate the experience.

I'll post pictures/comments/responses as I can, but will speak in a past-tense voice to describe my thinking in that moment and time.

To start, it would be helpful to have a (somewhat) before and after.

Enjoy!

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Start of project:
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Completion:
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Step 1 of any restoration. Need to undo the connectors in the backbox.

Here I see that we have had a hack at some point with wires being spliced. That'll need to be fixed.

Second, there's a burnt connector with another wire splice. That'll need to be corrected as well.

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Time to disconnect the DMD. Man, this thing is filthy.

Don't forget to label the connectors before removing!

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There we go. Mostly disconnected.

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Found another hack. Not that bad, really. But, I'll definitely replace with new ground braid.

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Finally. Connectors removed and wires pulled out of the backbox.

Next up. Remove the boards and capacitor.

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Time to remove the wire loops, latches, grounding connectors, etc.

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Now, let's move to the cabinet.

First up, the flipper boards. Again, don't forget to label everything.

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Now the shaker board.

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Removing the backbox hardware. Good to keep everything together for each part by putting in separate zip lock bags.
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Time to start removing the cabinet wiring.

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Next, I remove the transformer. Remember to pay attention to the grounding braids locations.

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Now, lets remove the service switches. Making sure to take pictures of the connection points for future reference.
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Time to remove the power cable and on/off switch. Again, very important to pay attention to the location of grounding braids.
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Haha! Thanks for the post. I wasn't sure if anyone else was interested in this thread. My internet at the house has been on the fritz, but I'll get back to posting pictures and comments ASAP.

Awesome. I did and would be happy to describe my process when I get there. It really wasn't that bad, just 3 posts/nuts holding it in place. The main issue was being able to disconnect everything below and allowing it to come out cleanly. With a rotisserie, that was a breeze.

And much appreciate the positive comments!

Ok, let's start getting some more of this wiring out of the cabinet. See you later start button, tilt bob, and flipper switches.

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Starting to get there.

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Time to move to the plunger side.

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Now we are getting somewhere. Let's go ahead and get the subwoofer too while we are at it.

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Phew. Almost there with removing wires from the cabinet. Just the buttons and connections remain.

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Let's disassemble the TAG plunger button.

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And now the shaker motor.

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There we go. Most parts removed.

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Now, let's remove the TAG plunger button assembly and lock-down receiver. Again, pay attention to grounding braids.

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All removed. Much better.

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This coin door is now starting to get in my way. Let's remove it.

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Now it's time to start removing the buttons, playfield slides, backbox hinges, and other miscellaneous parts remaining on the cabinet.

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And now, on to the side rails and other remaining parts.

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Ew. That did some damage. No worries though as this will be getting new rails and a refinished cabinet.
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Backbox is much easier. Just remove a few screws from the hinge.

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With the cabinet now disassembled, I see significant water/liquid damage on the bottom of the cabinet. That just can't stay in a restoration such as this. I'll need to knock that panel out and install a fresh cut piece of solid plywood.

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No turning back now.

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