Addams Family backbox removal

[DRD]

In order to move my AF from one of the house to its permanent home at the other, it has to pass through three door frames that are less than 10mm wider than the backbox

I am wondering whether backbox removal is the most sensible alternative as I do not want to scrape the machine

Assuming that I take loads of photos, is backbox removal a viable option here pls ? Or am I entering a world of pain ? Is it just a case of unplugging numerous connectors in the backbox, or is the job of a different order of magnitude ?

Previously when moving it I have undone the backbox but not undone any wires. This allowed the backbox to be twisted slightly. But a friend also twisted his back doing this

I also had removal men get it through a similar doorway before without undoing anything at all. But they had the strength and the knack.

Thanks

 

[Judge Dreads]

Mark all the connectors with the correct number J114 etc, use permanent marker pen and a few pics to show loom routing, most will only go one way, however there is a potential hazard on the TAF which I discovered at a huge expense, (main driver board, DMD, video board, audio board and the CPU board OUCH) the cable which hooks up to the small aux board top right is interchangeable with J101 secondary on the main driver board below, don't get these mixed up, was doing mine in my sleep due to familiarity and paid a very hefty price.

 

[Dave Bishop]

If it is ground floor just undo the hinges either side and rotate the back box slightly to get through the frame.

Edit: just read the rest of the post. It's far easier but like Andy said Mark all the plugs or put a sticky label around the wire near the connector if you don't want to mark them permenantly

 

[RudeDogg1]

I allways have to rotate the heads getting them in and out of my place

 

[ronsplooter]

Spookily enough I'm going to removing the head on my TAF tomorrow to move it back home from my Dads. As others have said, just make sure you label all the connectors and take care putting them back in the right place

 

[DRD]

Thanks for the good advice. I don't have a horizontal trolley unfortunately. So when my mate hurt his back, it was because the backbox was close to the floor

I can see that if you have a horizontal trolley the whole thing is much easier and the head turn is a good way to go, as the backbox would be at a comfortable height.

Are these horizontal trolleys expensive, what are they called pls ?

 

[Paul]

Just a thought - frames are 10mm too thin - how about barrowing it through sideways??

 

[Michael J]

You are probably referring to something like this: http://www.bodyshop-tools-supplies.co.uk/product_view.php?id=12321 I bought one a few months back and it's great for moving/setting up machines.

 

[cooldan]

I think he just means a good old fashioned cheap and cheerful sack barrow, the upright things you tilt and wheel yourself.

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

Just a thought - frames are 10mm too thin - how about barrowing it through sideways??

" it has to pass through three door frames that are less than 10mm wider than the backbox "

Doorframes sound wide enough, just tight. Sounds like my place. You should be able to move it thru on a sack truck without damage if you are careful. Get someone to help guide it thru to make it easier. Guess it partly depends on how much manoeuver space you have either side of doors.

EDIT .....And of course you may have to take doors off depending how far back they can open - top tip, if this will be a regular thing then replacing with 'lift off' hinges is the way to go Also you may be able to remove the door stops, lining the sides of the frame, to give you more space ...as long as you leave the top 'stop' the door will still close.

10 mins carefully moving thru doors is a lot less hassle than taking the backbox off

 

[mark9]

I'd say you're lucky to have a door space that fits the backbox through, if only just. Know quite a few who have to do the backbox twist thing to get through.

 

[Wizards_Hat]

I used to have to remove the backbox of my machines to get them out of my house & fit them in the car - daunting the first 2-3 times you do it, but piece of cake when you've done it a few times.
First time I did it I labelled every connector & took loads of photo's - photo's turned out to be unnecessary (this was in the days before digital cameras!) - labelled connectors was a godsend though.
I use a sharpie & write on the side of the connector - info needed fits quite well I find (e.g. "J101" etc)

These days life is so much simpler - different house & different car - both with more than enough access to get machines in & out...best advice I can give...buy a house & car purely with pinball in mind

Regards,
Dan.

 

[Poibug]

But a Gottlieb sys 80b and sys 3

ONLY 26 3/4 "

 

[elrikos]

Could you not undo the hinges and twist the backbox through 90 degrees? Saves a lot of connecting and disconnecting cables (EDIT, Rudy suggested it above, great minds think alike!)

 

[DRD]

Thank you for all the advice. All went smoothly, did not graze or scratch anything apart from my own hands.

Based on my limited experience, I would now say to other newbies:

1. Take vast numbers of photos
2. Immediately use a sharpie to number each connector as you individually remove it
3. Pay very careful attention to any connectors with extra jump wires on them like J122 (see below), as these wires are fragile and susceptible to falling off/ snapping
4. The usuals of cash box out and balls out
5. Use a handkerchief on each side to wrap round the backbox mounting hinges, so they do not scratch the cabinet when you remove them and return them
6. It gave me an ideal opportunity to install my black cabinet protectors beneath the legs and also the rubber feet from Pinball Heaven
7. Backbox removal made the pin a lot lighter so was perfectly happy on a sack barrow. I used a ratchet strap with a towel under if for protection, to keep the pin from rocking front to back on the sack barrow
8. If you want to, it would be a good opportunity to clean dirt of the wiring looms

Below is a picture of the j122 connector. I spotted two broken wires that had fallen from it. Without this picture I might have been in trouble. I have no idea what these two wires do? But at least I could return them to their proper homes.