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Does anyone apart from Manny at Woodtech offer a restoration service?

JustLikeMe

JustLikeMe

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We're thinking about getting a proper refurbishment done on one of our machines as this type of job is far beyond our abilities - its the one that will never leave, so we'd ideally like it looking and playing like it just came out of the factory. Does anyone apart from Manny at Woodtech offer this service in the UK?
 
There are a few restorers on here. Darren, Matt Addams & Manny are the main ones.

I've seen Darren's work and Mannys work. Both are great.

I have 2 pins (TAFG&CFTBL) that are going to Manny.

If you want a finish like glass Manny's attention to detail is outstanding.

What pin is it?
Depends on where you are in the UK as well for collecting/delivering etc
 
Cheers for the replies - as I'm based in London I've contacted Manny to get some idea of pricing and will go from there. As for the machine its MM - I know we could just sell it and get a remake, but we've had it for about 7 or so years now and it's definitely got sentimental value!
 
There's a guy on here who does playfield restorations too if necessary - amazing quality work and attention to detail (at least, from the pictures that have been posted).
 
Your location being SE try both Matt Addams and Dave the Tax Man, both great guys and a great service.
 
I love what manny is doing, great humour, and always gets a comment.
Also a lot better than some turner winners, go Manny
 
I'm not saying this applies or will ever apply to pinball but never under estimate the value of originality in collectables. IE it's fine to stick on new decals, clear coat playfields, chrome anything metal but that doesn't mean it will add any value to the machine and may reduce it.

Also, if Manny's ebay sales are to be beleived, he is NOT a restorer in a traditional sense. He's a max power bling master.

I would hate to think another MM was destroyed in the pursuit of extra shiny-ness.
 
i have seen some of his work, and it is top notch, professional and to a standard most people can only dream of.
Maybe not what some would desire, probably more than i would want or choose to afford, but it does not destroy does it ?
I may of not seen what you have though, the machines i saw had very polished metal parts and the inside was immaculate, and the litho prints had been applied perfectly
 
abaxas said:
I'm not saying this applies or will ever apply to pinball but never under estimate the value of originality in collectables. IE it's fine to stick on new decals, clear coat playfields, chrome anything metal but that doesn't mean it will add any value to the machine and may reduce it.

Also, if Manny's ebay sales are to be beleived, he is NOT a restorer in a traditional sense. He's a max power bling master.

I would hate to think another MM was destroyed in the pursuit of extra shiny-ness.
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You've touched upon something I am slightly concerned about - while the machine isn't going anywhere, and therefore the 'value' isn't a concern, all I want is for it to look like it did the day it came out of the factory; no added 'bling' (hate that word!) at all. Sort of like HEP in the States - as close to original condition as possible.
 
Another thing to consider is cost as it tends to be non linear to outcome.

What I mean by this is 95% as good will be half the price of 97%, etc.

However, 'playing as it came out of the factory' isn't really an option. The outcome should be 'better than factory' as it'll have been properly tested and setup.
 
abaxas said:
However, 'playing as it came out of the factory' isn't really an option. The outcome should be 'better than factory' as it'll have been properly tested and setup.
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You're right there. I unpacked quite a few Bally/Williams games, ranging from 'Police Force' to 'Arabian Nights', and not one of them was quite how I liked regarding flipper adjustment, bumper sensitivity, etc. A couple of games had solenoids jammed or not working, and in one case (a 'Diner') the game was un-usable, with the rotating clock unit not working.
 
JustLikeMe said:
You've touched upon something I am slightly concerned about - while the machine isn't going anywhere, and therefore the 'value' isn't a concern, all I want is for it to look like it did the day it came out of the factory; no added 'bling' (hate that word!) at all. Sort of like HEP in the States - as close to original condition as possible.
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Reading what you are concerned about, decals can never be the same as the original screen printed cabinets. Not sure if all the original MM's had screen printed? If I had a MM with half decent screen printed cabinet, I wouldn't put decals on it.
 
Replay said:
Reading what you are concerned about, decals can never be the same as the original screen printed cabinets. Not sure if all the original MM's had screen printed? If I had a MM with half decent screen printed cabinet, I wouldn't put decals on it.
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The issue is that the front of the cabinet was drilled, and there is a small lock protruding out on the left hand side of the cab close to the flipper button - I assume so the lockdown bar could be removed without opening the coin door. Otherwise I'd absolutely agree!
 
Just had my monster bash cabinet done by woodtech - drilled holes at front, split wood on corners, dirty and rusty inside. The application of the decals and the finish inside and out is quality. Much better than factory finish - sides feel like glass. Corners are perfect and you cannot tell where the decals have been applied. He asked a lot of questions about how I wanted it so you can keep it as original as you like or go for more unique look. If you don't want things polishing just tell him.

My machine had a particularly nasty buzz where the transformer sat on the metal support bracket - some sort of vibration issue no doubt due to the state of the cabinet. He cleaned the transformer and polished the bracket and seated it properly. It is now silent and the quietest machine in my collection. If the lights weren't on you wouldn't know it was running.
 
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JustLikeMe said:
The issue is that the front of the cabinet was drilled, and there is a small lock protruding out on the left hand side of the cab close to the flipper button - I assume so the lockdown bar could be removed without opening the coin door. Otherwise I'd absolutely agree!
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I'm prepared to stand in orthopedic shoes but MMs left the factory with with security hasps fitted. So do you want it "factory fresh"?
Alan.
 
Alan Syson said:
I'm prepared to stand in orthopedic shoes but MMs left the factory with with security hasps fitted. So do you want it "factory fresh"?
Alan.
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I'm prepared to stand in my non-orthopedic shoes and say (that's actually a lie. I'm sitting, but I tend to wear trainers anyway), if it was mine and it had a hole in the front, I'd get someone who knew what they were doing to deal with it.
 
Daz ( @replicas ) does a fine job of restoration and re-decalling and has done some excellent work for me! Sensibly priced work too!



If you want your earth braid polishing, twin chromed exhaust pipes and a wing spoiler on the top of your backbox then you'll want that Many guy on ebay ;)
 
Rus121 said:
That'll be Henrik at Pinballdreams.com
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They're only in Germany though (unless there's something I don't know). If they did UK I'd be in like a shot asking for a quote on the playfield chips to my desw!
 
node said:
They're only in Germany though (unless there's something I don't know). If they did UK I'd be in like a shot asking for a quote on the playfield chips to my desw!
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I think quite a few UK based people on here have used him, just couriering the playfield to him.
 
I think it was elrikos who had his TOM playfield done by Henrik? Looked lovely.

I'd certainly use him. Only issue of course is that you need to fully strip the playfield to have the work done but, more importantly, to keep the cost of shipping down.
 
There is a guy in the U.K. who does playfield touch ups / repairs. Based in the North West.
@@ronsplooter has his Creature pf with him at the moment.
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He's a top man who does top work :D I'll be posting some pics up in my Creech shop log soon and some details on how to contact him once I've checked he's cool with that.
 
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