Complete Restoration of the Zaccaria Fire Mountain - Generation 1

[DAW6205]

We have undertaken the restoration of a Fire Mountain pinball machine, a Generation 1 model by Zaccaria, for a client. This pinball machine was in a rather deteriorated condition, requiring a careful and detailed intervention.

1. Initial condition of the pinball machine:
   As shown in the initial photos, the cabinet and backbox were in poor condition. Inside the cabinet, it seemed like no one had ever attempted to clean it with a vacuum cleaner, with evident accumulations of dust and debris. The playfield showed signs of wear due to prolonged use, with scratches, discolorations, and visible surface damage in various areas.
2. Cleaning and restoration of the cabinet:
   We started with a deep cleaning of the interior of the cabinet, removing all accumulated dust and debris. After cleaning, we focused on restoring the wood, working on the damaged areas, reinforcing the structural parts, and repairing any cracks or splits.
3. Intervention on the playfield:
4. The playfield, worn from play, was disassembled and carefully cleaned, removing accumulated dirt and repairing the most worn parts of the playfield, visible in the photos. Some significant details were restored with care to preserve the original appearance of the game.

 

[DAW6205]

1. Restoration of the cabinet and backbox:
   In this phase, after removing the old paint from the cabinet and backbox, we applied the original yellow colour. The webbing were created using a compressor spray gun, and with the stencils we made, we completed the artwork to match the original. All metal parts were then polished and reassembled. This completed the restoration of the cabinet.

 

[DAW6205]

• Restoration of the playfield:
  On the playfield, colour touch-ups were done on the most worn areas. Under the bumpers, we digitally reconstructed the circles that were impossible to touch up with an airbrush; a very thin film was printed and applied over the damaged circles on the playfield. Damaged inserts were replaced, and the numbers or letters on them were restored. Everything was then finished with multiple layers of clearcoat. The playfield restoration is now complete.
• Restoration of game components:
  In the next phase, the drop targets were restored, with the original symbols recreated on them. We also restored the black centres of the targets and the "special" target. The designs on the bodies and caps of the bumpers were printed onto new bumpers, as the old bumpers were no longer usable. Some plastics, such as the one for the "special" target, were rebuilt. After this phase, all the playfield components were reassembled.

 

[DAW6205]

Now, here is the Fire Mountain restored to its glorious condition. A fine example of a Generation 1 Zaccaria pinball.

 

[neil1637]

Gorgeous table. Great work. Love the Zacc tables, especially the EM ones.