Cliffy protectors ?'s

caligirl

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Considering putting some protectors on a drop hole and a kick-out hole on a machine that already has significant wear. I do not plan to do a full playfield restore. I have not used them on a game yet, but am considering them for my other games as well.
My understanding is they attatch to the bottom of the playfield.
Question's: How to treat the damaged area? Can it be filled with woodfill or bondo? Then What? Sure touch up paint can be done, but again, I dont want to go through a full restore with clearcoat and all. Mylar? Is there not a way to 'spot treat' with some protectant, other than clear coat?
 
I've only ever put them on a game once (Medieval Madness that a customer bought from an operator and bought the Cliffy's for us to put on during the restore). We didn't have to repair anything. The Cliffy's are sturdy enough and cover up the area so that it is no longer a factor.

Unless your damage is a lot bigger than the protector's, you should be good to go.


BTW - if you by the "leg protectors" as this guy did also, be sure to get the ones that are the same color as your cab art. This guy bought bright blue ones that looks liked crap IMO between black legs and black artwork...
 
I've only ever put them on a game once (Medieval Madness that a customer bought from an operator and bought the Cliffy's for us to put on during the restore). We didn't have to repair anything. The Cliffy's are sturdy enough and cover up the area so that it is no longer a factor.

Unless your damage is a lot bigger than the protector's, you should be good to go.


BTW - if you by the "leg protectors" as this guy did also, be sure to get the ones that are the same color as your cab art. This guy bought bright blue ones that looks liked crap IMO between black legs and black artwork...

or clear leg protectors, as you can't even tell if there even on. So cliffy's cover up damage huh? Cool my kick out hole around the edge has a bit of wear so this will cover it up?
 
Cliffy's original protectors were very sturdy and you could leave the wear. His new ones are "hyper thin" (his term) and they will bend if hit over and over. If you cover an area w/ one and there is a gap between the metal the wood, it will dent to the original shap of the worn area. He recommends fixing the damage then applying the protector.
 
Thanks Guys.
I'm considering these for my Earthshaker and a friends Monster Bash. I'm pretty sure I can use them with little work for the Earthshaker, but am most concerned about the damage to the Monster Bash. Yes they appear to be able to cover some of the damage, but I am concerned it wont cover it all. I had been to the Cliffy site, particularly Earthshaker. Today I went back, and the Monster Bash page shows the use of epoxy to fill in and support the protector as mentioned. Still doesnt address the issue regarding paint touchup, but if needed I'll consider mylar when installing.
 
One thing about the Cliffys is that they affect gameplay to some extent. I've seen it most on a Creature from the Black Lagoon where it was installed on the snack bar. On a "perfect" shot the protector can sometimes act like a mini ramp, causing the ball to hit the back wall and bounce back out of the snack bar. Not a good thing when you're going for a 3x super jackpot! Of course, it's likely possible that if the scoop is tuned well it's a rare thing.

As for the damage, probably any sort of filler will do for such a small job, but I've used joint compound on wood before with decent results. Just put it on very liberally and then gently sand it smooth.
 
Cliffy's may interfere just a little bit by making it harder to make it in a specific drop hole but the looks and benefits far outweigh any extra precision you may have to make your shots with...

I have seen the other protectors mentioned above and while they ARE cheaper, i like Cliffy all the way!!
 
Cliffy's may interfere just a little bit by making it harder to make it in a specific drop hole but the looks and benefits far outweigh any extra precision you may have to make your shots with...

I have seen the other protectors mentioned above and while they ARE cheaper, i like Cliffy all the way!!

It's not that more precision is required. In fact, it seems less (a slightly deflected shot) is sometimes better. When you hit the shot dead on with max power it has the greatest chance to "ramp", hit the back of the scoop and bounce back out. I would go with the cliffy if there's already wear around the hole since the cliffy would cover that up. But I would go with the other brand if there was no or minimal wear.
 
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