Newbie 'starter kit'?

GameyMcGame

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When I got started with games it took a couple years to figure out what I needed to always have on hand, what tools I needed etc...

Now, since I'm getting my first pin, I'm looking for advice...

What do I need? What cleaners, spare parts etc. I assume I should put in new balls as well...I'm getting a 2002 Stern (RCT).

Thanks!
 
It all depends on how much you want to keep. For me I would get:

1. Balls
2. Rubber
3. Bulbs
4. Fuses
5. ICs
6. Diodes
7. Micro Switches
8. Solder
9. Wire
10. Flipper Rubber
11. Flipper rebuild kit
12. Novus 2
13. Coil Sleeves
14. Pop Bumper Fiber and Metal Yokes

You could go even further and pickup game specific parts that are prone to breakage (like the Slingshot plastics).
 
One thing I really enjoy is my telescoping magnetic screwdriver with a bunch of different bits. Great for those tough to reach PITA screws and bolts when changing bulbs, etc.
 
Good stuff!

So, cleaning will be my first order of business...Are there any 'starter kits' that novus makes?

Not that I know of. You have to make your own starter kit.

My experience:

Novus 1 - Waste of Money
Novus 2 - Awesome
Novus 3 - Never used it as I prefer rubbing compound
 
I think Novus 1 is awesome stuff. It's definitely different than Windex, and I like using it before and after Novus 2. I use it before to get the loose dirt picked up before I clean deep with the Novus 2. After it's nice because it picks up any Novus 2 residue and leaves the machine perfect for a good waxing.
 
Hang on...if you're dealing with a 2002 game it's highly unlikely that you'll need Magic Eraser. There shouldn't be any swirl marks. Novus 2 will probably be all you need with a rag. Magic Eraser is great, but it's basically very fine grit sandpaper and you can do some damage to your playfield if you're not careful how you use it.

I only use Magic Eraser if something is really, really bad. Otherwise, Novus 2 and a lot of elbow grease (or a cleaning pad for the drill) is plenty.
 
Depending on your games...

5x - spray with WD40 to prevent rust if you plan to store them

2. Rubber
3. Bulbs
#44
#555
#906

Check your manuals -- varies by manufacture and production date.
I have 100's kicking around for pins and vids. You never want to run out.

Highly recommend you keep the common ones if you're into serious repair -- again, check your manual / varies by manufacture and game

6. Diodes
1N4004 (works for 1n400[3,2,1] ) -- I have 1000+ but for standard repair 25 would be fine
1N4148

7. Micro Switches
Highly recommended -- varies by manufacture and game. I ran out over the holidays and had to do a special marco order. Pinball life takes a very long time to ship but is worth the wait for lower prices.

8. Solder
9. Wire
10. Flipper Rubber
11. Flipper rebuild kit
12. Novus 2
Novus #2 is like magic -- buy the large economy sized bottle

13. Coil Sleeves
Good call - I never seem to have enough of the right sizes on hand when I need them
14. Pop Bumper Fiber and Metal Yokes

15. IR TX/RX for opto sensors (used on the newer games)
16. Mix of resistors in various ratings



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