Removing wood guides/rails for playfield swap

liquidx

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Hi,

I've just started a playfield swap on my Xenon, using a new repro from CPR.

I need to remove the black wooden rails that are on the playfield edges in order to move them onto the new one.

I removed the screws from below the playfield, and the one to the left of the ball launch trough came off easily. However, the ones around the right, left and top edges of the playfield are still tightly attached.

I see what appears to be long staples/U-shaped nails driven in from below, which are probably the reason the rails are still stuck fast.

Any tips on removing these rails without damaging them and the old playfield?
I don't want to force anything.

Thanks,
Colin
 
Most are attached with those narrow crown, long staples. On my work, I plan to either just reuse the screws, or when needed, add screws to reattach. You'll need to clamp the rail in place and measure carefully to drill the pilot holes through the rear of the playfield and into the rail.
 
My problem is those narrow crown, long staples.

They're stopping me from removing the rail so I can transplant it to the new playfield. I'm afraid to just stick something between the rail and the playfield to act as a lever as I risk damaging both sides.

I was just wondering how others had proceeded. By using a lever? Or somehow removing the staples from below? etc?


Thanks
 
My problem is those narrow crown, long staples.
I was just wondering how others had proceeded. By using a lever? Or somehow removing the staples from below? etc?


Thanks
I just used grippy needlenose pliers from below with lots of elbow grease. Once you get a couple out on one side you can pry the rail up using a(cloth covered) screwdriver shaft as a lever to remove the rest.
 
I just used grippy needlenose pliers from below with lots of elbow grease. Once you get a couple out on one side you can pry the rail up using a(cloth covered) screwdriver shaft as a lever to remove the rest.

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

I had made a feeble attempt at using pliers but they were wrecking the staple and I was afraid I'd just make it even more difficult to remove.

I'll check out the hardware store for a better shape.
 
Since you are probably not going to be using the old playfield - use a thin flathead and a hammer, tap the flathead like a chisel to get it under the edge of the staple from underneath, then pry it out. Once they are all out, the rail on top will come off...
 
Thought I'd post a little update on this. I managed to get them all out by using a small nail puller.

Not sure what the exact name is but it's like a miniature crowbar on a screwdriver handle.

I pulled one staple out from below then had enough leverage to pry the wood rails off by inserting the tool beneath them and slowly levering them up by moving up and down along the length of the rail.

The tool was covered with a piece of cloth to protect the wood.

I don't intend to re-use the playfield myself but I promised it to someone who is going to sand it and apply a full size playfield scan decal.
 
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