Decided to try a documentation of this conversion since I don't think there are many Wild Schütz games out there. Customer has brought in a Strikes and Spares donor game and a conversion kit including new cab art (metal overlays), plastics, backglass and a playfield. I will do my best to document the progress - which will be quite a journey.

Scott

First step was to strip the cabinet and mock up the replacement artwork to determine what areas need to be painted.

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Mock-up of artwork installation, note where the new artwork doesn't cover the wood - this will be prepped for paint. Bottom of cab has been repaired poorly, so that will be removed and replaced.

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Cabinet will now be prepped for paint. Artwork is sanded off first. I use a festool sander with dust collection - 60 and 120 grit.

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Cabinet back was loose, so it is glued and re-fastened.

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Major filling is done with epoxy wood filler.

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After the epoxy cures it is rough sanded, then a skim coat of wood filler is appied to the entire surface.

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After the skim coat is dry (at least overnight) I block sand with 220 to get a general flat surface.

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After the initial block sanding - there will be low areas that need to be refilled - this will be repeated until it is as flat as I can get it.

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Meanwhile - I stripped the insert panel down to spray paint with Krylon painter's touch 2x white primer.

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Another coat of filler applied to low spots for leveling.

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Bottom will need a piece of plywood

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Vent holes need the excess filler removed - I'm using an small knife to clean them out.

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First light coat of primer applied - painter's touch 2x primer after tack clothing the wood to remove any dust.

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The primer helps show areas that need more fill and sanding.

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Very thin layer of wood filler applied to areas - note, one area of lamination started to lift, so I will have to fill this with the epoxy to repair - always better to remove it and fill unless it can be glued down.

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Sanded and primed again

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Prepping plywood panel to fix bottom board.

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Bottom board repaired with plywood glued and stapled. Coin door is getting re-skinned and cleaned.

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Insert painted and fixed a burnt connector that was hacked.

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Cabinet back from paint - paint color is "arcade white". Apron and shooter gauge will be customized so they were painted the same color. Cabinet will start to be assembled next.

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Head artwork loosely installed - still has protective plastic on it.

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I'm using twist nails - same way siderails are attached on this era game.

Main cabinet artwork being laid out for installation.

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Cabinet set up and going back together.

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Donor playfield stripped and mechs out for rebuild.

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