Upgrades on 70's

[Guest]

Going to get some rebuilt 70's installed and the owner is going to allow me to upgrade some of the components, namely chassis and ball return. I was thinking Omega-Tek and Humpbacks. Looking for suggestions and thoughts from all the experience here.
Thanks,
Eric

[8270 pinspotter]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Well, I went with the AMF (Creative Technology) XOP board for the chassis. I've had them for three years without any trouble. I also have the sweep reverse relay that connects to the board. It gives you a short strike cycle, and sweep reverse on gutter balls. As far as ball lifts, If it were me, I would go with PBL's. I never had any experience with the humpback, but I heard a lot of people say they didn't like them. I still have kicker lifts, but I don't have any trouble with them, so I'm not going to upgrade.

Just my Thoughts.

[Coors]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

if the rebuilds are SS's ..go with Omega Tek. If you have SS's you'll need to rewire the C1/C2A harness's with other chassis...but the Omega Tek chassis is a direct replacement for SS's
If they are MP's you dont need to upgrade but if you can, go with Creative Tech.

As far as PBL or Humpbacks go...either is good. just remember Humpbacks are a garage operation...tomorrow they may go out of buisness and you'll be stuck "mickey mousing" trying to find replacement parts

PBL's have been around since '78. you can find used PBL's for $300...and you'll find a lifetime of replacements.

[Dutch]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Eric,
You've got the right idea. Go with Omega-Tek if they don't already have MP chassis. Omega-Tek has a lifetime warranty on all their boards & a great support staff, in case you get stuck somewhere.
As for the ball return, it's not often that I disagree with Coors, but this is one of them. With the up-grades made to the humpback lately, I don't think they are going to go anywhere any time soon. Even if they only sell the new track covers. (They're great!) The humpback is more positive than the positive ball lift & has less moving parts. I personally would go with the Humpback.
Dutch

[Coors]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

hey dutch

no offense taken.....lol i have one humpback myself...for novelty. good product...i'm just helpin jacob to weigh the odds before doin the house....

i.e. Dacos Scoring

if any AMF/Vantage guys are reading, how about a PBL belt with just a little 1/2 inch thick by inch long little nubbie on the ball lift belts to help the PBL yo-yo's. patents pending of course

[BG]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

I've installed 4 humpback systems in my 36 lanes center with kickers. I like them and its a MUCH easier conversion than PBL. Things to look out for though...
1.) The paddles they give you SUCK..Every one I've installed has broken. Do yourself a favor and get a good urethane paddle for each kit.
2.) They tell you that you can use the existing kicker rudder arm but its a major league pain in the butt. Do yourself another favor and get a pbl rudder arm for each kit.

Have a nice day!

[Dutch]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Geminix,
All of those Humpy parts have a lifetime warranty. Send them back, get new ones & talk to their tech support. It sounds like something else might not be quite right. I've called them with other problems & they've been a big help to me.
To quote the tech support guy that I spoke to... "Accept zero problems with your Humpback ball returns. If you have ANY problems at all, call us."
Dutch

[BG]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Hi Dutch,
Yes indeed I have spoken to their tech support. They told me it must've been a "bad batch" of paddles and they proceeded to send me brand new paddles. I was more than happy with their explanation and I got their delivery of the new paddles. Installed them. They broke too. I don't understand why they simply do not send basic urethane paddles. I've NEVER had one just BREAK like these do. They always break at the screw holes. I've tried making them a bit tighter, a bit looser...no difference. They break. No biggie. I LOVE the system though. Just have to spend a bit more to get the paddle and rudder arm to make it right (I am way too picky when it comes to my machines).

[Ed Fox]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Hey guys, save your self some money(I mean the owners) and use Bruns. L/R cover on your up sweeps. It is a little more work but very durable and works great for yo/yo's. I wouldnt spend the money for the humpback just yet. There expensive and to new, let somebody else be thier lab rat.

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[GPS]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Ed, I have had my one unit in for two years. Runs great. As I get a problem pair that I can't get to work with kickers out they go an in with the humpback. I have been fortunate so far. Good luck.

[Guest]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

THE HUMPBACK IS CRAP. IT IS A USED BALLLIFT BELT WITH BELT LIKE MATERIAL HUMPS. THE HUMPS WEAR DOWN OVER TIME BECAUS OF THE INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE UPSWEEPS AND THE BOWLING BOWL. I NEVER FOUND A KICKER ASSY. I COULD'NT GET TO PICK UP BALLS.
EMAIL ME AND I'LL GIVE YOU SOME IDEAS.
[email protected]

[Coors]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

ROFLMAO

[Guest]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Hey Bowling Guy - have you used a Humpback, or are you going on assumption? If you have or are using one, were you a test center? We've had our "Humper" in for 10 months now and it's still looks and works brand new - including the belt. No sign of wear, and no adjustments needed since install. True, there were problems with the paddle related to weak design and materials, (broke one a month for 3 months) but they added steel to the core of the paddle where it attaches to the rudder arm - no problems since. Their tech support is excellant as well. In my opinion the humpback is an excellant improvement to the 82-70, and beats the PBL hands down. Many parts are eliminated, adjustments are minimal, and best of all - as the head mech, I can relax with respect to revolving door pinchasers who never seem to understand ball return problems. What are improvements for? Improved performance, cost effectiveness, reduced maintenance, this system does it all. Any condition, any ball - it works perfectly.

COORS - Most big companies lock out or control the creative minds, that's why some of the best products were created in "garages". You have to start somewhere.

[This message has been edited by pitboss (edited 10-05-2000).]

[Ed Fox]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

Guys, not trying to be a smart ass, but out of curiosity these centers that have been using the hump back, what is the liniage per. bed per. year? That makes a hell of a diff. when you talk about how long its been installed! And your absolutly right when you say the best improvements come from someones garage! Just want some factuall proff. that this item lasts! Its not a cheap part!If it even lasts 4 years thats still aprox. $175.00 per. year per. pair! If its relaxing your looking for then maybe your right, it will save some maint. time ie: Pulling kickers, changing belts, starters, adjusting ratchets etc. But we need to earn our pay check some how! Are you shure your not one of their local sales reps! JUST KIDDING!
ED

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[Guest]

Re: Upgrades on 70's

HEY PIBOSS,
YES I DO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE HUMPBACKS.
AND IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU DONT HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH KICKER ASSYS. I'M SURE YOUR MANAGER APPRECIATES YOU WASTING HIS MONEY ON PARTS LIKE THE HUMPBACK. THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU SPEND ON THE HUMPBACK YOU WILL NEVER SPEND MAINTAINING KICKER ASSYS.
LET US KNOW IN ABOUT A YEAR WHAT KIND OF SHAPE THAT BELTS IN. I'LL BET MY RED DEVILS FOR $11 A PIECE ARE IN A LOT BETTER SHAPE