A dab of solder will do ya!

[RiseLikeRa]

Greetings all:

Back in the days when Barry Fox was selling EM parts like hot cakes I bought 10 sockets that hold the 63 bulb, usually on either side of the reel glass. I am slightly anal and it seemed that the sockets had to be constantly tweaked to get the bulbs to light brightly or light up at all.  If the machine was displayed then all of the lights had to work properly.  After drilling out numerous rivits and replacing them with small nuts and bolts I have exhausted my supply of sockets.  I mentioned this to one of my friends who in my book is a master EM mechanic.  He said why don't you put a dab of solder on the center post of the bulb.  He even added that the same fix or work around is applicable to the smaller 47 bulbs commonly found in the head unit. A steady hand and your eyeglasses, if you are over 40, are required for the smaller bulb modification.   Well I tried it and now I have a box of each size at the ready.  I wish that I had those 10 "bad" sockets that I threw out.  Darn! 


I know that most of the old timers here knew of this trick but for a new learner like me I just wanted to share.


Happy Gaming
Ra

[SilverFerret]

Definitely trying this. Thanks for the tip.
Jim

[Amechanic]

I'll have to try this on my Bally Pinball machine.. I have a 1/2 to a dozen bulbs and sockets that give me problems with not wanting to say lite.. 
Gary

[RiseLikeRa]

It worked VERY well for me without a single problem so far.  On one 63 bulb I got solder happy put a big blob on it.  The little tits on the side did not seat well so I filed the extra solder down just a bit and it has been working without incident.   I have gotten so much from the people on this list that it brings me great joy to be able to help someone else out for a change.


Fraternally
Ra

[Amechanic]

So are you adding solder to the bulb tip or to the sockets inside or out?? You have a picture?

[buybestslots]

So are you adding solder to the bulb tip or to the sockets inside or out?? You have a picture?

works either way  we use to do it on bingo pinball games , also a fast wipe with a small lite  file works we always done that 1st  before using solder

[Denny]

I've done it to a few bulb tips for my older Rowe R86 jukebox bulbs.  Worked fine except, I guess "I was a little nervous in the service" because I always had to file it down a little from using a little too much solder.  But, they are still working so I guess it worked out for the best.

[DavidLee]

Thanks for the tip! I have a couple of worn sockets this trick should fix the loose connection.

[RiseLikeRa]

Yippie! Our old games will be much brighter now.  I will have to come around and inspect each game room for compliance.  lol


Ra

[Denny]

Hey, good idea Ra, see ya in Pottstown, PA .... August 22 "Get Together" !!!   

[RiseLikeRa]

Several folks have asked for a picture of the solder job so here it is.  I know I know that I am no solder master but for this purpose my limited skills worked.  Also I am not sure why the glass part of the 47 bulb looks so jacked up.  The light operates fine and after I looked at the picture I checked all if the bulbs in the box and they all looked similar.  I bough a bunch of boxes of 10 bulbs many years ago when Barry Fox had his moving sale.  Each bulb was tested and they are fine.  I had a Continental at the time that used a gazillion #47 sockets.  Now I mix in LED bulbs in my feature units for a little extra pop.  Light em up boys and girls!


Denny, it would love to make the gathering in PA however I have a family conflict for that day.  I have met some great folks on this list.  I hope to make the next get together for sure.


Stay well all.  Ra

[Denny]

Whoa, sorry you can't make it.  We will send you a hot dog UPS !!  Well, you will just have to come to the "2nd Annual Pottstown Get Together" next year. 

[RiseLikeRa]

If God grants me life I WILL be there next year!