Finally... I completed my first pin-based X-Metal tune-up!

[Yo Flawch!]

I've been wanting to learn how to complete my own tune-ups on Juliet, R2, XX, Mars, and Penny models. After YEARS of dragging my feet and kicking the can down the road, I finally did it. I still have plenty to learn, but I have my first successful tune-up under my belt. I have to thank (for parts, tools, and advice) @zwc0442, @Bonz-1, @SEAN WAYNE, @Linegear Japan, and @Beardo0628 for allowing his beautiful Plasma/Fire Juliet to be my guinea pig !

I originally thought I'd be able to save pins... now I know why that's a dumb idea... they are in tight, and rarely remove without a fight LOL.

Cleaning the old flex couplers away is very important, and I figured out a few tricks to do that well.

Here is the nose bridge seconds after I successfully installed fresh pins.

... and here's the completed job - I almost "forgot" to mail them back... OOPS!

@Beardo0628 and I are trying out my new temple shocks that are trimmed down 25's. They allow the temples to open even more that a 15, but I haven't perfected consistent cuts yet.

This is NOT an "open for business" announcement. I don't know if I will ever get that point where I would accept customers. I'm just happy to finally get past the nerves connected to the uncertainty of doing this kind of work.

 

[ice_man]

Congratulations and well done. It looks great!

I must admit, I started with X-Metals last year and when I purchased my 1st one I immediately tried to learn how to swap flex couplers.

Having watched videos online, I immediately dove right in after receiving the necessary tools from Linegear. Screwed up and marred a pin on my first try. Lol. Wasted a pin, but learned a great lesson that day. So far, I’ve changed 2 XX, 1 Juliet, and an R2. All went well.

This just needs patience and definitely do not rush when doing it.

I still struggle with putting back the ear stems though. I ruin a lot of washers whenever I do. Lol

 

[Yo Flawch!]

I still struggle with putting back the ear stems though. I ruin a lot of washers whenever I do. Lol

You put 2 washers on the top and bottom? That is hard to accomplish.

 

[ice_man]

You put 2 washers on the top and bottom? That is hard to accomplish.

Yessir. I did follow Linegear’s tutorial, so it helped a lot. I just need to practice more..

 

[Msgt Oakley]

I think Pennies are challenging in my opinion. Let us know when you accomplish that model and provide feedback please. Thank you

 

[Yo Flawch!]

I think Pennies are challenging in my opinion. Let us know when you accomplish that model and provide feedback please. Thank you

Luckily all of my Pennies are solid currently. Funny (related) story to that. I have a Titanium/Ice Penny with the OG tune up holding up well. They were sent to Oakley by the original owner early on, and a tech at Oakley only serviced one side (according to the service receipt). So one side has never been touched.

 

[Msgt Oakley]

It’s crazy how those flex couplers deteriorate over time when they’re not even worn. I have two in the original box that were really nice when I received them five years ago. Now they need to be replaced

 

[Beardo0628]

They arrived back home today. All I have to say is that they look like new. For being your first tuneup, you knocked it out of the park. They are perfect! I can’t thank you enough for the awesome work and care that you put into them.

 

[Mystiko Neossia]

It’s crazy how those flex couplers deteriorate over time when they’re not even worn. I have two in the original box that were really nice when I received them five years ago. Now they need to be replaced

Wow, first delamination and now loose bridges? I guess if you don't wear them they still need TLC.

 

[Msgt Oakley]

Yes sir @Mystiko Neossia