Columbia Reel Strip Replacement

[Biggym]

I am preparing to replace the reel strips on my Columbia Twin Jackpot Bell and I am wondering if there is a specific method in replacing the reel strips i.e.certain alignment of the symbols on each reel.

[marsonion]

I am preparing to replace the reel strips on my Columbia Twin Jackpot Bell and I am wondering if there is a specific method in replacing the reel strips i.e.certain alignment of the symbols on each reel.

I've always done the strip replacements like this:

1.) Remove the mechanism from the cabinet
2.) Immobilize the clock vanes with a rag and half-cycle the mechanism so the reels spin freely
3.) Force a jackpot by lining up the bars on the payline and let the cycle complete by removing the rag
4.) Make a "sharpie" pen mark on each reel's rim, straight across the payline along the center of where the bars should be, even if the bar symbols are a little (or a lot) out of alignment (they usually are)
5.) Half-cycle the mechanism again and remove the reel bundle
6.) Insert an artist's brush handle or skewer through the JP holes in the reel bundle to line up the JP bars
7.) Remove the old reel strips and clean the metal reels carefully without yet removing the JP pen marks on the rims
8.) Apply the new reel strips, registering the bars to the pen marks on the rims (remember that there are no lemons on the second reel strip and no cherries on the third)
9.) Carefully wipe off the pen marks with a swab of rubbing alcohol
10.) Replace the reel bundle into the mech and check the payouts

I've found it's also a good idea to protect the new strips from damage by winding a little saran wrap to cover them during handling; the wrap is easily removed when finished. If you've never removed a Columbia reel bundle before, DM me and I'll try to help you through that...

[Biggym]

Thank you for the quick reply. The insructions were very helpful and easy to understand.