Thought it was time to start a new dedicated thread for Version 3 (v3) of the Snackbar Mod due to quite a few people requesting a Snackbar Mod and since I have wanted to try something out (new feature). I do get bored so tend to do a run of about 100 and then stop for a breather and if enough requests occur I then develop another version to mix it up a little but also improve on the previous design - always aiming for a cleaner look, easier to install and more details but still look the part. But I am also open to constructive ideas and if cool, practical and within cost restrictions like add features suggested by Pinsiders.

Version 3 - Snackmod v3
- to be released soon
- limited to 40 units due to deadline commitment by those keen.

Desired features of v3:
- no bolts in the top through the decal
- one bolt quick release system at the back of the front face once the base plate is installed
- no acrylic light blades - to be replaced with a molded resin 12mm / 1/2" high front plate
- added decal to the molded front plate to enhance the neon and Snackbar look

Open for thoughts :
- on the top surface decal / dome flasher insert - yes/no / Starlight Design / or stars - possibly with some components that can be lit up

Current model design:
start of the design with open front and no bolts in the top and one at the back of the front face

top piece made transparent to show the locking features

The price:
- to be confirmed once the design is finalised and prototype made
- I only ask for payment when your mod is ready to post and getting on the wait list only secures you a spot for the mod in the order I get your enquiry.

Ordering:
All I ask is if you are keen, please send me a pm with the subject line being "Snackbar Mod v3" and issue me your
- full name
- email address
If you don't send me a pm I will not put you on the wait list, as posting in the thread that you are keen is cool and appreciated but it won't secure you a position on the wait list. Currently there are about 15 people on the wait list and I tend to build them in batches of about 10 every 4-6 weeks once the design is final and proven.

Updates:
- when I have an update I will post and encourage others to give your thoughts, ideas etc

History of this mod is:

Version 2 - Snackbar Mod v2
- released January 2016
- finished October 2017
- modeled off features of the building on the playfield with it's unique features but improved the number of bolts in the top from 5 to 2 and switched to laser cut acrylic light blades for improved brightness and lit by linking to the GI powering a led strip.
- downsides were some people felt that it lost a little of the classic rounded neon look, slightly improved assembly
thread can be found here

Version 1 - Snackbar Mod (v1)
- released September 2014
- finished September 2015
- modeled off features of the building on the playfield with it's unique features being it used elwire along with a inverter for a cool neon effect to the Snackbar mod.
- downsides were it was a little timing consuming to install and pulled 12vdc from a already heavily modded game.
thread can be found here

Update 28-12-18
It has taken longer than I had hoped but here is the manual for the released v3.0 Snackbar mod for those on the list which is limited to 40 people along with 3 people that wanted the prototypes. Prototypes are completed and parts are almost in for the production mods to roll out in early 2019. My apologies for the delays and your patience.

Update 23-1-19
V2.0 manual added (removed v1.0 manual)
CFTBL Snackbar Mod v3.0 - Manual rev2.pdf

a few people have asked what my experience is and I have reassured them that I design for fun and a mechanical engineer by trade and yes I earn a small commission off my designs made by Shapeways

I put alot of my designs up at Shapeways as these are made in the US and postage is affordable, some being mods, some being reproduction parts for those hard to get parts, and some are tools amongst other random things. I still have to update some designs with the appropriate search words.

all my designs - full catalogue
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinks&sort=newest

all CFTBL specific parts and mods
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinkscftbl&sort=newest

all pinball mods
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinksmod&sort=newest

all pinball reproduction parts
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinksreproduction&sort=newest

all pinball tools
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinkstools&sort=newest

this one is now hooked up to the GI socket under the mod so a simple to wire and lightup and not a power drain unlike v1.

thanks for the kind words guys, it's very much appreciated.

a few people have asked about postage whcih I can give a rough answer. I am in Australia but have sent most of the mods in the past to the US followed by Canada and Europe. Every parcel gets tracking to your door and basically I just charge for the box and postage and don't charge a packing fee. I don't want to quote postage costs just yet as Aus Post may raise prices but in the past there has been change from $30AUD to USA and Canada and change from $35AUD to Europe.

hope that helps

that is my main goal with this version and what you are suggesting is what I had in mind.... lets see if I can get that look

thanks again guys and like in the past anyone that has purchased the snackbar mod directly from me in the past will get a discount as a thanks for your support:
- those that purchased v1 or v2 will get a 5% discount on v3
- those that purchased v1 and then v2 will get 10% discount on v3

if you have purchased in the past please remind me and I will cross check with my records and when the price is known & released you will get a discount as a thanks.

cheers

Jady

this is my current concept that now the front will be one whole light lens with detailed embossed features and a black background as typically black is the background for neon - the clear light is the the 1st neon tube in which there will be 2 of these with a second up higher equally at the top
Snackbar v3 (r1)-4 (resized).png

this will be the neon look profile that will extend out past the black front
Snackbar v3 (r1)-5 (resized).png

the fitting of this mod is like the previous version, mount the plate but it will have 3 different posts that you drop on and slide 7.5mm to lock into place and then one bolt to fasten the lens and shroud also locks the mod into place so to service etc - loosen one screw and it will slide and lift off - easy.
Snackbar v3 (r1)-6 (resized).png

concerns - the front panel may distort due to the slender cut outs.

thoughts -

here is the next stage with the front now with 2 neon tubes, will start on the next feature for the top and see what you guys think

Snackbar v3 (r1)-7.png

thanks guys, still aiming to put an addition on the roof that will be an underlit lit, 3d interactive "Snackbar" logo like the playfield that will be lit using the red dome feature lit so interactive to flash and come on when the snackbar is open.

That is so cool Art,

I would loved that era and scene, maybe one day we can get to that place at Disney,

Yes they is still one drive in locally which we visit a few times a year but pretty bad snackbar, definitely no inspiration at the local one. They have a funny radio add that promotes that “if you don’t like the movie you can slash the seats”

slight detour but interesting all the same

I was curious of drive-in cinemas in Europe and could only find this which in Aus we call open air cinema's
https://travelaway.me/outdoor-cinemas-europe/

and found this one in Denmark, so they must of had them though would only be in the warmer months I imagine
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMHBGZ_LARGEST_Drive_In_Movie_Theatre_in_Europe_Lynge_Denmark

here is a bit of Australia's history
https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2016/02/09/remembering-australias-drive-ins/

and we only have 16 left in Aus - Heddon Greta is our local and years ago we had another 2 with one being within 5 kms away
http://www.driveinmovie.com/Australia

US has 348 Drive-ins left
https://qz.com/235155/there-are-barely-any-drive-in-movie-theaters-left-unless-you-live-in-south-dakota/

this is still in the concept stage but I have tried to replicate the Snack Bar name like on the playfield and turn it into a 3d part. Because I don't want to create any floating pieces I have changed the "a" and the "B"

this is merely the start of a logo that will be housed and backlit from the back or underneath to glow and this will be connected to the light that flashes under the red dome on certain features and when the Snackbar is open.

I suppose before I go too far along am wondering what people are thinking of the slight change on a few of the letters and direction with this part???

the design housing will be more curved and stylized to flow with the letters and then located on the snackbar top towards the front point so scene

Snackbar v3 (r1)-8 (resized).png

thanks j_m_ , nice mockup

I had considered something like the countersunk bolt but you need the thickness as the plate at that end is only 2mm thick plastic which is not ideal for countersunk's if in the front face

I like the idea of the tab at the back, but the downside of the locking bolt at the back is that if the customer wants to service under the mod (change a globe etc) they have to remove the light board in the centre and then have limited hand room for hand and allen key. V1 had 5 bolts on top, v2 had 2 on top and v3 will have none on top but one on the front face which will be black and blended and makes for easy install and serviceability.

The bolt actually has a second feature which is to lock the top in place once it slides into position but could be doable from the back but would need to be longer and more unscrewing / screwing in a limited space.

That is a fair point but there are brackets near the ramp as well on the right so turning a allen key might be a issue. Where the bolt is now is a dead area that can't be back lit due to hidden features so not to bad and black on black will keep it blended in. I will though consider where the sign gets fastened to the top front could be the locking bolt at the back of the sign giving it good access and not seen - so a win win.

Will continue on the design and look at options, but appreciate the ideas.

But with you other idea of the back locking tab gave me the idea to design midway tabs for the black face midway to strengthen up the thin sections and secure better, so thanks.

didn't feel like working on the logo - still in the think tank but really wanted to do a neon version and a retro classic light globe version:
- neon with simulated pink lighting
- globe with simulated yellow lighting

Snackbar v3 (r1)-10 (resized).png
Snackbar v3 (r1)-9 (resized).png

yes probably will make both available but be sold as neon and people can change it by purchasing the globed version from shapeways when ever it suits them

never had to wrap a logo so took a little experimenting but worked out a concept, so need a vote from people:

1. keep the logo on top like on the playfield and still need to cut down around text and then wrap a black housing around and back light

OR

2. have the Snackbar unlike the playfield on the same face as the neon and maybe a back lit "OPEN" on the top face with a logo so the top is flat.

Snackbar v3 (r1)-11.png

tough crowd ... lol

the image is merely a concept of showing "Snack Bar" in the playfield font and it curved and the rough location similar to the playfield. The colours are not true as not finished yet as will have a black casing and back lit like the neon will be.

laseriffic topper are edge lit as the acrylic is engrave and the engraving lits up, the snackbar piece will molded acrylic so will be cloudy but backlit.

if people are not really into it I can just park the project until a better solution comes up.