Diner is tougher to find. I also find it keeping longer lasting interest. When I have guests over, Diner is always popular.

Plus with CPR doing new playfields for Diner, games on the market will go up a bit in cost/desireability....having owned both, Id go for Diner.

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Sure but it easier to come by. So a sys11 collector is most likely to try and add Diner to his line up.

That was my line of thought.

i think Diner would have better lastability; great game. Pinbot is a one trick pony.

I have a Diner and Taxi in the same location on route (8-9 total games) and Diner does better by ~50% on a pretty regular basis.

Two flashers in the upper left corner of the playfield aren’t lighting. They don’t work during the diagnostic testing. All the other flashers work.

I have replaced the bulbs so it’s not that.

Any suggestions of what to try next?

Did you verify the connector? Do you have power at the connector?

I have the same problem, mine come and go intermittently. Almost certainly a bad IDC connection (if i remember correctly there are a couple of those in back of the playfield?) but I haven't bothered to sleuth it out yet.

I haven’t had time to look yet either. If you get to it first, please let me know what you find.

Does anyone know where to get the patron insert replacements?

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An internet search normally finds everyone who carries them. https://www.bing.com/search?q=diner+pinball+decal&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IENAE2

I bought mine at Ministry of Pinball in the Netherlands. I got the whole set of insert decals when I pulled off the mylar and redid the playfield. With some Novus I got the playfield looking really nice and shiny, replaced the damaged inserts then put down a proti.

The decals were quite usable, but I cannot say I’m completely satisfied. The faces of the diners are darker than on the original. I suppose they could have faded over time, but they looked like yours. The new ones are fine when you’re playing and the insert lights are on. It’s one big piece with all 5 diners - it fit pretty well.

What didn’t work so well was the decal over the DINER letters. It didn’t cover the inserts entirely so I had to start getting creative. I discovered that the red on a Time Magazine cover matched the red on Diner almost exactly. Also I kind of wish the yellow around the letters was less translucent.

The worst was the decal for the grill area - I wound up not using it at all and making my own.

To be fair, I don't own one yet, but hoping to soon. And upon reading through the pinside forums, it seems to be a common theme with this specific area.

Or you can just live with it. Most only had wear around the edges of the diner inserts. Sometimes you cannot even tell if there is Mylar over the area. You may be more concerned over the insert being above or below the playfield surface since that would affect the ball's path.

All games do not have to look like museum pieces to play well. When you start having larger collections, some cosmetic flaws can be overlooked.

CPR is working on reproductions of the playfield if that changes your mind on decals.

Is there any ETA on the playfields?

https://classicplayfields.com/preorders/

Does not state but you can always inquire.

If anyone needs, I have a new set (characters and D I N E R inserts) that I will sell you for cheap.

There's really no great way to fix the work graphics around the patron and DINER letter inserts, as the art was screen printed over the whole playfield. Even if you can find inserts with the graphics on them, it isn't likely to match the color, and there will be a line around the insert which isn't supposed to be there. It's a problem with any game that has art which crosses over the inserts from the background.

I'm on the wait list for a CPR, but am somewhat ambivalent about it...my playfield is in decent shape, but it bothers me that the repair I'd like to do is basically impossible to perform to my own satisfaction. That said, I agree with @PinballManiac40, you really can just live with some degree of insert wear. Either clear over it or get a playfield protector. The game is fast and fun and should be enjoyed!

Looks like I’ll be an owner of a Diner soon. I’m sure I’ll have questions as I dive into this as a first time owner.

Side art graphics need to be replaced

Would this be the best place to get them from?

http://www.planetarypinball.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PPA-DINER-CABSETNG

Also, I believe the cabinet should be sanded and painted black semi-gloss before the Art is applied. Any particular brand?

Thanks

Anyone know if there is a specific name for the Lane change instruction artwork or if it's available for sale anywhere?

Thanks.

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Check out some of the ones at pinbal rebel. I think it's pinballrebel.com but not 100% sure

Actully a really cool freeplay one for Diner here:
http://www.pinballrebel.com/game/pins/card/cardd.htm

I should clarify, I was not referring to the instruction cards.

Looking for the checkered artwork that says “Lane change. Hold flipped button for status report” which also has the fork and spoon

You are referring to the apron artwork. I don't recall seeing any decals available so far.

Just got a Diner.

Outside artwork needs some TLC.

As a first time pinball owner, I’m seeking some advice.

Wondering just to leave it alone, attempt to touch it up, or just get new side art.

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Most of the plastics are cracked and/or worn

I see several different companies selling plastics for the playfield.

Is there one company recommended over another?

Thanks

Unless somebody knows something I don't, the plastics are made by one company and just resold by a bunch of vendors. I'd shop by price.

As for cabinet art, it comes down to how much you really care about the appearance of the cabinet and whether you are looking to have an attractive trade game (or get a high resale price). Some people really care about cabinet art condition, others care less. Re-doing Diner's cab artwork pretty much means applying full decals to the game, which is *no small project*. You have to break down the game, sand the cabinet, prime and paint it, and then apply the decals. It'll look sharp when it's done, and I can't imagine a touchup job looking nearly as good as fresh decals, but it's a big deal. for now, if this is your first pin, put your energy into getting it playing 110% and enjoy it. You can fuss over its appearance down the line when you have other games to play while you tackle projects.

I’m going to focus on replacing the plastics and cleaning the playfield

For the cabinet, if I go that route, I agree that decals are the way to go. Can the primer and paint be applied with a roller (foam?) or must it be applied by an air sprayer?

Playfield is worn in some spots. Does CPR do good work with their replacement playfields?

I've bought several playfields from CPR....they do great work.

I'm on the pre-order for a Diner playfield.

I second that comment. Good plastics and glasses as well.

The last indication from CPR is the CNC is done. They noted - "We have created a custom made insert in the D-I-N-E-R area in the middle of the PF that should make the actual letters stand out much better than the ill fitting original inserts." I'm really curious to see what they did here, probably a lot that you could do with the CNC.

Man I love digging into this thing as a first time owner....

I made a quick pass with some Turtle wax chrome polish on the playfield and it’s cleaning up well.

Hopefully this weekend I can remove the plastics and give them and the playfield a good cleaning.

I seem to recall a thread where people used 4 blue LED’s for the lampposts on the backglass. Anyone know the color or part number?

I have 3 of these plastic domes that have the sides snapped off. Can anyone direct me to replacements?

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Where in the overall process would this tell us? More than 50% done?

I bought some of these from marco

Do you know what these pieces are called?

Thanks

I made an account and added my games to search easier. You can search Diner and click on the pinball machine and only Diner parts come up. Here is the part I think you need. You can get the dome seperate. Take yours apart to confirm.
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/03-8172-13

Also click on the related items tab and the dome should appear there.

Perfect. That’s it

Now onto the LED’s. The game has about 90% of the lights replaced, so I don’t feel an LED kit is necessary

Behind the backglass needs (6) LED’s all in the lower row.

Any idea on colors or voltage?

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The right side of the rear backglass is missing (1) lamp holder on the top row. The others in this row hold a yellow comet 13 VAC LED

The remaining ones are marked ED-3. Trying to find a replacement. Are these common pieces or exclusive to Williams?
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Any idea for colors on the following lamps?

#13 - Release
#14 - Rush 1
#15 - Rush 2
#47 - Cup Scores 10x Diner Letter

Any of the controlled lamps, make sure you get non ghosting. It is up to you if you put colors to match inserts or just buy bulk white. I use Comet brand. They have charts to pick your white brightness.

Is there a specific name for this piece?

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Its a star post. Marco has those too. Those black bases pull out to expose the bulb.

Also your missing base is the larger flasher bulb holder. I could not find those when I wanted one.

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https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/03-8319-13

just replace all of them. new star posts really shine up a game.

Yeah, was going to do that anyways.

I take it there were incandescent bulbs installed in these straight from the factory?

Looks like a replacement is here:

https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/24-8803
Part number: 24-8803

pretty sure everything older than 2010-2015 was incandescent.

I was working on the game earlier tonight for a good hour. I was removing some LED’s

Went to dinner. A few hours later, I turned it back on and now there is a slight hum/buzz coming from the speakers. I do not see any loose wires in the backbox or screws missing from the soundboard (no noise earlier on)

Would removal of any LED’s cause this hum?