I just picked up a 1979 Williams Flash in pretty solid shape.

This is my first pin and i posted that i wanted a project, well it turns out this is a project but i need to ask a couple questions from you veterans.

All the diodes on the coils are cut.

What purpose does the diode have on the coil in this game? Could they function without?

All the diodes on all the coils are cut on the left side in a meticulous fashion. Any ideas as to why someone might do this?

Flippers appear to function after re soldering the diode and loading a credit, curiously the upper flipper also works, tho i have not reconnected the diode back onto coil below it on the playfield.

Located in Portland Oregon for anyone who cares to see it in person.