What would qualify it as a restoration? So far I've replaced two boards to bring it from not working to fully working, fixed some funky wiring, replaced all the bulbs, rebuilt the flippers, added new rubbers, cleaned (most) of the playfield, new shooter rod, new flipper EOS switch, replaced the plug end, etc. I'll be doing some touch-up painting and mylar in the near future to finish things off.

Restorations, I suppose, entail deeper fixes, such as replacing/refinishing cabinet panels, replacing/repainting and clear coating playfields and/or backglasses, tumbling rusted hardware, etc. Things like that?

Thanks. This has been a real joy to work on - I'm glad it came my way. Never even knew I wanted a Diner! It's definitely better than I expected and the theme reminds me of home, so it's extra cool. Hehehe.

Oh - so the hum is normal? I thought maybe there was a missing ground screw on one of the board or something (I'd better look back over it..). I'd like to eliminate it if possible.

When are you planning on restoring your Diner? Would love to follow that thread. Please let me know!

Had a little time this morning during the rain to rebuild the right flipper... It's playing so much better now! This time, it took me FAR less time to get it done, and done right. Just gotta' make it over that initial hump!

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I want to thank everyone who's been helping me get this machine to where it's at now (especially @DumbAss). I couldn't have done it without your invaluable input and advisement. Pinball is actually a sacred thing to me, and I know many or most people who frequent this website probably feel the same way. Playing the machines is a blast, but so is fixing them. I'm as happy as a lark right now. Also, thanks to all following my humble little thread. Thanks for sharing in my journey.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is deeply appreciated.

So glad you've been enjoying it! I'll be posting more soon - I had to jump over to a different game for awhile. More supplies en route - a paint set for doing the minor touch-up painting on the playfield. I'll finish taking things apart, then slap it back together. Once that's done I have a weak flipper issue to resolve and also a switch issue. Once those are done, I think this machine's going to be in top shape! Thanks for following the thread.

Looking forward to your restoration. I'm guessing you've not yet started on it?

Added some illuminated flipper buttons to Diner, because why not? No actually, when I got this machine both buttons were mangled and gummed up, so I tossed in my leftovers from MS Frankenstein. Those worked okay for awhile, until they started feeling trashy too, so now I've got nice new buttons. What a difference!

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The left flipper, after a partial rebuild, is still acting up. I checked it, and checked it, again and again and again and came to the conclusion that it's an electrical issue, not mechanical. I suspect this old grody EOS switch is not making good contact and will be replacing it just for good measure. If it's not that, then I'll go to plans B and C: replace the cap and other switch, or replace the coil.

Here we go.