I will be documenting the resto of my Diner machine here. It's a reimport, dirty as hell, and loose as a goose. But a good candidate for complete resto. I'm not sure yet if keeping or selling this machine when finished, but contact me if interested.
Starting point - I got this machine a couple years ago, kinda did a topside shop with new plastics, ramps, etc, so I could keep it in the lineup, as most everyone likes this game.
IMG_20190704_114732499 (resized).jpgIMG_20190704_114745840 (resized).jpg

Got my new CPR playfield a few weeks ago, so that got me motivated.

IMG_20190704_114902347 (resized).jpg

Staring with the backbox. Emptied and sanded with 80 grit (orbital sander w/vac) to remove loose paint and raised grain.
Recessed a few screws at weak corners.
Almost ready for Bondo.

1562261912021459384176 (resized).jpg

While waiting for Bondo to cure, put the backbox harnesses into ultrasonic cleaner, rinsed, hung, and connectors dried with air compressor.

1562280814863135723487 (resized).jpg

Cabinet decals from Planetary are here.
I may take these to local vinyl sign shop and have laminated with a glossy clear. Not sure yet

15622841357642126949183 (resized).jpg

Backbox smoothed and primed.
Ready for some paint.

1562365108257906442337 (resized).jpg

I like this primer as it acts as filler as well.

1562365219917749714951 (resized).jpg

2 cans. Sand with 400 grit between and after each one.

Box painted. Will let cure for couple days.

IMG_20190706_141938540 (resized).jpg

I really like PPG Breakthrough paint, satin black.
Super durable, water based, and I can spray it with an HVLP gun, with about 10% thinning with water.

IMG_20190706_104013580 (resized).jpg

Lamp panel painted semi gloss white. Normally I just leave the old incandescent bulbs in place while painting, then replace with leds. Since I already had leds in here, I cut small pieces of foam to protect the contacts in the lamp bases.

15624382174971065819275 (resized).jpg

Thank you.
I happen to have a Taxi coming up next that will get the same treatment as this Diner.

Here's a quick run through of dry setting decals.
Cut to edge of print (they are oversized), lay on backbox and center. Once centered, cut notch for painters tape. Recheck msmnts for center.
One piece of tape at top, one halfway up one side.

IMG_20190708_182143591_HDR (resized).jpg

Peel backing off to the tape at side.

IMG_20190708_182226000 (resized).jpg

Remove backing exposed (exacto)

IMG_20190708_182311203_HDR (resized).jpg

Lay that half down with squeegee.
I put soft latex tape on squeegee to avoid scratching.

IMG_20190708_182424757 (resized).jpg

Peel backing off of top half, and do it again.
If u keep a tight roll at the surface like this, u will have zero bubbles. Takes a little practice, but doable. Just walk it along with squeegee, keeping tight roll.

IMG_20190708_182523271 (resized).jpg

Cut edge with straight edge and exacto (about 1/8" in from edge) and grab a beer.
Now, all your prep work will be evident. Decals hide nothing.

IMG_20190708_184213248_HDR (resized).jpg

You don't want edge of decal exposed to handling at very edge. Yes, decal really sticky, once the glue cures, takes heat to remove.
Exacto cut edge is right at decal edge, so invisible. When using a new blade, very little pressure required.

Not sure what you are seeing, maybe a drilled hole for angled corner brace bolts?
Recessed screws filled and sanded earlier.

Not a bolt. That is a hole filled with Bondo and redrilled. Cannot have the old caved in holes from previous carriage bolts. Would wrinkle the new decal.

Thx.
Going to replace the MDF bottom in the cabinet. No chance this is gonna clean up as good as I want it.

15626850637891556786038 (resized).jpg

Playfield on the rotisserie, ready for disassembly.

1562685144408475339320 (resized).jpg

Lamp panel cleaned and painted, boards cleaned and put temporarily back in place (waiting on caps, etc.)

IMG_20190710_131034491 (resized).jpg

Cabinet empty, going to cut the bottom off this thing.

IMG_20190710_131101074 (resized).jpg

I cut it right at the top of the bottom panel, usually 3/4" up from bottom of cabinet edge.
That way, my new MDF panel will sit exactly how the old one did.

IMG_20190710_132044857 (resized).jpg

This is a great time to fill, sand, and paint cabinet interior.
Then when I install new bottom, it will look sweet.

IMG_20190710_164735369_HDR (resized).jpg

3 coats of satin black later..
I set this on a scrap piece of MDF to show how nice this painted edge is going to look.

156279843966172915629 (resized).jpg