After finishing the major maintenance issues on Fathom (still working on the knocker, the tilt, and need to replace two light canisters), I decided to take care of some of the more cosmetic features of the machine.  The overwhelming majority of pinball machines, even those produced today, are lit with your average incandescent bulb.  However, with the more recent production of LED lighting, there are many in the hobby that like to "bling" out their toys with LEDs.  LEDs provide a much brighter, longer-lasting, more energy efficient, and in some cases, cooler (temperature wise) alternative to incandescents.   

Though my Dracula has LEDs in it, I was a bit weary of putting LEDs in my more classic Fathom machine.  I think it's hard not think about the integrity of the machine with older pins and some collectors even feel that LEDs in older machines are off-putting.  I'm not one of those guys.  I like a machine to look nice and bright and if I can run it cooler and more energy-efficeint, then by all means count me in.  Besides, it looks cool as hell.  I should also add that LEDs are great for older machines with backglass because not only does it make them brighter, but the lower temperatures of the bulbs keep the paint from flaking.

I received an order of lights last night for my machine and a Data East Batman I am working on for a co-worker (pics of that to maybe come later***UPDATE: see pics below) and decided to go ahead and begin putting them in.  Luckily, older games like Fathom have no ramps or crazy plastics to remove to get to the lights; however, the old 555 size sockets are super tight and my hands are extremely cut up and sore this morning from merely changing bulbs.....

Anyway here are some pics:







Also, I am restoring my 1988 Williams Taxi machine at this time as well.  My good friend decided that he would help me out and actually offered to repaint and clearcoat my playfield, put on new decals, and sand down current and replace some inserts.  This is really tough and tedious work, but I think it turned out really well (still waiting for some warm days to clearcoat).  I am forever indebted to my friend for such great work and super pleased with how it came out.  Here are some before and after pics:




Here are some follow-up pics of the Batman machine that I put LEDs in last night.  Turned out pretty good.

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