LEDs in a EM machine...blasphemy?

enjoyvelvet

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So, I picked up this 1977 Gottlieb EM "Team One" machine...

I know a full LED conversion would probably be looked at as ridiculous. I was thinking about putting in warm white leds in the backbox to reduce the heat on the glass (I'm going to triple thick it) and I was thinking of color matching the few inserts that are on the machine to brighten them up.

opinions? Anyone speak from experience?

I did the full LED conversion on my Back to the Future machine and I got hooked. Obviously, an EM is totally different but I think it could look ok if done right.
 
I think leds look great if done properly...
I found this machine at a nickel world 40 miles from my house and even in broad daylight the play field really "popped"
I think the LEDS look amazing, there is something to be said about bringing an older, simpler machine back to life with a new brighter look. I just LOVE the contrast of new Vs old.
But everyone is entitled to their opinion and Im sure some people would call this blasphemy as it is not %100 original.
 

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If the LED's save the backglass and the playfield from heat damage, why not?
 
Is the backglass flaking already? If not theres no need to triple thick the backglass if you have it in your home with low humidity. There's a web site that goes into detail about this. Eye of the beholder with LED's, who cares what people think if you like it thats what matters! Post up some pictures of it and your back to the future?
 
I think leds look great if done properly...
I found this machine at a nickel world 40 miles from my house and even in broad daylight the play field really "popped"
I think the LEDS look amazing, there is something to be said about bringing an older, simpler machine back to life with a new brighter look. I just LOVE the contrast of new Vs old.
But everyone is entitled to their opinion and Im sure some people would call this blasphemy as it is not %100 original.

That looks great!
 
Is the backglass flaking already? If not theres no need to triple thick the backglass if you have it in your home with low humidity. There's a web site that goes into detail about this. Eye of the beholder with LED's, who cares what people think if you like it thats what matters! Post up some pictures of it and your back to the future?

nope, backglass is in nice shape with minimal flaking. I have it in my basement and have a dehumidifier running nonstop so I guess I won't worry about the triple thick. I'm going to buy some for the inserts and go from there. Anyone else done a full conversion to LEDs on an EM?
 
I'm sure most flaking was cause by storage in areas where the temperature varied too much, like an old barn or garage or other place with no climate control.

I don't see a problem with LED's in an EM pin. If you like the way it looks, go for it. :)

Wade
 
I say if YOU like it, then do what you like :)

Personally, I am not a fan of LED's in pinball machines. Not sure why, but to me they just don't look 'right'.

Chris
 
I think leds look great if done properly...

If done properly is right. I've seen some machines that just look terrible with LEDs, others look fantastic. I personally love the look of LEDs under the playfield for the inserts. I don't care for LEDs on top of the playfield. The "white" LEDs are to... florescent looking. But, they do look good on space/futuristic games like Black Hole or Xenon. Be careful with the soft white LEDs. I have a friend that used the soft white from cointaker. He bought about 100 of them. Half of them looked okay, but the other half had a green tint to them. Is it just me or has anyone else have that problem?

Eye of the beholder. As far as "Blasphemy" or "100% original", it's just a stinking light bulb and not a permenant hack. It can always be undone.
 
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If done properly is right. I've seen some machines that just look terrible with LEDs, others look fantastic. I personally love the look of LEDs under the playfield for the inserts. I don't care for LEDs on top of the playfield. The "white" LEDs are to... florescent looking. But, they do look good on space/futuristic games like Black Hole or Xenon. Be careful with the soft white LEDs. I have a friend that used the soft white from cointaker. He bought about 100 of them. Half of them looked okay, but the other half had a green tint to them. Is it just me or has anyone else have that problem?

Eye of the beholder. As far as "Blasphemy" or "100% original", it's just a stinking light bulb and not a permenant hack. It can always be undone.

By soft white do you mean warm white? I've never had an issue with cointaker LEDs.
 
I put two color changing LEDs in my EM to show P1 and P2 better, along with some colored incadescents to match the PF paint around the insert the to change it up a bit. Most of the inserts where boring white!
 
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By soft white do you mean warm white? I've never had an issue with cointaker LEDs.

Sorry for the mistake. Yes warm white. In a side by side comparison of about 20 bulbs, quite a few had a greenish tint to them. Maybe it's my eyes.:eek:
 
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