WOW. What a great thread. I really like this restore and the past bad cats one too. I think you are a bit too hard on yourself or maybe too humble. Because, you're doing great work... Yes, maybe not the best restoration ever. But, this is by far leaps and bounds better than the original condition. And I think you've inspired me to try more on my own pins. Because, heck... So long as I'm careful and not stupid, I should be able to make it better and not worse. So really cool. Really, really cool stuff. And I liked how you fixed the drop target.

I am rubbish with mechanical and anything woodworking. I do have a background in computer repair as my 9-5 job is a computer tech. I also own my own comic business where I write/produce and create my own independent comics.
The reasons why I bring that up, is because I am terrified of working on my own pins. And when I read threads like yours. It gives me hope.
As I think sometimes we want our pins to stay perfect and pristine... But, the only way that can happen is, if they stay covered with a sheet out of the light and never played.
And so I need to remind myself. If something isn't working or if it is broken or battered or weathered. Not to be so afraid and timid of attempting a repair. Because as long as I keep my wits about me, I can't really make it worse. Even if it doesn't wind up being a 100% restore. If it looks better. Than that is a win.

And your restorations remind me of an old story I once read. About a person who couldn't figure out what to paint. And he sat their pondering hours on end what to paint. Until someone took his brush and just splattered lots of colors and paint on the canvas. Then he realized. Now it doesn't matter what I paint. Anything I do will be better than this mess. The message is just get started and don't worry so much. Or as I say break the white.

And I think that holds true to pinball repair. Really like what you did with this pin. You brought it back to life. And who cares if it isn't perfect. It looks nice now. And it is a somewhat classic layout. And a drop target lovers dream.
I hope to be able to do what you do one day. As I hope to restore pins with my brother and one of my friends.
And I think you are a good role model for what a pinhead should be. So keep up the good work. And hopefully when you're done with this restore. You can have another one that you and your daughters can work on...
And I hope you will never run out of space for restoring pinballs. As I think these pins could be a great thing to pass down to your children.

Congrats... Sounds like you're done with it. You brought a machine back from the dead, and you did so on a budget, and it still looks fabulous.
Really like the wood trim on the apron. Its a bit gawdy and tacky in the late 70s and early 80s vibe, and that is a good thing as I loved the atari wood grain consoles, and it totally fits the theme.
Right now I'm carefully looking out for a nice project pin for me and my brother, due to your inspiration.