I recently acquired an Eight Ball and bought some new top trim for the near perfect backglass. On inserting the glass into the backbox, the trim promptly removed itself from the top of the glass. I failed to adhere the trim, as I had not done that with other machines. However, other machines had translites. WHOOPS?
I didn't realize this for a few days until tonight when I tried to get into the backbox. The trim is lodged above the backglass, and the backglass does not have clearance to properly exit the head. The right side makes it out, but the left side is a mm or three from making it out.
!!!
The trim is smashed up there. It started bent and there wasn't a chance of getting it back on by holding my mouth right. Now the trim is definitely broken, and I'm hoping to find a way to get this backglass out of the box.
This is so stupid.
We are working with a near perfect backglass. Nuzzling the glass upwards with gumption chops away at the trim, but it doesn't seem that the trim can safely be smashed to bits without jeopardizing the backglass itself.
The head can't be removed because I can't get inside the head to unplug anything. This is SO very stupid.
I don't know much about early Bally backboxes. My brother has a Meteor and took pictures of how the wooden trim works at the top of the window on his head. Mine may be made differently? Someone before me put formica on the front and sizes of the backbox trim (looks nice, but who cares right now), so there isn't a way to see where screws might live. It's possible the top wood trim holding the backglass is part of a solid piece of wood? Anyone have advice based on what they know of early SS Ballys?
My brother's example of what might be possible
I don't see a gap, bro. Perhaps it was painted shut when the formica was installed?
Another view
Just got this baby cleaned up, and tonight was supposed to be LED conversion night. NOT ANYMORE. Any ideas? Halp?