Dang it, I need a new project pin so I have an excuse to build one of these up!

Just don't thread it in then but still use it as a push rod. Should work to the same result.

Perhaps the 3/8 bolt was never installed in that hole to begin with?

So that sounds like the back box hole and the cab hole don't line up... while not the "proper" fix, you could just drill the head hole one size larger, perhaps that would allow the bolt to be inserted into the cab hole and then the t nut. The washer should make up for the extra gap in the head hole.

Deformation of the back box hinges perhaps causing the mis-alignment.

That would likely also get the job done.

Good day, question for Vid. Can you take a look at this post and let me know your thoughts.
Should I try and salvage it by cutting stencil for a WHITE layer to "clean up" the runs or just sand and start over?

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/polishing-up-a-silverball-mania/page/2#post-3927310

So strange, I'm experiencing this exact phenomenon on my SBM project , but haven't done as many coats as your process thus I chalked it off to not sanding it yet.

Three of my last restorations...

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Why not, you've killed it!!

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After sanding, all I do is prime with original oil based kilz.

Those should be perfect.