Hi all!
After 10 years of wishing, I finally took the plunge and purchased my first machine, a 1981 Eight Ball Deluxe. The machine is 98% functional and has had a partial mechanical restoration about 10 years ago along with a new stencil job which looks good at 3 feet. Overall the machine would grade a 7.5/10. The playfield is the main area that could use some attention. I wanted to reach out to you all to get a read on what you would recommend for a playfield restoration. Do you recommend purchasing an aftermarket playfield (if so from whom) or do you recommend using a playfield restoration service (if so from whom)?

I suspect my playfield is original just by looking at the condition of the machine relative to the playfield.

My goals would be as follows:
1) Not do something that would negatively impact the value of the machine
2) Restore the playfield in a way that makes the artwork 'pop.' Installing a new playfield clearly would do this if 1) is not an issue.
3) Ensure the play is true. My current playfield has issues in areas where the ball wont roll true due to mylar, damage, etc.
4) Not change the appearance...I want to stay true to the 1981 original look.

Thanks for your input!
Brian

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OK, so I found a NOS 1981 EBD playfield which I did end up purchasing. I will likely hang onto this until I have the machine working 100% then look to swap the playfield out for that extra wow factor.

For a game with limited household use, is it recommended to apply protective film on the playfield, or leave it natural? My only analogy is car films, which I liked for years but later learned they can sometimes do as much damage as they are trying to protect.

If a film is suggested, is there a specific product that works well without damaging the original play surface underneath?

If no film is suggested, any experience on how much gameplay is required to start to see some wear?

Thanks!
Brian