eek, that is kind of worrisome. Hopefully it doesn't get any worse. Keep up updated on how bad it gets.

Was comparing F14 hardtop to original and was bummed out by the lazy work on the lettering.

The fonts don’t match original well, letters are not positioned correctly (arrow inserts too low), and different font weights are used (see 32k vs 16k).

All that work, why not vector trace original 0-9 and use that to match?

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That is super disappointing. It looks like someone forgot to BOLD the 32K and the 64K was shrinked down a size or two. Even the C touching the bottom black line of the arrow is wrong.

The question is why are the arrow outlines so damn thick? That's whats screwed up the appearance. (besides using a generic font)

So what does one do if you have a hard top that has been sitting longer than 18 months? I have one for my Flash Gordon but never got around to installing it. Now I'm kicking myself...

Wondering about future release, i asked on the thread about Mr and Mrs Pacman and also sent an email asking about it,
the original interest seeking post was 1 year ago,

any development on that ?

Easy to criticize, harder to create.
If that is your biggest problem, you are lucky.

Sorry no, it’s just as easy for me to create vectors for the letters as it is to criticize. “Lucky” would be buying these for $200 instead of $400 since they aren’t a good match. These guys can do better.

Your example looks exactly the picture Outside Edge shows on their site. I would agree that it's a bit disappointing but the info was available when you ordered.

I get that everyone is excited when a title they've been waiting for becomes available but you still need to do your homework.

They will never get better if things like this aren't pointed out.

I agree, and the key lines around the inserts are super thick!

If it's any help, I am 99.9% sure the font used in F-14 Tomcat is Eurostile Bold

Anyone put their F-14 on yet? Do the mistakes bother you? Thinking of selling my hardtop for this one.

Any tips for upcoming tittles?

Finally "done" with hardtop #2. Plenty of things I still plan on eventually doing but for now we're finally up and running. If it can finally warm up outside I can start on the two mata haris I'm doing next.

That f14 looks awesome. I think that's going to be a GREAT hardtop game.

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Looks great. Just sucks that i asked the question back in the spring if there was any progress on F14 and was told there is no plans in the near future to do anything with that title. So i sold mine. 5 months later boom there it is.

I just received my Xenon hardtop and can't wait to have it installed. It looks great.

They generally only do one hint after a new release. 8 ball coming soon.
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Product line is expanding in 2022.....

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I think what bothers me more is the weird rounded “Flight Insurance” lettering on the insert. My original has both words horizontal and I don't like the rounded look at all. The only time I've seen that rounded labeling for this insert is in some of the sticker packs that exist for people to use when pulling the original mylar off. It makes it look like Outside Edge used the sticker pack as the basis for their lettering. It's nice that these hard tops exist and I'm really hoping that they'll make a future run that corrects these problems before I'm willing to give them my money.

That’s cool. So are they fixing it?

Looks very nice!!! So how are you going to shim the center eject? I’m thinking about just cutting a couple old business cards down and get some longer screws?

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Stuck a Frontier Hardtop on this weekend. Thanks Outside Edge!

Before:

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After:

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Two questions:

1. Shouldn't I be using a block sander instead of a variable sander?

2. Early SS playfields - were they using lead based paint? If so, advice on sanding as to not create a hazard?

Tons of folks (including myself) have used orbital sanders to strip a playfield to bare wood in preparation for a hardtop. No issues a long as you continuously apply even pressure and avoid creating dips.

Definitely true for early SS cabinets, probably true (seems logical) for the same playfields. Use a good rated mask (and protective eyewear) when sanding and attach a shop vac to your orbital sander and you'll be fine. Best to do it outdoors if you can so that any loose, escaped lead laden particles don't perch on your cars, boxes, and whatever other surfaces you have in your garage or workshop.

Don't forget - removing artwork from the playfield is an OPTIONIAL prep prior to putting down the hardtop. I've done it a couple of times just because of my anal retentive nature, but all you have to do is sand off the artwork from your inserts and buff out/shine-up those inserts before you lay down the hardtop (wet sand and/or dry sand + some clear, rattle can ok). One of the reasons I sanded the complete playfield artwork off is that particular playfield surface had some really rough spots (gouges / divots) and I used wood filler to ensure there were no cavities between the playfield surface and the underside of the hardtop.

I encountered an Eight Ball for sale near me that had a trashed playfield. I was kind of surprised that HT is not available. EB seems a natural candidate because so many were made and so many have worn playfields. The playfield itself does not appear to have licensing issues as the backglass would. Seems that game would be a good candidate for a future release.

I say the same for Supersonic.

And Space Station

See post #2269 above.

And Elektra.

And Stargate.

And Black Knight 2000, pretty please with whipped cream and a cherry!

Hard to tell...is the nine ball solid yellow or white with a yellow stripe?
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Looks solid yellow/orange

How about Vector?
Plenty of worn out vector play fields.

According to Outside Edge, the error has been corrected.

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For anyone who's curious. I just received my F-14 Tomcat hardtop and the font issue and the Flight Insurance light have been corrected. This thing looks perfect in every way!

That's awesome! Now I hope they have time to work on Elektra upper and basement hardtops. They are small so hopefully won't take as much time as a fully hardtop. They are desperately needed to save a lot of games. I'd be up for two sets.

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Looks like a match

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On the F-14 hard top are the arrow inserts clear on the hard top or are they tinted red and blue? My inserts are badly faded.

It’s time….. time for Elektra fans to rejoice!!!

OMG! If this is for real that is awesome! I'll do what I can to help. My Elektra has been waiting to be refreshed for years.

I'd imagine they'd be clear. AFAIK inserts are always clear so the underlying (actual) insert shows through..just with plastic over it.

I have a set of new inserts I could sell you.

You can find a picture of the F14 hardtop in the topic gallery here : https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/players-f-14-tomcat-refresh

So Electra is a unique bird indeed, the main playfield is essentially already hard topped. A lot of owners may only be interested in the upper and lower playfields. It may be in outside edges best interest to do extra runs of the upper and lowers and allow owners to cherry pick to suit their own needs. Any chance?

PM Sent!

I’m guessing it’s going to be the upper and lower only. No way to do the main really unless they make it the thickness of the original with the print on it but I can’t see that happening.